Business leaders and guests from across the region came together on Friday evening (15 May) for the Highland Business Dinner 2026, celebrating another landmark year for the Highland economy while raising vital funds for charity.
The annual Dinner, a flagship event from Inverness Chamber of Commerce, welcomed keynote speaker Phil Spencer MBE, alongside guest speaker Charandeep Singh, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce.
The evening, hosted by Nicky Marr and held at the Drumossie Hotel, highlighted the scale of the opportunity across the Highlands, with Inverness Chamber President Marc Wilson reflecting on a year of growth, investment and achievement for Chamber members and the wider regional economy.
In his address, Marc highlighted success stories from across sectors including energy, tourism, construction, exports, social enterprise and aquaculture, praising the resilience and innovation being demonstrated by businesses throughout the Highlands.
Marc said, “What stood out over the past year was not just the scale of investment and opportunity across the Highlands, but the ambition and confidence shown by businesses right across our region. From major infrastructure and energy projects to internationally recognised exports, community-focused social enterprises and businesses embracing innovation, there is real momentum across the Highland economy. As a Chamber, we are proud to sit at the heart of Highland business, champion that success, and continue creating opportunities for businesses to connect, collaborate and grow.”
Guest speaker Charandeep Singh used his first visit to the Highland Business Dinner since becoming Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce to underline the importance of collaboration between Scotland’s business communities and the role Chambers play in supporting economic growth, international trade and business representation at Holyrood.
A key focus of the evening was also supporting this year’s charity partner, Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH). A charity prize draw closed the night, raising £5,685 thanks to the generosity of guests and prize donors including Corbies Rest, Highland BlindCraft Beds, Tomatin Distillery, Caledonia Dallas, ICM Electrical, Lochside Lodge Pod, Nairn Golf Club, Kingsmills Hotel Group and Nevis Range.
Romy Rehfeld, RASASH CEO said, “On behalf of everyone at RASASH, thank you for your generosity and support at the Highland Business Dinner. We were truly encouraged by the support in the room, and delighted that an incredible £5,685 was raised through the prize draw. This funding will directly support vital prevention work and services across Highland, helping to make our communities safer places to live, work and thrive. Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and to the generous prize donors.
“Supporting RASASH is not only about addressing a difficult issue; it is about contributing to a healthier, more resilient Highland. When people feel safe and supported, they are better able to participate in work, community life and the local economy. Your involvement can have a direct and lasting impact. If you would be interested in supporting our work further, please visit our website here. I would be delighted to explore how we might work together in a way that aligns with your organisation’s values and priorities.”
Inverness Chamber Chief Executive Colin Marr said, “The Highland Business Dinner is always a fantastic opportunity to bring the business community together to celebrate success and strengthen relationships. There was a real sense of optimism as guests reflected on the opportunities for our region.
“We were also proud to support RASASH through this year’s Dinner. The work they do across the Highlands is incredibly important, and the generosity shown by businesses through prize donations and fundraising on the night was outstanding.”
The evening concluded with an entertaining and thought-provoking keynote address from Phil Spencer MBE, best known as the co-presenter of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location. Blending humour, behind-the-scenes stories from more than two decades in television and reflections on his media career, Phil also shared insight into the changing dynamics of the UK housing market and the growing pressures being felt across both urban and rural communities.
Drawing links to the Highlands, Phil reflected on the challenges of balancing population growth, housing supply and economic development, highlighting the importance of ensuring housing delivery keeps pace with job creation and regional ambition. He also spoke about the reshaping of the property market, changing mortgage and rental dynamics, and the wider societal impacts of housing shortages, stressing that housing should be viewed not only as a social issue, but as a key economic priority requiring long-term collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The audience also enjoyed lighter moments from Phil’s television career, including humorous behind-the-scenes insights from filming Location, Location, Location and stories from his long-standing on-screen partnership with Kirstie Allsopp.
Colin Marr added, “Phil Spencer’s keynote struck exactly the right balance for the evening — insightful, engaging and hugely entertaining. His reflections on housing, economic growth and the pressures facing communities across the UK strongly resonated with many of the conversations already taking place here in the Highlands, while his behind-the-scenes stories from television had the whole room laughing.”
The Chamber also thanked its sponsors and partners for their support in delivering the event, including Principal Sponsors Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Nevis Range, Speaker Sponsor Brodies LLP, as well as event partners from across the Highland business community.
Thanks go to The Drumossie Hotel, Redelk Design and Marketing, A4 Design & Print, Simpsons Florists, KBE Event Services, Story + Stage and DP Digital Media and official photographer Ewen Weatherspoon.
Please enjoy our official photo gallery…
