Highland Business Week is back this September with a fresh new look, an exciting programme of events and even more opportunities for businesses across the region to connect, collaborate and celebrate success.
Delivered by Inverness Chamber of Commerce, Highland Business Week 2026 will take place from Monday 21 to Friday 25 September, bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs, educators, community organisations and industry leaders from across the Highlands for a week dedicated to showcasing the very best of the Highland business community.
This year marks an exciting new chapter as Highland Business Week launches under the Chamber’s refreshed identity. The rebrand extends across the Chamber’s flagship events portfolio, including Highland Spotlight, the Highland Business Awards and the Highland Business Dinner, creating a modern and cohesive look that reflects the scale, profile and ambition of these events as key platforms for business connection, celebration and influence across the region.
Whether you are a start-up founder, growing SME, multinational organisation or global exporter, Highland Business Week offers the chance to raise your profile, share expertise, make valuable connections and champion what makes the Highlands such a dynamic place to do business.
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber, said, “Highland Business Week is one of the highlights of the year for our business community and the new branding reflects how the event has evolved and grown in both profile and impact. The Highlands is home to ambitious, innovative and resilient businesses and this week gives us the opportunity to celebrate their achievements.
“From Highland Spotlight to the Highland Business Awards, we’re looking forward to welcoming businesses from across the region.”
Highland Spotlight returns
One of the centrepieces of the week, Highland Spotlight, returns to the Drumossie Hotel on Tuesday 22 September.
As the region’s largest business exhibition, Highland Spotlight brings together organisations from a wide range of sectors, creating a vibrant environment for networking, collaboration and new business opportunities. Last year’s event welcomed more than 60 exhibitors and hundreds of attendees from across the Highlands and beyond.
Returning once again is the popular Rising Stars zone, delivered in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highland, which shines a spotlight on young businesses and emerging entrepreneurs.
Paula Nicol, Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Events, said, “There is nothing else quite like Highland Spotlight in the Highlands. It’s an opportunity for businesses to come together, build relationships, showcase what they do and spark conversations that often lead to future collaborations and opportunities.
“The refreshed branding will give the event a new energy and identity that better reflects the scale and ambition of what Highland Spotlight has become. We’re proud to see businesses of all sizes coming together under one roof and creating connections that continue long after the exhibition ends.
“Rising Stars continues to be a real highlight. It’s fantastic to see young entrepreneurs and emerging businesses gaining confidence, visibility and support alongside more established organisations, and we’re excited to continue growing this part of the exhibition.”
Celebrating business success
Highland Business Week culminates with the Highland Business Awards at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness on Friday 25 September.
Supported by Principal Sponsor The Highland Council, the awards celebrate the innovation, resilience and achievements of organisations and individuals across the Highland business community, recognising success across a wide range of sectors and disciplines.
This year introduces two new categories designed to reflect the evolving strengths of the Highland economy and workforce.
The Highland Business Award for International Success recognises businesses achieving commercial success beyond the UK through exporting, international partnerships, digital trade or expansion into new markets. Replacing the previous Global Growth category, the award reflects the many ways Highland businesses are building international reach and reputation.
Also new for 2026 is the Highland Business Award for Apprentice of the Year, recognising apprentices who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their professional development while making a meaningful contribution to their organisation through initiative, growth and a positive attitude.
Paula added, “The Highland Business Awards continue to evolve alongside the business community they represent. The new categories recognise the increasing international success of Highland businesses, while also celebrating the importance of developing talent and investing in the workforce of the future.
“What’s always so inspiring about the awards is the breadth of stories that come forward each year. From long-established businesses to exciting new ventures, community organisations and young professionals, the awards showcase the incredible diversity of talent and innovation that exists across the Highlands.
“There are so many ways to get involved – whether that’s entering, nominating someone else or attending the event. The awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate success and demonstrate support for the continued growth of the Highland economy.”
“Nominations for the Highland Business Awards 2026 are now open and close at 5pm on Friday 7 August.
Businesses and organisations can nominate themselves, while individuals may also nominate another business, colleague or organisation for consideration.
Get involved
There are plenty of ways to be part of Highland Business Week 2026. Visit the links below to find out more and secure your place at one of the Highlands’ biggest celebrations of business.