Highland Business Week 2026
Highland Business Week 2026 takes place from 21–25 September, bringing the region’s business community together for five days of inspiration, networking and celebration. Delivered by Inverness Chamber of Commerce, this flagship week features two cornerstone events – the Highland Spotlight exhibition and the Highland Business Awards. Alongside these, a diverse programme of seminars, workshops and socials is delivered by our members, for our members, showcasing the expertise, innovation and ambition that drive Highland businesses. It’s the perfect opportunity to make connections, share ideas and celebrate success.
Events Programme
Events will be added here as they are confirmed – keep checking back for the latest updates!
Monday 21 September
People and payroll taxes
Join Azets to explore upcoming employment tax changes, HMRC compliance priorities and practical opportunities to manage costs, helping your business prepare for changing obligations and reduce risk.
Where: Glenmoriston Townhouse Hotel, Inverness
When: 12:30 – 14:00
Summary:
If you have employees, this session is for you! The tax landscape is changing dramatically for employers and business owners. Join Azets for an important and engaging session on the tax changes that are coming soon, the opportunities to reduce costs and the steps you need to take now to avoid increasing HMRC scrutiny and pitfalls. The session will cover: the end of P11Ds – are you ready?; HMRC’s current areas of focus and issues identified during employer compliance reviews – it’s time to get ready!; practical opportunities to manage and reduce employment tax costs; and changes employers should be preparing for over the next 12 months. Whether you’re a business owner, director or you work in tax, payroll, HR or finance, this session will provide practical insights to help you identify opportunities, manage risk and face your changing employment tax obligations with confidence.
At home in the Highlands – an evening at Parks View
Join Tulloch Homes for an exclusive networking reception at Parks View and be among the first to explore the new Carnegie showhome, with drinks and canapés.
Where: Park View, Inverness
When: 17:00 – 19:00
Summary:
Round off the opening day of Highland Business Week in style. Join Tulloch Homes for an exclusive networking reception at Parks View, Inverness, and be among the first to experience the new Carnegie show home – the centrepiece of their Executive Collection – a limited release of grand 4 and 5-bedroom luxury homes. Enjoy drinks and canapés while exploring a home designed for Highland living at its finest. Whether you’re considering a move or simply curious about the quality and craftsmanship behind one of Inverness’s most anticipated new developments, Tulloch Homes look forward to welcoming you.
Tuesday 22 September
Highland Spotlight 2026
The Highlands’ largest B2B exhibition brings businesses together to network, discover products and services, and build lasting connections across the region in a collaborative, engaging environment.
Where: Drumossie Hotel, Inverness
When: 10:00 – 16:00
Summary:
Highland Spotlight is the region’s largest dedicated business-to-business exhibition, offering organisations the opportunity to meet under one roof, connect with peers, and explore the breadth of products and services available across the Highlands. The event fosters collaboration, strengthens relationships, and provides a platform for knowledge sharing and business growth.
Spotlight Seminar - AI, Amplified: Protecting your brand and governing your growth
AI can create huge opportunities, but unmanaged use brings risks. Join Strut and BC Technologies to explore how businesses can protect their brand, data and growth.
Where: Highland Spotlight at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness
When: 12:00 – 13:00
Summary:
As AI reshapes the business environment, the real risk isn’t using it, it’s using it without a clear plan. Join Strut and BC Technologies for a joint session exploring how growing businesses can harness AI to strengthen their brand, not dilute it, while building the governance and security foundations to use it responsibly. Strut will explore how to protect your brand identity in the age of ‘AI Slop’ and how you can turn AI into a creative advantage rather than a shortcut to generic output. BC Technologies will unpack how to move beyond ad hoc AI use to a governed, secure approach – protecting data, supporting compliance, and turning AI from a hidden risk into a strategic advantage.
Wednesday 23 September
Workplace wellbeing – suicide aware
Discover how to create a more supportive workplace, open conversations about suicide and mental health, reduce stigma and absence, and give your workforce greater confidence to seek support.
Where: Bught Park Pavilion, Bught Park, Inverness
When: 09:30 – 11:00
Summary:
Interested in finding out how to start conversations in your workplace about mental health wellbeing and suicide? Mikeysline and The Highland Council will discuss why we don’t talk about suicide and how stigma is the cause of the silence that prevents the discussion around mental health. A silence that costs lives. Their interactive session aims to give you the tools and confidence to prevent the impact that a suicide could have on your business and your overall workforce. You’ll also find out just how much positive workplace wellbeing can do to reduce your absence rates, and have the opportunity to discover what Mikeysline can do to support your workplace, including tailored training and awareness sessions for your staff groups.
Behind the build: touring MAKAR’s workshop and prototype home
Go behind the scenes at MAKAR’s workshop and prototype home to see how offsite timber construction, local supply chains and sustainable building systems are transforming homebuilding in the Highlands.
Where: Dores Road, Torbreck, Inverness
When: 10:30 – 12:00
Summary:
Join MAKAR for this special edition of their Paradigm show home tour. The session goes behind the scenes of their precision manufacturing workshop and prototype home, exploring the technology behind MAKAR’s offsite timber build process, the local and Scottish supply chains that feed it, and the sustainable build systems that make their homes fast to construct, sustainable and highly energy efficient (under £6 a week to heat!). It’s a chance to see modern methods of construction in action, from raw material to finished component. Whether you’re in construction, forestry, a home developer, or just curious about offsite building, this tour offers a practical look at how MAKAR designs and manufactures timber-rich homes in the Highlands.
Thursday 24 September
StrategyStory SPA morning
Step off the business treadmill and discover how StrategyStory’s SPATM formula can help you simplify, personify and amplify your business story to unlock growth and connection.
Where: StrategyStory office, Wasps Creative Academy, Midmills Building, Stephen’s Street, Inverness
When: 10:00 – 14:00
Summary:
Step off the business treadmill and spend an inspiring morning with StrategyStory getting to the heart of your business story. In this intimate, hands-on session, founder Kate and the team will guide a small group of business owners and managers through the signature SPATM formula for strategic storytelling – Simplify, Personify and Amplify – designed to shape a story that feels clear, compelling and truly you. Discover how a stronger story unlocks growth, connects with customers, attracts talent and secures funding – all while enjoying good conversation and a lovely brunch. £245 + VAT per person – places limited.
Friday 25 September
Highland Business Awards 2026
Celebrate the Highlands’ business excellence at the prestigious Highland Business Awards. Join us at Kingsmills Hotel as winners are announced and outstanding achievements across the region are recognised.
Where: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
When: 12:00 for 12:15 – 15:30
Summary:
The Highland Business Awards 2026 are the culmination of Highland Business Week, celebrating the achievements, innovation, and dedication of businesses and individuals across the Highlands. This prestigious event recognises organisations that have made a lasting impact on the regional economy, demonstrated resilience and ambition, and championed excellence in their sectors. Attendees will enjoy a memorable afternoon of celebration, networking, and inspiration as the 2026 winners are announced. It’s an unmissable opportunity to honour the outstanding contributions that drive the Highland business community forward.