Inverness Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce New Start Highland as the official charity partner for this year’s Highland Business Dinner, headlined by Adrian Chiles, celebrated TV and radio presenter, columnist, and documentary host.
The annual event, a highlight in the region’s business calendar, will also raise vital funds to support New Start Highland’s work in transforming lives across the Highlands.
This year, we invited local charities to apply for the opportunity to be our charity partner. We were truly inspired by the exceptional breadth of impactful work being carried out by New Start Highland across our communities since its launch in 2000, with thousands of people seeking support from the charity over the past 25 years. Over the past year alone the charity has served the local community over 129,000 times.
New Start Highland stood out for its dedication to creating positive change for individuals transitioning out of homelessness or seeking to move forward from a place of crisis. Its unique one-stop-shop offering is critical to breaking cycles of poverty and helping people to build stable, independent lives.
They do this through a range of essential services, including furniture provision, housing support, therapeutic sessions, employability training, food distribution, and volunteer opportunities that help build confidence and skills while tackling social isolation.
The partnership comes at a time of increasing financial challenges, rising living costs, and growing pressures on mental health services. With government spending constraints impacting support systems, charities like New Start Highland play a vital role in providing life-changing assistance to those most in need.
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said, “We are incredibly proud to partner with New Start Highland for this year’s Highland Business Dinner. The support and training they offer across the region is truly invaluable, equipping individuals with the essential tools and confidence to create lasting, positive change in their lives. As a Chamber, we are committed to strengthening our local economy, and that starts with supporting people to gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. The funds raised at the Highland Business Dinner will make a tangible difference in people’s lives, and we encourage businesses to get involved in supporting this fantastic cause.”
James Dunbar, Chief Executive of New Start Highland, said, “We are so grateful to be chosen as the charity partner for this year’s Highland Business Dinner, particularly as we mark our 25th anniversary. At New Start Highland, we are all about people. Everyone faces challenges in life, and some find themselves stuck due to poor mental or physical health, trauma, unemployment, or poverty. No one chooses that life – but with the right support, they can find a way forward.
“Our services help people rebuild their confidence and resilience, often leading to employment with Chamber member businesses. We also support parents in securing jobs, helping to lift their children out of poverty. The funds raised through this partnership will make a direct and lasting impact on people’s lives here in the Highlands. We are incredibly grateful for the support.”
Our charity partnership comes as New Start Highland celebrates its 25th anniversary by starting construction on what will be Scotland’s first Training and Reuse Village. The £500,000 project, opening soon in Carsegate, Inverness, will create up to 40 new trainee and employment opportunities annually, building on the support New Start Highland offers to over 1,500 people each year.
Supporting the Cause – Call for Auction and Raffle Prizes
Inverness Chamber of Commerce is now calling on businesses to donate high-value prizes for the Highland Business Dinner’s charity draw. In previous years, generous contributions have included hotel stays, fine dining and concert tickets. Every penny raised will be reinvested in the Highlands, helping to fund New Start Highland’s essential services.
For more information on how to support the auction or raffle, please email events@inverness-chamber.co.uk.
About New Start Highland
New Start Highland is a leading charity dedicated to supporting people in crisis across the Highlands. Through a combination of housing support, employability training, mental health services, and community initiatives, they empower individuals to build stable, independent lives.
For more information, visit https://newstarthighland.org/