The early 2020s brought unprecedented challenges for the Highlands and Islands as COVID-19 and national lockdowns disrupted businesses, communities and key sectors. Despite widespread uncertainty, the region showed resilience, adapting to new ways of working and supporting each other. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) worked with partners to help businesses recover, strengthen communities and drive regional economic renewal. This period also saw increased focus on digital transformation, sustainable growth and a just transition to a greener economy.
-
£24.5m to secure £350m inward investment
Sumitomo Electric UK Power Cables Ltd plans to establish major operations in the region, supplying high voltage cables to the growing offshore wind energy sector. This is one of the biggest ever inward investment projects for the Highlands and Islands. The Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Scottish Enterprise (SE) have approved up to £24.5m in public sector support to secure the project.