4 freeport supply chain businesses receive international boost
Members of the Shell LiveWire Programme UK Cohort with the delivery team from Shell and Elevator.
Four Highland business representatives are pictured: David Goodwin, Helica (front row, first left); Martin MacLeod, ILM Highland (middle row, third left); Ewan MacGregor, Helica (middle row, third right); Callum Cruden, Ri-Cruden (back row, fourth right); and Murdo MacAngus, Serimax (back row, second right).
Businesses playing a "significant role" in the supply chain at a Highland freeport have received a boost - after being selected for an international enterprise development programme. The four businesses, which are all part of the supply chain for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport[1], have been selected to join the UK cohort of Shell's international enterprise development programme. The companies will join Shell LiveWire - a fully funded programme designed to help small and medium enterprises to accelerate growth, build resilience and compete in the rapidly evolving clean energy market.
The four Highland businesses - Serimax, ILM Highland, Ri-Cruden and Helica (Scotland) Ltd - represent sectors including engineering, recycling, renewables and construction consultancy. They are already playing distinct roles within the region's developing supply chain, shaped by the energy transition and infrastructure investment driven by the Green Freeport. o READ MORE: Freeport rejects report that Highland communities are at serious risk of organised crime and corruption surge[2]
o READ MORE: Green freeport deal signing in Inverness unlocks ?25 million in funding and ?6.5 billion in investment[3] Alison Wilson, investment and development manager at the freeport, said that it sees the Highland companies' inclusion as another sign of the region's growing capability, confidence and emerging leadership in clean energy development as the energy transition accelerates. It is hoped that a cohort formed exclusively of the freeport's supply chain businesses can be created in future.
She said: "We are delighted to see strong Highland representation in this latest Shell LiveWire cohort.
These businesses demonstrate the innovation, expertise and long-term commitment that define the region's industrial future. "The green freeport aims to help local enterprises grow, compete and benefit from the opportunities emerging through the energy transition. The participation of Highland SMEs in international initiatives like Shell LiveWire underscore the growing importance of the Highlands in delivering the UK's net zero ambitions.
"As the green freeport continues to attract investment and new long-term industrial activity, it remains focused on ensuing the benefits are shared across the local business community and the wider Highland economy."
Shell UK partners with business support service Elevator to deliver the enterprise development programme. Participants benefit from tailored one-to-one coaching, specialist master classes, strategic planning support, and pitch development. Andrew Burnett, deputy CEO at Elevator UK, said: "Shell LiveWire provides innovative businesses with the support they need to grow, scale and compete in the markets of tomorrow.
By combining practical tools with strategic mentoring, we're empowering ambitious companies to achieve their full potential."
Further information about supply chain opportunities linked to the freeport, visit: https://greenfreeport.scot/grow/supply-chain[4].
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References
- ^ for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (www.inverness-courier.co.uk)
- ^ Freeport rejects report that Highland communities are at serious risk of organised crime and corruption surge (www.inverness-courier.co.uk)
- ^ Green freeport deal signing in Inverness unlocks ?25 million in funding and ?6.5 billion in investment (www.inverness-courier.co.uk)
- ^ https://greenfreeport.scot/grow/supply-chain (greenfreeport.scot)
- ^ here (www.ross-shirejournal.co.uk)