Grant Campbell: Challenges for business are set to continue in 2023
This year has no doubt been a better year than last, but as we reflect on the past 12 months, it’s certainly been another year of highs and lows for social and economic prosperity.
The year began with the effects of the pandemic still among us and up until springtime, the restrictions on hospitality and social distancing continued to impact business and social interaction.
The energy cost increases brought on by the invasion of Ukraine has impacted homes and businesses and will continue to present challenges to budgets and expenditure into 2023.
In a green energy rich region like ours, a fairer system is needed to ensure those closest to the natural assets are not paying the most.
With the short daylight hours, inflation at its highest for decades and the cost of living impacting widely across society, we understand that times are challenging.
In the 91-year history of SCDI working with our members, we have supported the economy through world wars, the great depression and other crises, so again we face difficult times and again we are ready to support the development of a fairer and more sustainable economy for the region and wider Scotland.
Collaboration will be the key and bringing together our members and stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors to effect positive change, will be our number one priority.
As a region, we are in an incredible position to unlock unprecedented levels of growth and investment across our traditional industries such as food, drink and tourism but we are also in a position to lead the way in new and emerging technology for offshore and green energy, space and aerospace, health and social care, and the opportunities for advanced manufacturing which, when all supported by a successful green freeport bid for the region, will be truly transformational.
We look forward to working with you all in 2023 and our team give thanks and best wishes.
Grant Campbell is SCDI’s regional manager for the Highlands and Islands
