GRANT CAMPBELL: Tipping point reached as costs increase significantly for many

Seeing the first snowfall of the year on Ben Wyvis was a stark reminder that as we approach the winter months ahead, energy costs continue to dominate the challenges for households and businesses.

In previous years, the cost of turning on the heating to keep warm was just part of living this far north but throughout society, everyone is paying far more attention to consumption.

We have a duty to protect the most vulnerable and support those most in need, but this current crisis affects a far wider scope of the population, particularly across rural communities where older buildings with poor energy efficiency are more commonplace.

It has been reported that in some rural areas of the region, household income needs to be in excess of £100,000 to not fall into fuel poverty as a result of current prices.

Businesses are seeing costs increase so significantly that a tipping point has been reached.

Some businesses now see diesel generators delivering cost savings against the cleaner energy from the grid and are facing an environmental dilemma.

Employers are being challenged to provide pay increases in line with current inflation rates and whilst many of our members would like to support employees through these difficult times, pay increases above 10 per cent are simply not possible in many sectors and industries.

This week sees our Rural Commission reconvene to discuss the impact of the “Economy for all of Scotland” report which was released in 2019.

This report highlighted measures that can allow the right decisions to be made to support investment and strengthen the contribution of people everywhere.

Improvements in housing, infrastructure and skills will continue to be key areas for economic growth

The SCDI Business Excellence Awards took place at the Drumossie Hotel two weeks ago after an absence of three years due to the pandemic. This annual event, which recognises the achievement of individuals and organisations, once again reminded us of the great work being done in the public and private sectors but also how social enterprises and community ownership is driving wealth building for the people and places across our region.

Grant Campbell is SCDI's regional manager for the Highland sand Islands.