Collaboration key as Highlands look to economic life after lockdown; Highlands and Islands Enterprise leader plots for region's recovery after coronavirus
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A business development agency's leader insists people need to think about and plan for life after the coronavirus pandemic.
Carroll Buxton, interim chief executive of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), believes research, collaboration and innovation will be key.
She is also confident the region will have an important role to play.
"While it’s crucial that we focus on tackling the immediate challenges of this international crisis, it is also important to keep one eye on the future," Ms Buxton said.
"The full impact of Covid-19 on businesses and communities in the Highlands and Islands is as yet unknown, but we do need to think about and plan for the recovery stage.
"To that end, we and our partners are carrying out work to prioritise resources and gather industry intelligence that will help inform future policy and support mechanisms to maximise our effectiveness.
"The global economy will be different as national and regional economies emerge from the lockdown. The age-old principles of research, collaboration and innovation will be key to competitiveness and a successful recovery.
"The Highlands and Islands has a great track record in these principles. We are a hugely resourceful and resilient region and I am confident we will continue to play a key role in Scotland’s recovery in the years to come."
She said businesses and communities around the Highlands and Islands were adapting and responding as best they could to the situation.
"Several are involved in helping to tackle the crisis," she added. "Some continue to provide key services, such as food and drink and energy production and delivery – sectors that rely on an extensive supply chain. And others remain closed or vastly scaled down to help restrict the spread of the virus.
"All of this carries huge financial implications and challenges greater than any we’ve seen in many decades.
"At HIE we are maintaining frontline services for our clients. Our staff are working effectively from home to provide valuable support for businesses and communities through this difficult and unprecedented time.
"We are in constant contact with our partner agencies and Scottish Government to provide a consistent and collaborative response and contribute to the design and delivery of vital new initiatives, aimed at supporting businesses through this initial phase, and in the longer term.
"On our Covid-19 web page we’ve published advice and links for further information on a range of support measures tailored for industry sectors. We’ll keep updating this as further opportunities are developed."
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