COMPANIES attending Aquaculture UK in Aviemore next week (3-5 May) are being invited to visit the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) stand to find out about emerging opportunities in the sector.
The event is the UK’s largest and most important aquaculture exhibition and conference, providing direct access to buyers and suppliers from all over the world representing every aspect of the industry.
HIE will be offering advice and support to businesses looking to benefit from new opportunities.
Joining the agency on the stand will be MNU (Mosseregionens Næringutvikling AS), its Norwegian partner in the GreenOffshoreTech project, which supports innovation in small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in marine industries.
Elaine Jamieson, head of blue economy and food and drink at HIE will be attending the event and speaking at the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre funding surgery session. She said:
“Aquaculture has been a priority sector for us from the outset and is of growing importance to Scotland’s economy. The industry includes a broad and diverse supply chain and provides many vital well paid jobs across Scotland, particularly in rural parts of the Highlands and Islands.
“There are many opportunities for developing the indigenous aquaculture supply sector both for domestic and overseas markets and we can provide support for businesses in our area looking to maximise this growth. We look forward to welcoming people to our stand at Aquaculture UK and discussing areas of interest.”
More than 200 exhibitors are attending the event, including Highlands and Islands based firms such as Gael Force Group, Ferguson Transport, Fluggaboats, Highland Aqua Team, Inverlussa Marine Services, MacDuff Ship Design, Northern Light Consulting, Ocean Kinetics, SAMS Enterprise and Tom Morrow Tarpaulins.
