The West Highland Chamber of Commerce (WHCC), recently rebranded from Lochaber Chamber of Commerce, is proud to mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for businesses and communities across the region with its annual conference, ‘A West Highland Vision’ on Thursday 20 March 2025 at The Highland Cinema, Fort William.
This pivotal event will embrace both the new broader geographical area – Oban, Lochaber, Wester Ross, Skye, Raasay, and Lochalsh – and a renewed commitment of collaboration with members and the wider business community to drive growth, innovation, and investment in the dynamic West Highlands economy.
The West Highlands is already a hotbed of innovation, with businesses embracing technology and carving out unique niches in global markets. From tourism and hospitality, aquaculture, manufacturing, to renewable energy and creative industries, the possibilities are endless.
The 2025 annual conference has been designed to inspire, challenge, and connect, acting as a platform for growth and bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders. Participants will discuss practical strategies, tackle the key challenges that impact the economic landscape and explore opportunities to shape the future of the region.
Frazer Coupland, CEO of the newly renamed West Highland Chamber of Commerce, said: “Our annual conference is set to be a catalyst for forward-thinking solutions and regional prosperity in the West Highlands. It isn’t just about listening; it’s about action and collaboration. We invite businesses to engage, share their views, and contribute to shaping a future where enterprise and community go hand in hand.”
Exploring opportunities to strengthen the business ecosystem and build a resilient future for the West Highlands, the packed one-day conference will feature keynote speeches from renowned economist Professor Graeme Roy, renewables industry leader Bruno Berardelli, and hospitality experience expert Stuart Cassells.
Catherine MacLeod, one of Scotland’s most experienced and insightful communications and political consultants, will lead proceedings as the expert host for the event.
Attendees will also be invited to participate in breakout sessions covering three critical themes:
· Sustainable Tourism – Addressing the transient visitor levy and promoting sustainable tourism. Featuring insights from VisitScotland CEO Vicki Miller, Malcolm MacLeod of The Highland Council, and Clare Winskill of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, this panel will explore strategies for balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility.
· Infrastructure Investment – Evaluating transport and energy needs to ensure long-term prosperity. Industry leaders including Transport Scotland Chief Executive Alison Irvine, SSE Renewables’ Mike Seaton, and Alasdair Ferguson of Ferguson Transport & Kishorn Port will discuss the region’s evolving infrastructure landscape.
· Community Engagement – Fostering wealth-building, skills and inclusive growth. Featuring Tony Scott from SSEN Transmission, Alison Wilson of Inverness and Cromarty Green Free Port, and Lydia Rohmer, Principal of UHI North, West & Hebrides, this session will explore how businesses can drive sustainable prosperity for all.
Lydia Rohmer, Principal of UHI North, West & Hebrides, added: “We are excited to be part of this important conference and to help shape the future vision for the West Highlands so our communities can flourish and prosper. UHI North, West and Hebrides is a key provider of skills, qualifications and research and knowledge exchange supporting the unique economic developments in our region. As an anchor institution, we are helping thousands of individuals, as well as communities and businesses, to realise their ambitions for inclusive growth.
“We look forward to the discussion with partners at this conference on how we can work together to help our region realise a prosperous future.”
WHCC Annual Conference – A West Highland Vision – is being hosted by West Highland Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
