Food and drink businesses across the Highlands are being urged to seize a golden opportunity to sharpen their operations and future-proof their growth.
A fully funded support programme is now open to companies in the sector who want to cut costs, raise profits and shrink their carbon footprint.
It is part of the second phase of the Food and Drink TechHUB, a key piece of the Northern Innovation Hub jigsaw delivered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
This initiative is aimed squarely at manufacturers and supply chain firms hungry to harness the power of technology to tackle business challenges head-on.
Firms can tap into up to 10 days of personalised support from Intelligens Consulting, offering expert advice on technology upgrades.
Support is mainly delivered online but can include practical, on-site visits where needed.
At the end of the process, each business walks away with a fully costed Technology Adoption Plan tailored to their needs.
This plan can be used to unlock additional HIE funding for essential tech and training.
One business already feeling the benefit is Miele’s Gelateria in Inverness, a well-loved family enterprise.
Following a site visit, they’ve installed systems that monitor machinery remotely, reducing downtime and spotting issues before they escalate.
Michael Miele, director of the Gelateria, called the support “invaluable” and said it would help streamline operations, improve quality and reach more customers.
With the new tech in place, Miele’s are geared up to grow smarter, not just bigger.
Anna Miller, HIE’s head of food and drink, is encouraging all eligible businesses in the Highland Council area to sign up.
She said the programme isn’t just about making companies more competitive, but also greener and more efficient.
It’s a broad push to improve products, processes and people across the sector.
Food and Drink TechHUB also supports training, networking and new product development for both commercial and community-focused businesses.
The wider Northern Innovation Hub is backed by up to £315 million from the UK and Scottish Governments, HIE, Highland Council and the University of the Highlands and Islands.
It’s all part of a mission to boost sustainable economic growth in the region.
To get involved, businesses can visit the HIE website or contact their local office directly.
The clock is ticking for Highland firms ready to innovate and lead the way in food and drink excellence.
