One of the UK’s most recognisable voices on housing and place has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for a flagship business event in the Highlands this year.
Phil Spencer will headline the 2026 Highland Business Dinner, hosted by Inverness Chamber of Commerce, an event that brings together senior leaders from across the region’s public and private sectors.
Best known as the long running co presenter of Location, Location, Location, Spencer has spent more than two decades at the centre of the UK’s housing conversation.
A trained surveyor and entrepreneur, he is also the founder of Move iQ, a property advisory platform that analyses housing trends, affordability and the changing ways people choose where to live.
His career spans television, publishing, business and charity work, and he was recently appointed an MBE in the New Year’s Honours in recognition of his charitable services and his role as a patron of the homelessness charity St Mungo’s.
The Highland Business Dinner is regarded as one of the most important dates in the region’s business calendar, creating space for connection, reflection and discussion around the economic future of the Highlands.
The 2026 event will be supported by Nevis Range as Principal Sponsor, underlining the importance of collaboration across sectors in shaping regional growth.
Spencer’s keynote address is expected to combine insight into national and regional housing trends with stories drawn from his long career in broadcasting, including reflections on working alongside his long time on screen partner Kirstie Allsopp.
The keynote address will be supported by Brodies LLP as Speaker Sponsor, reflecting the firm’s involvement in planning, development, infrastructure and the built environment across Scotland.
Speaking ahead of the event, Spencer said he was looking forward to spending time with the Highlands business community and sharing both insight and lighter moments from his career.
“I’m really looking forward to joining the Highland Business Dinner and spending time with the region’s business community, and while I’ll touch on housing trends, I’m also keen to share some behind the scenes stories from television and the people I’ve met along the way,” he said.
Colin Marr, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said the announcement reflected the importance of housing to the Highlands’ economic future.
“We are absolutely delighted to confirm Phil Spencer as our keynote speaker for the 2026 Highland Business Dinner, as housing is a critical issue for our economy, workforce and communities.
“The Highland Business Dinner is about more than celebration, it is about ideas, leadership and looking ahead, and Phil’s address will help frame key issues facing businesses and communities alike.”
Sarah Lilley, Partner at Brodies LLP, said the firm was proud to support an event focused on long term, place based economic growth.
“Housing, infrastructure and development are central to the success of rural and regional economies, and we are confident Phil Spencer will bring valuable perspective to discussions across the Highlands business community,” she said.
The Highland Business Dinner will take place in Inverness and is expected to attract hundreds of guests from across the Highlands and Islands.
Tickets are now on sale, with Inverness Chamber members given priority booking until Friday 13 March, after which sales will open to non members.
To book and for further details, visit the Inverness Chamber of Commerce website or contact the team at events@inverness-chamber.co.uk
