Orkney Business Forum event

Challenges and opportunities for local business will be in sharp focus at a special forum later this week (1 February) involving private, public and third sector representatives.

The Orkney Business Forum is hosted by Orkney Islands Council (OIC) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is open to all businesses.

The aim of the event is to provide businesses the opportunity to hear about some of the key opportunities on the horizon, and enable discussion on potential targeting of action and activity across the public, private and third sector in the future.

The event will run on Thursday 1 February, Pickaquoy Centre (Studio 2), from 9:15am to midday. Key speakers will be:

• Artificial Intelligence and how it can help businesses with marketing and sales with Rene Looper, Tuminds Social Media
• OIC Capital Investment Programme with Gareth Waterson, OIC Corporate Director of Enterprise and Sustainable Regeneration
• Islands Deal with Inga Burton, OIC Service Manager, Sustainable Regeneration and Arctic
• Island Games with Kirsty Talbot, Island Games Director

The information sessions will be followed by round table discussions to discuss issues ranging from strategic challenges and opportunities for businesses in Orkney, to the roles that public, private and third sector partners could play to facilitate economic development in Orkney.

Sweyn Johnston is OIC’s Head of Service for Enterprise and Economic Growth: “These are challenging times for both businesses and the public and third sectors. It’s crucial therefore that opportunities and challenges are shared and across these sectors, so support can be targeted in ways that optimises the benefit to business and the wider economy and community of Orkney.”

To book, visit the Orkney Islands Council facebook page and click on the event. If you are unable to attend in person, presentations will be made available virtually. For more information or to receive the recording please email economic.development@orkney.gov.uk