Opportunity Cromarty Firth, the dynamic partnership of private, public and academic sector bodies committed to ensuring that the Cromarty Firth achieves Freeport status, has won the support of Inverness Chamber of Commerce.
The chamber, the largest independent business organisation based in the Highlands, believes the establishment of a Free Trade Zone in the Cromarty Firth would meet its core focus of developing a strong regional supply chain within the Highland business community.
They recognise how Free Port status would bring more quality jobs to the Highlands, as it would be more attractive for multinational companies to invest in manufacturing facilities in the region. This would produce a ‘ripple effect’ with local suppliers used for products and services.
A host of other Highland organisations have already backed Opportunity Cromarty Firth including Port of Cromarty Firth, University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), The Highland Council, Global Energy Group, Inverness Harbour Trust, Highland Resources, and Skills Development Scotland.
Stewart Nicol, chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, said: “Opportunity Cromarty Firth recently shared with us and our members the enormous benefits that Freeport status could bring to businesses in the Highlands.
“The scale of this opportunity cannot be underestimated, and in our opinion, no other location is better positioned to realise its full scope. As a result, we firmly believe that Freeport status for the Cromarty Firth will profoundly benefit our network of businesses.
“Inverness Chamber of Commerce is delighted to give our full support to the proposals and we trust more businesses across the Highlands will do the same.”
Bob Buskie, Chief Executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “Opportunity Cromarty Firth is delighted to have gained the support of Inverness Chamber of Commerce.
“Freeport status would bring skilled jobs and high-wage opportunities to the Highlands on a level not seen since the oil boom of the 1970s.
“The Cromarty Firth, with its deep natural waters, is uniquely positioned at the heart of the majority of current and future multi-billion pound offshore renewable projects. It has the facilities, and above all the local supply chain – many of whom are members of Inverness Chamber.
“My thanks go not only to Stewart Nicol but also to the Chamber’s membership for their vision in seeing the benefits that Freeport status would bring the Highland economy.”
Opportunity Cromarty Firth is a partnership of organisations exploring the opportunity for the Cromarty Firth to become a Free Trade Zone
Opportunity Cromarty Firth
Port of Cromarty Firth, Port Office, Shore Road, Invergordon, IV18 0HD.
Email: [email protected]
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