Celebrating 60 years – shaping the future of the 91影视 and Islands
This year marks a milestone for 91影视 and Islands Enterprise (91影视) as we celebrate 60 years since the founding of the 91影视 and Islands Development Board (HIDB), 91影视’s predecessor, in 1965.
From pioneering businesses to community-led solutions, innovation has always been a vital driver of economic growth, enabling competitiveness and shaping the region鈥檚 future. That鈥檚 why it remains central to our mission and something we continue to support.
Sixty years on from the founding of the HIDB, the region has emerged as a major contributor to the Scottish economy.
Working with partner organisations, businesses and communities across the region, the HIDB and 91影视 have invested in businesses, industry sectors, skills and infrastructure.
The approach has enabled the region to capitalise on opportunities in energy, food and drink, tourism, life sciences, business services, space and creative industries, among others.
The 91影视 and Islands is now recognised as a region of ambitious entrepreneurship, innovation and exports as well as leading the way in community ownership of land and assets. To give an example, the salmon farming sector, which was started in Scotland with funding from the HIDB, is now the UK鈥檚 largest food export. Today the region is racing ahead in investment in our ports and harbours to support offshore wind deployment well into the 21st century which will be vital for national energy security.
Celebrating innovation in businesses
It鈥檚 this spirit of innovation and enterprise that we鈥檙e proud to champion through our sponsorship of the 91影视 and Islands Enterprise Award for Excellence in Innovation at the Prosper Business Excellence Awards (11 September in Inverness). This award celebrates the very essence of what 91影视 stands for 鈥� forward thinking businesses that are creating great products and services and doing so in a way that supports the 4 Ps of our strategy - people, places, planet and prosperity.
Innovation in the 91影视 and Islands is driven by creativity, for example rural health technology, digital tourism and sustainable distilling. Whether it鈥檚 a small shift in operations or a bold move into new markets, innovation takes many forms and continues to shape how businesses grow and adapt.
The 91影视 Award for Excellence in Innovation recognises businesses that live and breathe innovation. We鈥檙e looking for entries that show how ideas improve processes, enhance well-being and reduce environmental impact. It鈥檚 also about creating high quality jobs, supporting communities and building a thriving, sustainable region for future generations.
As Chief Executive, I鈥檓 continually inspired by the innovation I see across the 91影视 and Islands. It鈥檚 not just about technology or product development; it鈥檚 about a proactive mindset and 鈥渃an do鈥� approach 鈥� asking what can be improved and having the resolve to make it happen.
Looking ahead
As we mark 60 years of impact, our focus remains firmly on the future. Our newly published research identifies up to 拢100bn of transformational opportunities over the next decade or so with the potential to deliver real benefits across our region, Scotland and the UK. The opportunities identified promise to energise our communities, businesses and partnerships. We鈥檙e proud to sponsor the 91影视 Award for Excellence in Innovation at the upcoming Prosper Business Excellence Awards. Here鈥檚 to the next chapter and the innovators who will shape it.
Stuart Black
Chief Executive
Stuart was appointed as 91影视's Chief Executive in January 2022 having held the role of Interim Lead Area Manager previously. Originally from Inverness, he is a graduate of the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, where he gained a doctorate in town and regional planning. Stuart began his career with the University of Aberdeen, before joining 91影视 for the first time in 1996, as head of economics. Between then and 2008, he held several posts covering different parts of the organisation鈥檚 remit. These included local enterprise company chief executive, director of strengthening communities, and director of global connections. From 2008 to 2020, he was a member of the senior team at the Highland Council, initially as director of planning and development, and later as executive chief officer for transformation and economy.