Stronger links between the public and private sector in the North of Scotland and the Islands is required to beat the recession, according to energy and engineering umbrella body North Scotland Industries Group (NSIG).

NSIG outgoing chairman Mike Kydd told the organisation’s annual general meeting in Invergordon that, while economic times were tough, strength in unity was essential.

“The North of Scotland, along with, most other areas in the country, is being hit hard with the present economic position,” said Mr Kydd.

“The loss of RAF Kinloss and the uncertainty over the future of RAF Lossiemouth, together with difficulties being faced by the construction industry, make it absolutely essential that NSIG does its upmost to lobby and highlight not only these problems but capitalise on any leads for new investment in the area.

“However, there are still some real opportunities out there, with plans for tidal power in the Pentland Firth now moving forward, offshore wind progressing and the oil industry still providing openings both in the North Sea and other areas of the world.

“It requires a united effort in these difficult and competitive times, but with NSIG working together with its partners such as Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International there will be a wealth of information, seminars, exhibitions and trade missions available to members in the immediate future.”

Mr Kydd, who stands down after nearly three years as chairman, added: “NSIG is now a true supply chain organisation, with a voice that is heard and listened to at the highest level, and represents all aspects of the energy industry in the North of Scotland. I urge all members to give their time not only to support their own company, but the area in general.”

Led by chief executive Ian Couper, NSIG now has more than 130 members in energy and engineering businesses located throughout the North of Scotland and the Islands, ranging from Shetland to Argyll and from Lewis to Aberdeen.

“The coming year is by far the most intense that NSIG has faced, with Ian and his staff providing a level of service to the members over a very large area and with a huge amount of diversity in content,” said Mr Kydd.

“It is a challenge I think they are looking forward to and I am sure they will provide effectively.”

Mr Couper told the meeting that NSIG would continue to work actively on behalf of its members in 2011. In addition to greater concentration on addressing skills issues throughout the area, addressing issues raised by members in all the geographic focus groups and more targeted promotion of all the individual areas of the Highlands & Islands, NSIG will also be increasing opportunities for members through specially tailored trade missions and member networking events being planned in Aberdeen, Denmark, Brazil, the USA, the Middle East and Holland. Opportunities to attend events in Singapore, China, India and Australia are also being considered.

“We have another extremely busy hear in front of us, but we are determined to do our very best for our members and the area we represent,” he said.

“The strong support we receive from our members, along with our growing representations in Holyrood and Westminster, give us every chance of success in the year ahead.”

Tags: North Scotland Industries Group (NSIG)