We don’t usually read this sort of thing but, recently reading an interview with a Scottish central belt based branding specialist, the question was posed to them:

‘What are the weaknesses of operating business in Scotland?

A: ‘I don’t think I have experienced any genuine weaknesses’.

This resonated with us, if only we could all say that…

We love working across the whole of the UK and would say that we’ve experienced both ends of the adversity stick

The worst being in the fragile environments of the Highlands and Islands, especially over the last 10 years or so whilst the rest of the nation has evolved.

Fragile Business Areas

In a world where we can take a call in the middle of the Atlantic

Stream a football commentary game off the coast of Ibiza

And even virtually ensure a next day delivery anywhere else in Britain…

Why is there such an issue in making sure Scottish Highland and Island businesses have adequate communication and logistical support across the Highlands and Islands?

“No we don’t deliver there”

“Where is that ?”

We appreciate it’s not like this all over

Some areas are covered by local firms who pull out all the stops

But there are still a lot of limitations in large swathes of the region

Limited joined up opportunities and these are fragile business areas we need to look after.

On the positive side, this has revealed business people’s resilience

Demonstrating creative  ingenuity to get them through most situations, albeit, usually at an additional premium somewhere down the line.

This year we received a request to design a set of giant exterior banners for a festival on one of the Islands. We need it urgently!

Five days to the event

designed in hours

printed overnight

and yes, you guessed it, no courier could guarantee delivery within a four day turnaround to our Island based client!

It won’t surprise you to hear that of course everything arrived on time…

Delivery to Glasgow via the clients friend of a friend coming over to the Island for the event.

There is always a way, but why should it continue being hotch potch like this?

If you’re new to the area wanting to start a business, trying to forge a better life

Which will in turn add to the economy, you’re pretty much on your own up there

We are of course talking from years of first hand, on the ground experience!

The amount of times we had have to drive miles or tramp up hills, usually when it’s raining/snowing or both, in order to get a phone signal to make an important call (don’t mention wifi), whilst in the region is staggering.

We are great believers that success hinges on balance

And whilst we fully appreciate the infrastructure will never be as good as the central belt for obvious reasons

With so much first class potential in this region to boost the economy, isn’t it time to level off the playing field a little more in these fragile business areas?

We’re sure a lot of you will agree, the Highlands and Islands of Scotland are so much more than just a beautiful holiday destination.