Issue - meetings

An HIE representative took the Group through a report which provided an update on progress at an overall strategic level for the period to end July 2015 on Outcome 1: The economy is diverse and thriving.

Decision

The Group noted the report and agreed that it was essential that CalMac were included in the work of the Transport Connectivity study, Morag agreed to take this forward and provide update to the group.

(Ref: Report by Highlands and Islands Enterprise dated 27^th August 2015, submitted).

The Economic Development Manager took the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Community Planning Group through a report updating them on Business Gateway support activity in the area during the first quarter of 2015/16.

She advised that the Business Gateway team has close links with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise, working to identify businesses with significant growth potential.

She confirmed that support to existing businesses had been less than hoped for due to the delay in the provision of a suite of new services to be funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Business Gateway Local Growth Accelerator Programme Strategic Intervention, but this was now being progressed.

Decision

The Group noted the contents of the report.

(Ref:  Report by Economic Development Manager dated 27^th August 2015, submitted).