# Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Highlands and Islands Enterprise is an other based in Inverness, United Kingdom.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** other
- **Headquarters:** Inverness, United Kingdom
- **Region:** Europe
- **Address:** Inverness, United Kingdom
- **Founded:** 1965
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** hie.co.uk
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/highlands-

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Highlands and Islands Enterprise is a development agency established in 1991 in Inverness, United Kingdom. The agency serves the Highlands and Islands region, focusing on economic and community growth. Its services include accelerating business growth, strengthening communities, and developing growth sectors.

## Sectors

- Energy Transition & Renewables
- Infrastructure
- Real Estate
- AgriTech & FoodTech
- Mobility & Transportation
- ClimateTech
- Enterprise Software
- Education
- Healthcare Services
- Tourism & Hospitality

## Offices

- Kirkwall
- Stornoway
- Portree
- Fort William
- Elgin
- Oban
- Campbeltown

## People

- Alasdair MacLeod — Former Interim Chief Executive
- Susan Helliwell — Chair of the Board

## Questions

### Who makes investment decisions at Highlands and Islands Enterprise?

Investment decisions are made by a board of directors chaired by Susan Helliwell, with day-to-day operations led by Interim Chief Executive Alasdair MacLeod. Sector-specific teams within HIE assess and recommend projects, with larger proposals requiring board approval. The organization operates under a framework set by the Scottish Government, which appoints board members.

### How does HIE source its investment opportunities?

HIE sources opportunities through a mix of proactive regional development strategies, competitive funding calls, and unsolicited applications from businesses and community groups operating across the Highlands and Islands. The agency's area offices across the region maintain close relationships with local stakeholders, helping identify projects aligned with its strategic priorities.

### Is HIE a grant-making body or an investment firm?

HIE operates as both. It administers grants for business development (especially for startups, innovation, and community assets) and runs loan and equity programs that mimic commercial investment but with developmental return thresholds. The HIE Growth Fund, for instance, offers loans from £50,000 to £500,000, while the Renewable Energy Fund provides equity co-investment in community and commercial renewable projects.

### What sectors does HIE explicitly prioritize?

HIE's strategy explicitly targets renewable energy (especially wind, marine, hydrogen, and carbon capture), sustainable tourism, food and drink (aquaculture, seafood, distilling), digital infrastructure (broadband and mobile), life sciences and biotech, and creative industries. It also has cross-cutting programs for rural diversification, net-zero transition, and population retention.

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Last updated: 2026-06-28T01:56:17.317Z

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