More than half of Highlands and Islands businesses plan to take on new staff in the coming year, new research has revealed.
A survey of more than 1,000 north firms took part in the research carried out by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The results showed around three-quarters of businesses were confident they could recruit the skills and experience they require from those already living within the region.
The survey also found four in five businesses are either very or fairly optimistic about their future prospects. Larger firms with 25 or more employees were the most optimistic, while businesses in the food and drink sector tended to be more pessimistic.
Our relationship with the EU was seen by most businesses as important with around one in five employing non-UK EU nationals – a figure that soared to 31% for tourism businesses and 53% for firms with 25 or more employees.
Carroll Buxton, director of regional development at HIE, said: “Businesses and social enterprises continue to have concerns around Brexit implications, and are realistic about the challenges ahead. It is particularly encouraging therefore, that optimism remains high, and that a clear majority are taking positive steps to meet those challenges.
“A great many of the companies we work with are extending their market reach, particularly overseas. Many are also expanding their use of digital technologies, capitalising on improved broadband connections. And the development of new ideas for products and services is also commonplace.
“These are all steps that Highlands and Islands Enterprise is keen to support.”