Members of the business community across the Highlands and Moray will gather to discuss the implications of the UK Budget at a special event in Inverness next month.
In a year of unprecedented change at home and abroad, Chancellor Philip Hammond’s announcements setting out the government’s plans for the economy are keenly awaited.
The post-Budget briefing in the Highland capital will offer those attending the opportunity to examine them in detail with a panel of experts.
Taking place on Friday March 17, at the Kingsmills Hotel, the ticket-only, event is being organised by The Press & Journal and The Leader magazine in association with leading law firm Ledingham Chalmers.
Speakers at the the lunchtime briefing will include Freda Newton MBE, managing director of award-winning cruise and tour company Loch Ness by Jacobite and respected local economist Tony Mackay of Mackay Consultants. Further panel members will be confirmed shortly.
Among the topics expected to be addressed in the wake of Mr Hammond’s March 8 Spring Budget, will be its implications for industries that help drive the north’s economy, such as tourism, oil and gas and renewable energy and the food and drink sector.
Members of the audience will have the chance to put their points of view and have their questions answered after hearing from the panelists.
Inverness-based Ledingham Chalmers partner Kirk Tudhope said: “We are delighted to be involved with this important event in association with The Press & Journal and The Leader magazine.
“This year, although there are a number of challenges facing the economy of the Highlands and Islands and Moray, there are also many positives, including the continuing success of the tourism industry across the area.
“This briefing is a great opportunity for the business community in the area to get together to discuss the implications of the Budget here as well as other current issues.”
The post-Budget event the first of a series of business briefings The Press & Journal and The Leader magazine plan to hold in the Highlands throughout the year.
The two-hour event, which will include lunch and networking opportunities, will get underway at 12noon on March 17.