Join a network that connects, supports and champions North Highland businesses – and discover what Chamber membership can do for yours.
A stronger voice for business
North Highland Chamber of Commerce is the voice of industry for Caithness and Sutherland.
We represent more than 300 members, from start-ups and sole traders to major companies exporting around the world. Our membership spans private businesses, community organisations and public sector bodies, as well as the North Highland operations of major international companies.
As part of the Scottish and British Chambers of Commerce, we believe we are stronger together – and that principle shapes everything we do.
This page offers a snapshot of our work. The best way to experience the full value of the Chamber is to become a member.
We make sure North Highland businesses are heard where decisions are made. The Chamber regularly engages with ministers and elected representatives at Westminster, Holyrood and the Highland Council, helping them understand the opportunities, challenges and priorities of doing business in a remote and rural region.
Through business briefings, round-table discussions, consultations, hustings and dedicated campaigns, we bring members together around the issues that matter and make the case for the North Highlands at regional and national level.
But representation is only part of what we do. We help members raise their profile, build connections and access opportunities through networking and professional development events, business support and a range of professional services.
Campaigns and lobbying
From major infrastructure and connectivity issues to the policies affecting businesses day to day, we take action on the issues that matter to the North Highland economy.
Read more
-
Campaigns and LobbyingChamber NewsChamber calls for evidence before Highland Visitor Levy consultation
North Highland Chamber of Commerce has expressed disappointment at The Highland Council’s decision to move ahead with formal consultation on a proposed Highland Visitor Levy befo…
-
Campaigns and LobbyingChamber NewsChamber adds its voice to VATs The Problem campaign
North Highland Chamber of Commerce is backing a national campaign calling for VAT for the hospitality sector to be reduced from 20% to 10%. The VAT’s The Problem campaign brings …
-
Campaigns and LobbyingChamber NewsManifesto 2026: Delivering for the North Highlands
Our 2026 Election Manifesto set out the priorities identified by businesses across Caithness and Sutherland and called on Scotland’s political parties to recognise the North …
Regional programmes and initiatives
We collaborate with businesses, communities and partners to tackle shared challenges and create new opportunities for the North Highlands. Through the programmes, initiatives and forums below, we help strengthen the regional economy, develop our workforce and make Caithness and Sutherland a great place to live, work and do business.
Venture North
Scotland’s hospitality is renowned around the world, and the North Highlands offer visitors an extraordinary combination of dramatic landscapes, outdoor adventure, rich heritage and outstanding local food and drink. Tourism is a vital part of the regional economy, supporting businesses, jobs and communities across Caithness and Sutherland.
Venture North is the Chamber’s consumer-facing destination brand, promoting Caithness and Sutherland as a sustainable visitor destination. Our Venture North website showcases the region to potential visitors, while our wider work supports and represents the tourism and hospitality businesses that make up this important sector.
Live North
Ours is a region of growth and opportunity, combining world-class enterprise with an unbeatable quality of life. Live North promotes the North Highlands as a place to live, work and study, helping to attract and retain the people and skills our region needs for future growth. It invites people to discover the opportunities available here – alongside outstanding natural beauty and welcoming, close-knit communities.
Developing the Young Workforce North Highland
Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) North Highland connects young people in our region with the world of work, building the skills, confidence and experience they need for their future careers.
The Chamber’s DYW team has a dedicated co-ordinator in each of our local secondary schools, working closely with employers and partners to create opportunities for work experience, careers advice, personal development and STEM engagement – helping young people understand the opportunities available locally while building the future workforce our region needs
Caithness Business Fund
Fund management is a key strand of the Chamber’s regional development work. We established and manage Caithness Business Fund, – a private sector fund designed to help businesses across Caithness and Sutherland start up, grow, create jobs and invest in skills. Working with funders, we support organisations throughout the application process, with grants available for start-up and growth, training and apprenticeships – helping local investment deliver lasting economic benefit.
Chamber-managed funds
The Chamber manages community benefit funds supporting projects and initiatives across Caithness and Sutherland. Working with investors and local organisations, we help direct investment into activities that strengthen communities and contribute to the wider regional economy. Explore the funds we manage below.
Caithness and North Sutherland Fund
Established by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd, the Fund supports community projects across Caithness and North Sutherland. Funding focuses on environmental, social, cultural and infrastructure improvements that make the area a better place to live, work and invest.
Baillie Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund
Funded by Baillie Wind Farm, the Fund provides £100,000 each year to support projects benefiting communities in West Caithness. The Chamber provides administrative support for the Fund’s day-to-day activities.
Find Support
Looking for business funding or advice? Browse the useful links below or contact us for further guidance.
Business Gateway
Free, practical support for anyone starting or growing a business in Scotland.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
HIE works with businesses, social enterprises and communities across the Highlands and Islands to support sustainable growth.
Skills Development Scotland
SDS helps employers develop their workforce through apprenticeships, work-based learning and skills support.
Find Business Support Scotland
A single online source for public-sector business support across Scotland.
