Commercial Board to lead economic approach

The Highland Council has agreed to set up a Commercial Board amongst a range of other recommendations to redesign the Council, including strengthening local democracy.

The establishment of Commercial Board aims to create a step change in income generation with a social purpose in mind.

Convener of the Council and Chair of the Redesign Board said: “These redesign proposals are our proposals and it is up to us to agree and take these forward.  This decision will take us far further in the direction of a more commercial approach for the Council, raising income to support services and jobs across the region.

“A commercial approach is wider than income generation. It also includes operating more efficiently and economically, increasing commercial opportunities and adopting a more business-like approach, becoming an integral part of how the Council works. The development of a commercial mind-set will require a change in culture with leadership, investment and training.”

He added: “The work of the Redesign Board has  shown that we are genuinely open to ideas and fresh thinking. We have a workforce which is second to none and we will work with them and with our communities to build on what we have learned and to shape services in a much better way into the future.”