HIGHLAND EXPORT CLUB EXISTS TO FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF EXPORTING  KNOWLEDGE FROM THOSE THAT HAVE IT,  TO THOSE WHO NEED IT. 

Highland Export Club was formed in 1998 from an initiative by Highlands & Islands Enterprise, The Highland Council, Inverness Chamber of Commerce and Scottish Council (Development & Industry). It covers products and services and brings together businesses which are either currently exporting or have the potential to export. It also includes those providing a service to exporters. Each pays an annual subscription, which is currently £50 plus VAT.

The membership comes predominantly from the Inner Moray Firth area but also includes members from Lochaber, Lochalsh and Gairloch. Both large and small businesses are members, each deriving different benefits from their involvement. Larger experienced companies can obviously offer the benefits of their experience to those with little or no knowledge of exporting. The larger companies can also use the Club as part of an export sales training programme for newer members of staff. It is an excellent opportunity, at minimal cost, for those considering introducing their product or service into the export market, to experience the “gains and the pains”.

The majority of the regular meetings are held at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium in Inverness, as it has proved to be the most convenient venue for most of the members. However, some meetings are also held outside Inverness. The format for all the meetings is networking between 5.30 and 6.00p.m. when a finger buffet is available. The formal session, which consists usually of two or three speakers followed by questions from the floor, is from 6.00 until 7.30p.m.

The Management Committee consists of:

George McRae, Chairman
Kirsteen Adams, Johnstons of Elgin, Elgin
Duncan Chisholm, Chisholms Highland Dress, Inverness
Tim Honnor, The Piccolo Press, Nairn
David Scott, Higgins Agriculture, Mosstodloch
Iain Thomas, Alness
Doug Ritchie, Crown Business Services, Inverness, (Secretary)