The Food and Drink TechHUB programme offers tailored support to help local food and drink producers and supply chain businesses to grow.

It provides business support, technical advice, and events for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Highland Council area. It's particularly useful if you're looking to adopt new technology to increase your business's productivity and cut carbon emissions.

The programme can help you to:

• build skills
• streamline your processes
• boost your output
• cut costs
• reduce your carbon footprint

You'll get access to the TechHUB network, which offers:

• online and in-person events
• immersive learning journeys
• hands-on workshops
• peer-to-peer support 

You'll also receive free, one-to-one advice from an expert to help you discover tech solutions that match your needs.

Yes, if you're one of the following:

• a food or drink producer
• a food or drink supply chain business
• someone with plans to set up a new food or drink-related business

Your business must be:

• located in the Highland Council area
• classed as a small to medium-sized enterprise

There are additional eligibility criteria for some parts of the support. You'll receive these details after you apply if appropriate.

This is a free service. 

Food and drink producers and supply chain businesses in the Highland Council region, or those who plan to set up a new food and drink-related business.

Your initial enquiry will be assessed within 10 working days. Then you'll be directed to the appropriate support.

To apply, you'll need to complete an application form on the MyHIE portal. You'll hear the outcome of your application within 5 working days.

During the support period, you'll have to commit to a specific number of hours. The exact time commitment will vary depending on the type of support you receive.

The TechHUB programme will run on a continuous basis until February 2026.

If you're receiving technical advice as part of your support, you must complete the relevant project by December 2025.

Any expert advice you receive as part of this support will be provided by external contractors. They'll send you a letter to explain what's involved.

The TechHUB programme will run on a continuous basis until February 2026.

If you're receiving technical advice as part of your support, you must complete the relevant project by December 2025.

Visit the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website for more information and to submit an enquiry.