With two weeks to go until the deadline for the SCDI Highlands and Islands Annual Business Excellence Awards, The Crown Estate is calling on local businesses to enter to celebrate the ongoing growth and innovation of the marine sector.
The Crown Estate is sponsoring the One to Watch Award for Excellence in a Marine Business and is encouraging small businesses based in the Highlands and Islands to showcase their performance, environmental care, community involvement and sustainability.
Alan Laidlaw, Portfolio Manager for Rural and Coastal, commented:
“Encouraging excellence is key to business growth and we are proud to be able to support the continuing success of Scotland’s thriving marine industry by sponsoring the One to Watch category in this year’s awards.
“The success of the marine industry in Scotland relies upon vibrant local businesses and SMEs which provide essential jobs to remote communities, and we work closely with industry and government to maximise exciting commercial opportunities that can deliver tangible benefits to these coastal areas.”
All entries for the SCDI Highlands and Islands Annual Business Awards must be submitted by Friday 1st August and further information can be found at http://www.scdi.org.uk/events/331-scdi-hi-awards-dinner-2014. Winners will be announced at the SCDI Awards ceremony in Inverness on Friday 12th September.
With the value of aquaculture in Scotland set to rise to £2 billion in the next six years, the offshore renewable energy sector progressing well with Scottish Government project consents earlier this year and new Crown Estate leasing rights announced last week, the marine industry makes a valuable contribution towards Scotland’s economy.
To promote excellence and industry development, The Crown Estate holds the biennial Scottish 
Marine Aquaculture Awards, invests each year in aquaculture R&D (circa £250,000 in 2013/14), supports offshore renewables through a range of activity that helps reduce costs and attract investment and works with the marine leisure sector to develop new business opportunities.
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