Highlands and Islands Enterprise have launched a competitive tendering process for the development of seven new business units at Eabhal Business Park in Balivanich, Benbecula, in the Outer Hebrides.

The project forms part of wider investment by HIE to create flexible workspaces in rural locations around the region.

The first phase of the Benbecula project was completed in 2020. This saw five small units developed at the business park, following a high level of interest from local firms. They are now fully occupied with the last lease concluding in July 2021.

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The new units will be for commercial, office or industrial use and have been designed by Balivanich firm, Fraser Architecture, to meet modern building standards and to maximise the efficiency of the internal areas. Recycled material will be used to provide the building with increased insulation.

This latest project is part of a series of small business units being developed by HIE across the Highlands and Islands to meet increasing demand from local businesses for small, affordable premises. The units will be around 40-60m² each in size.

Joanna Peteranna, HIE's area manager for the Outer Hebrides, said: "Many small firms want to expand, remain in the local area and employ more people and this depends on the availability of suitable premises. Such availability is also vital in attracting new businesses into the islands. We've seen very high demand for small and affordable premises in Benbecula and this project helps to addresses that demand.

"We are keen to offer small units that are appropriate to the changing needs of local businesses, and incoming firms, as they adopt new ways of working to meet new challenges."