Highland Business Week has kicked off and tomorrow (September 24) sees the region’s biggest business-to-to-business exhibition take place: Highland Spotlight.
In 2023, Highland Spotlight introduced the exciting new Rising Stars showcase, a dedicated space for young entrepreneurs to shine.
The initiative was met with such enthusiasm that it’s returning this year as a key feature of the exhibition.
Let’s meet this year’s Rising Stars:
Declan Ramsey founder of DramCo_
Inverness-based DramCo_ was founded to meet the growing need for fractional executive support and business consulting in the Highlands.
The company’s mission is to adopt the vision, mission, and goals of its clients, offering tailored business solutions that foster success and strategic growth.
Fractional executives provide high-level expertise on a part-time or project basis, giving businesses access to seasoned leadership without the commitment of a full-time hire.
This flexible approach has proven successful for many businesses, enabling them to tap into executive level experience as and when they need it, whether to guide growth, streamline operations, or navigate complex challenges.
Declan said: “Exhibiting at Highland Spotlight will give DramCo_ a fantastic opportunity to showcase the life changing benefits of fractional executive support to Highland businesses.
“We’re eager to connect with local businesses and fellow solution providers to establish partnerships that will enhance our service offerings throughout the Highlands.
“Highland Spotlight is the ideal platform to educate Scottish businesses about how fractional executive support can help them manage growth and operations effectively.
“It ’s a chance to solidify DramCo_ as a key player in introducing fractional executives, driving sustainable business growth and support the economic development in the region.”
Drew Moody founder of Moody Studio Ltd
Drew said: “Moody Studio started out as a little drawing here and there to keep my mind busy, a positive saying noted down in my phone to read over when the days got a little too dark.
“It then grew into a passion project turned small business when I noticed its positive impact on my dad, who was struggling to find purpose after retiring, and me.
“Moody Studio is coming up to its first year trading as a limited company. Within that time I have set-up and designed my website to sell through, as well as Etsy, and attended markets throughout Scotland, meeting many like-minded people.
“Exhibiting at Highland Spotlight is an amazing opportunity, to network with like-minded people, people I can learn from and hopefully work with.
“Being able to market Moody Studio in a face-to-face space is not just going to help me gain confidence but also allow me to gain feedback on my products.”
Mollie Powney founder of Project Neuro Ltd
As Moray’s first neurological fitness centre, Project Neuro is a centre for those who are living with Long Term Neurological Conditions, such as MS, Parkinson’s, Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury.
It offers bespoke functional movement and exercise sessions, social groups, and therapies.
Mollie said: “After initial diagnosis of a neurological condition there is very little guidance on how movement can improve quality of life, both physically and mentally.
“Mainstream gyms can at the best of times be intimidating, then adding a neurological condition on top can create a lot of anxiety and fear. We have formed a space that is safe, knowledgeable, understanding and offers guidance.
“This is my first limited company so I have a lot of things to learn and Highland Spotlight is the perfect opportunity to do this.
“I am building my confidence with becoming a businesswoman and I’m keen to throw myself in the deep end and not shy away from opportunities.
“With more business knowledge and connections, I’ll be able to create the business I imagine with more links and connections with incredible people. I hope we can offer advice and help along the way to others also.”
Jana Drongova founder of Red Hut Furniture
Red Hut Furniture first began as The Upholstery Project and successfully rebranded at the beginning of 2024.
It mostly receives upholstery commissions and sells unique furniture pieces through the Alchemist Gallery in Dingwall.
Alongside other major projects, Red Hut Furniture supplied cushions for Edinburgh Airport, upholstered interiors for Corr Cabins (some of them went to France), and created custom-made seating for the newly opened Aye Eat restaurant on Inverness High Street.
It also has an ongoing collaboration with Studio Vans, based on the Western Isles and ANTA Scotland.
Jana said: “Highland Spotlight is an ideal opportunity to connect with the local business community.
“I’d like to introduce Red Hut Furniture to interior designers, construction companies, the hospitality industry, Airbnb owners, and I’m sure there will be many other interesting connections I haven’t even thought of yet. Since furniture can be costly to transport, it makes sense for me to work as locally as possible.”
Catriona Murch and Cara Edwards founders of Bealach Gin
Bealach Gin was founded in 2023 by Catriona Murch and Cara Edwards; both mums with young children looking to build a successful business to run in and around family life.
The concept was inspired by living in the Highlands and their connection with the landscape around.
They are stocked in 15 bars, restaurants and shops in Scotland and a hotel in the French Alps.
They said: “We would love to exhibit at Highland Spotlight to showcase our brand and make connections with new retailers and other food and drink establishments.
“We find that sending emails only goes so far and when we can chat with businesses face-to-face it gives us an opportunity to tell our story and also talk people through tasting our gin.
“It also gives us the chance to receive feedback from people more experienced than us and also a chance to learn from those who have been in the business longer than we have.”
Lia Smith and Ashlee Smith founders of Ashlia
Ashlia is a pioneering fashion rental business dedicated to offering eco-friendly occasion wear and accessories.
Founded by sisters Lia and Ashlee, with the invaluable support of their mother Carla, Ashlia was born out of a shared passion for fashion and sustainability.
Their mission is simple yet impactful: to provide an elegant, environmentally responsible alternative to traditional fashion, making luxury accessible to everyone while reducing our carbon footprint.
Having opened their first shop in Muir of Ord earlier this year, they have been going from strength to strength.
They said: “By attending Highland Spotlight, Ashlia can significantly enhance brand awareness, engage with potential customers and partners, and position itself as a leader in sustainable fashion, all while generating valuable leads and sales.”
Developing the Young Workforce and Young Enterprise Scotland will also be present with young entrepreneurs showcasing their businesses.
Highland Spotlight will run from 10am to 4pm at the Drumossie Hotel.
