Park talk – Jackie Brierton

The Cairngorms area is remarkable for many things, but the numbers and diversity of its business sector are not often mentioned in its list of attractions. With an estimated 1000 enterprises operating in the National Park, it boasts one of the highest density of businesses – proportionate to population – in the country. And this level of entrepreneurship, with all the creativity and innovation it brings, is critical to the success of the National Park.

Many of these businesses are classified as micro, with fewer than 10 employees, and their combined contribution to the Scottish rural economy can be measured in the wide range of goods and services available both to local residents and the growing numbers of visitors to the Cairngorms year-on-year. Although tourism-related enterprises may be the most visible, there are enterprises operating in many other sectors, including creative industries, construction, trades, retail, care and wellbeing and business services – to name but a few. And land-based enterprise, including local estates, forestry, nature-based and agricultural businesses are a huge contributor to the National Park’s economy.

There are a number of key organisations supporting businesses in the National Park: GrowBiz, Cairngorms Business Partnership (CBP), Business Gateway and the Cairngorms Trust to name but a few. GrowBiz provides customised one-to-one support for anyone thinking of starting up, growing or diversifying a business. The CBP is the Chamber of Commerce for businesses in the National Park area, with more than 400 local members.

Running a business is not easy, and GrowBiz and the CBP are working collaboratively to ensure that enterprises in the Cairngorms feel supported and connected, with a number of joint events planned throughout 2025.

The ‘Social Economy’ is also very important to the Cairngorms. This includes social enterprises, community-owned businesses and cooperatives. Voluntary Action in Badenoch and Strathspey (VABS) provides advice and guidance to this sector, in partnership with GrowBiz and national support organisations.

At a strategic level, the Cairngorms National Park Authority provides the secretariat and leadership of an Economic Development Steering Group which oversees the delivery of the Cairngorms Economic Action Plan.

This all adds up to a vibrant – if complex – network of resources, organisations and agencies which businesses need to be aware of. A key challenge faced by business owners is how to stay informed about local (and national) developments which may affect them, and successfully navigating the various sources of support and assistance is critical.

As a member of the Cairngorms National Park Authority Board, I chair the Economic Steering Group and want to ensure that all businesses based in the National Park feel involved, engaged, and part of a supportive, collaborative community – with access to the advice and guidance they need, when they need it. Please get in touch!

For more information contact [email protected]

More information on GrowBiz at: www.growbiz.co.uk and CBP at: www.cairngormschamber.com