OREANDA-NEWS. June 26, 2012. SSE plc is launching an exciting and innovative website today which will contribute to the economic well-being of the Highland economy. The innovative website - www.sseopen4business-highlands.com is designed specifically to offer Highland businesses, service providers and local suppliers the opportunity to do business with the UK’s second largest energy company.

The Highland portal site will provide an easy-to-use platform for SSE to promote upcoming business opportunities in the region, allowing local suppliers to easily view available SSE opportunities, register as a supplier and respond to notices free of charge. Users of the site can then also advertise their own opportunities such as sub-contracting work for SSE projects. They can also use the portal to advertise their own opportunities to the local supplier base.

A networking launch event is being held today in Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, and will be attended by representatives from the Highlands business community. The initiative has the support of The Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Inverness Chamber of Commerce; and trade bodies The Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) and Energy North.

SSE’s Managing Director, Group Services, Jim McPhillimy, said: “We recognise that the communities in which we work and operate are very important and that we play a valuable role in contributing to the local economy. We are committed to making sure that Highland businesses and suppliers partner us and play a real part in what we believe is a very exciting time for the Highlands.

"The launch of www.sseopen4business-highlands.com is just a starting point, putting the mechanism in place, and is already populated with some opportunities. With a significant pipeline of investment in the energy industry over the next ten years, which could be in the region of ?5-10bn in the Highlands and Islands alone across energy networks, renewable generation and energy services, we expect the portal to become a major tool to benefit and boost the economy of the Highlands and Islands."

Councillor Jimmy Gray, the Convener of the Highland Council said: "The Highland Council is very pleased to be involved with this innovative project being launched today by SSE.  This is an exciting opportunity for Highland businesses to work with SSE as they develop their extensive portfolio of projects throughout the area.  The economic benefits for the Highlands will be immense and I urge all businesses to register.  In addition, The Highland Council’s Business Gateway is available to help any business develop their capacity to win contracts."

SCDI's Highlands & Islands Manager, Fraser Grieve said: "SSE's commitment to supporting youth employment and opening up their supply chain should be welcomed.

"There is no doubt of the level of investment being put into the Highlands & Islands and we must ensure the benefit of that investment is realised by businesses and communities across the region."

Stewart Nicol, Chief Executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce commented: "This is a huge commercial opportunity for Highland businesses and I would urge them to fully engage with one of our most significant member organisations, SSE.

"The web-portal is an innovative way in which businesses can both bid for work and assess their readiness to compete in this important marketplace.  We look forward to working with SSE over the coming years to ensure their massive investment programme truly benefits Highland businesses."