Highlands and Islands students show they mean business

The next generation of Highland business leaders were recognised at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness today (Tuesday).

Paul Houlden, Chair of the Institute of Directors Scotland’s Highlands and Islands branch, visited the University of the Highlands and Islands to award budding entrepreneurs student membership of the body.

Student membership is aimed at supporting the directors of the future and ensuring they are better qualified to lead companies should they choose to go into business for themselves or develop their careers in the public or third sector when they leave education.

Students from across Highlands and Islands campuses showed great interest in the scheme, with 21 applying before 14 were eventually awarded IoD membership after their applications were assessed by a judging panel.

An event took place at the University of the Highlands and Islands Executive Office in Inverness to formally welcome the successful students and provide an opportunity to meet Paul Houlden, who said:

“The level of interest from students from across the Highlands and Islands has been fantastic, and suggests many are intending to set up their own companies once they have gained their qualifications.

“The membership of students within the IoD is of mutual benefit and provides great opportunity to foster relationships with leaders of the future as well as to teach our young members the importance of governance and the role of a director in a business.

“We’ve been encouraged by the enthusiasm and entrepreneurial approach of all the students and greatly appreciate the support of the University of the Highlands and Islands, where without their financial undertaking of students’ membership fees this initiative could not have happened. We are excited about working together to grow the initiative further in the future.”

Rose Bugler, MSc Sustainable Rural Development, a successful IoD student applicant from, Lews Castle College UHI, said: "Being a student member of the Institute of Directors is a great opportunity. I know how useful it is to find mentors and learn from established business contacts. As a mature student I may be in more of a hurry than some of the youngsters and being able to take part in regional as well as national networks, physically as well as virtually, is the cherry on the cake."

Dr Iain Morrison, dean of students, said: “The University of the Highlands and Islands is delighted to be the first Scottish university to sponsor IoD student memberships. The university plays a key role in developing current and future business leadership and meeting the needs of employers in our region. We are proud of our students who have successfully attained IoD membership and have high expectations of them in their future careers.”