Skip to main content

Economic Development

Are you in business in Shetland?  Would you like to establish a business here?  Either way, we hope that you will find this page a useful introduction to the services of the Council’s Economic Development Unit.  It contains a brief outline of what we do and includes the contact details you’ll need.

Our work is based on the Shetland Economic Development Policy Statement 2007-2011 . The Economic Development Policy Statement acts as the policy framework for the work of the Council’s Development Committee and the Economic Development Unit.

The policies included in the document will be added to, amended or deleted in the course of the Council’s work. The Economic Development Policy Statement will therefore be updated regularly by the Development Committee to reflect these changes.

The Economic Development Unit manages the Business Gateway service in Shetland and through the service can provide you with practical help, advice and support for both new and existing businesses. A list of our current business advisers in Shetland can be accessed here.

Our activities fall under three main headings.

  • Our Research and Development Service undertakes a range of research work and publishes information about Shetland, for example the annual Shetland in Statistics.  It also pursues the development of technology, particularly in renewable energy.  Our European Bureau is part of this Service.
  • Our Ventures Service undertakes investment in a variety of projects across all Shetland’s economic sectors.  If you have a business idea, it’s possible that it may be eligible for support under one of our schemes of assistance.  We’ll be happy to discuss your proposals and we may be able to alert you to other sources of advice.
  • Our Marketing Service seeks to ensure that Shetland’s reputation is enhanced and that the community and its entrepreneurs are confident as they approach the marketplace.  This entails encouraging the best possible understanding of consumer needs and ensuring that our products are as good as they can b

The Economic Development Unit, which houses all these functions, is located in the centre of Lerwick at North Ness Business Park. We share office premises with Highlands and Islands Enterprise's Lerwick Office.   You can contact us by one of the following methods:

Current Consultation Documents

SHEFA2 Interconnect Public Consultation Document

E-mail:

development@sic.shetland.gov.uk

Business Advice through our Business Gateway

Telephone:

01595 744 940

Fax:

01595 744 961

Post:

Shetland Islands Council
Economic Development Unit
Solarhus
3 North Ness Business Park
Lerwick
Shetland
ZE1 0LZ