New head man for Moray
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THE man who helped secure a £315million grant has been appointed Highlands and Islands Enterprise's new area manager for Moray.
Dr Stuart Black, who takes over from Donna Chisholm, was the executive chief officer for 'transformation and economy' with the Highland Council.
In this role he led the local authority's successful bid to attract the £315million Inverness and Highland City-Region deal.
Commenting on his new post in Moray, he said: "I am delighted to be taking up this role, leading the Moray team, particularly at a time where there are significant opportunities, including those arising from the Moray Growth Deal and significant investment in the area by the Ministry of Defence and Boeing.
"The area has many global brands helping drive the economy, from whisky, food and drink, textiles and engineering, there are significant opportunities for growth and innovation in all these sectors.
"There are also challenges of course, including uncertainties over Brexit and attracting new talent to the area to ensure that businesses will have access to the skills they need for the future.
"I look forward to working with the team and our partners, particularly Moray Council. Collaboration is the most effective means of strengthening the economy and community resilience of the Moray area."
In July the UK and Scottish governments have jointly announced the £65 million Moray Growth Deal to help unlock the region’s economic potential.
Dr Black has more than 20 years experience in economic development professional in the Highlands and has worked for HIE before.
Originally from Inverness, he studied geography at the University of Edinburgh.
He followed this with a doctorate in town and regional planning at the University of Glasgow, then started his career as a lecturer in land economy at the University of Aberdeen.
