One of Britain's leading economists is coming to Inverness to provide an insight into the economic challenges beyond the recession.

Professor David Bell is guest speaker at the second high profile business seminar hosted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) at the Centre for Health Science (Ionad Eòlas Slàinte) in Inverness.

Professor of Economics at the University of Stirling Management School, David Bell is also a co-director of Scotecon (Scottish Economic Policy Framework) and a budget advisor to the finance committee in the Scottish Parliament.

His lecture, "The Highlands and Islands Beyond Recession" is being held on Friday April 30 2010 at 4:00pm. This is a free event open to all of the Highlands and Islands business community.

Ruaraidh MacNeil, Operations Manager for HIE's Inner Moray Firth team said: "This lecture series aims to provide attendees with the most up to date views on the current economic situation and what this may mean for their business beyond a recession. This is an exciting opportunity for businesses across the Highlands and Islands and should not be missed."


Professor Grant Jarvie, Deputy Principal, University of Stirling added: "The University of Stirling is delighted to work in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, given our common interest and expertise in assisting economic development in the Highlands and Islands."

Gillian Galloway, Project Director at the Centre for Health Science said: "We are delighted that HIE and the University of Stirling are hosting these lectures in the Centre for Health Science and are looking forward to welcoming Professor Bell and the Highlands and Islands business community."

Businesses are also welcome to attend a workshop on Thursday April 29 at the Centre for Health Science, organised by UHI HI Links, in partnership with the Intellectual Assets Centre (IAC). Starting at 12pm the event will focus on exploiting company know-how, trade secrets and other valuable assets. It will be delivered by Frank Rinaldi from Evolution Life Science on behalf of the IAC and will provide a general introduction to different types of intellectual assets for the life sciences sector, however individuals from any sector are welcome to attend to find out more.

To book a place on the free UHI event contact Charlotte Ball charlotte.ball@uhi.ac.ukcharlotte.ball@uhi.ac.uk 01463 279 368

(GK)