The Highlands and Islands Forest Industry Cluster (HIFIC) is an industry-led group which has been operating for several years and is made up of volunteers from the north of Scotland's forestry sector.
One of four regional clusters covering Scotland, HIFIC was set up to help improve competitiveness of forestry in an area extending from the Shetland Isles in the north to the Cumbraes in the South, the west coast and as far as Keith in the east.
The diversity of the north's forest sector is characterised by several major businesses to smaller processing facilities serving local and niche products and conventional forest products industries, sawmilling and panel manufacture, together with the application of biomass for energy, are strong components of the local economy.
The group is supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and delivers a number of events to both individuals and businesses. These focus on key issues facing the industry as well as exploring potential solutions; to date, events have covered a range of subjects including transport and logistics, technology and innovation, safety and business development.
HIFIC encourages co-operation, networking and development within the industry and helps to identify new opportunities for knowledge transfer and forest industry awareness. It also provides links between the industry and its stakeholders and provides strategic advice to HIE, as required.