Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has appointed a specialist operating company to run a new multi-million-pound innovation centre to support manufacturing in Moray.

The Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM) has been developed by HIE at Enterprise Park Forres to stimulate innovation and growth in manufacturing companies across Moray and create hundreds of jobs over the next decade.

Business support organisation Elevator UK, which supports entrepreneurship, innovation and growth impact across Scotland, will develop and manage the services offered by MICM.

These will have a strong emphasis on transitioning to low carbon practices and supporting the new wave of green business opportunities. Elevator will also lead on stakeholder engagement, marketing and promotion of the facility.

MICM is a Moray Growth Deal (MGD) project led by HIE that includes more than £2.4m funding from UK Government, £1.8m from the Scottish Government, and £2.5m from HIE.

It will include business incubator spaces for start-up ventures alongside project spaces where existing businesses can innovate.

There will also be a demonstrator suite for showcasing the latest concepts in advanced manufacturing technology and equipment, plus the opportunity for businesses to tap into free innovation consultancy.

David Reid, HIE area manager for Moray, said: “We’re delighted to have Elevator onboard. MICM will be stimulating innovation and growth in manufacturing companies across Moray and is expected to support up to 300 jobs in the next ten years.

“Elevator will bring fresh thinking and a dynamic approach to developing the centre’s services and promoting these through stakeholder engagement.”

Rachel Ross, CEO of Elevator, said: “With a longstanding commitment to regional engagement and entrepreneurship, our team at Elevator is excited to work alongside HIE and other stakeholders at MICM in Forres and add to Moray’s proud history in manufacturing.

“The region has so many incredible opportunities for existing and new businesses to tap into the growing green energy and other supply chain opportunities, so this could not be launching at a better time.”

Moray has more manufacturing jobs per head of population than any other part of Scotland. These are mostly in sectors such as fabrication, technology and advanced engineering, forestry and textiles, and food and drink.

The operating contract will begin the mobilisation and business consultation phase in October with a full service launch date due in early April 2026. Businesses are welcome to contact Elevator to express interest in the new centre and services. The company will shortly launch a dedicated page on HIE’s website.