Relationships between business and academia have long been a vital part of industry growth. Now, more than ever, building successful, sustainable links between business and academia is crucial for the economy, and Interface is helping to forge those links for businesses and organisations across the Highlands and Islands.

Interface was established in 2005 as a central point connecting businesses and organisations from all sectors to Scotland’s world-leading universities, research institutes and colleges, to help create or improve products, processes or services. Whether it’s a large international company or the family firm, Interface can help find the right academic partner.

Here in the Highlands and Islands, we have helped hundreds of local businesses in the remotest communities and towns large and small.

Johnston’s of Elgin, Johnnie Mac’s Oysters and Staffin Community Trust have all benefited from Interface’s matchmaking skills.

Interface provides a free and impartial service, open to businesses and organisations alike, wherever they are in Scotland. Businesses of all sizes can collaborate with universities, research institutes and colleges to help drive their business ideas forward. They can partner with academics based anywhere in Scotland – and choose which one best suits their needs.

So, no matter the type of business, there is expertise available to help it grow. While tourism, food and drink, engineering, energy and IT are some of the industries that have received assistance from Interface, we work with any type of business.

Interface will support and guide businesses through the process of being matched with academic expertise and can help source funding options to offset project costs. Impacts for the businesses we work with range from employing more people and expanding product ranges, to breaking into new markets and increasing turnover. In fact, 79 per cent of Interface-assisted businesses have or expect to increase turnover.

Interface makes it easy for businesses to get a helping hand.