OREANDA-NEWS. The Bhlaraidh wind farm is officially “Open4Business” as SSE recently hosted a local supply chain event in Invermoriston’s Millennium Hall. The drop-in event saw over 30 local businesses come along to speak with the Bhlaraidh wind farm construction team, Scottish Hydro Electric (SHE) Transmission, SSE’s Open4Business team, RJ McLeod and Balfour Beatty to find out about possible opportunities arising out of SSE’s construction projects in the north of Scotland.

Billy Jack, Construction Project Manager for Bhlaraidh said: “The 32 turbine Bhlaraidh wind farm is due to begin main construction in Spring 2016, and as a responsible developer we are keen to engage with the local supply chain to create opportunities wherever possible. We were overwhelmed by how busy the event was, considering the remote location, and we were delighted to welcome so many businesses from different backgrounds and expertise on the day.”

Archie Munro, Lead Project Manager with SHE Transmission said: “The event was very useful and we enjoyed speaking with such a wide range of businesses from accommodation providers to Forestry Services. This is the first of these events I have attended and I was very pleased with the number of local service providers who attended and expressed an interest. I understand that our Principal Contractor, Balfour Beatty, has taken away a significant number of contact details. Opportunities will be posted on the portal throughout the winter.”

The O4B portal allows local suppliers to view SSE opportunities, register as a supplier and respond to notices free of charge. Users of the site can then also advertise their own opportunities such as sub-contracting work on other projects.

The portal has received external recognition in the form of two awards – one from the Scottish Council for Development and Industry for Business Service and Engagement, the second at the Green Energy Awards for Supply Chain Development.