News

Scottish Parliament Offers Its Congratulations to Invisible Heating Systems

18 January 2008
In session in January 2008 Rob Gibson, MSP raised Ullapool-based Invisible Heating Systems’ inclusion in Fast Company Magazine’s fifty most innovative companies in the world in 2007. The Parliament offered its congratulations to all staff in the company for this impressive achievement, noted that other entries on the list include the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger and high profile global companies IKEA and Nike; Parliament also stated their belief that this inclusion is a boost not only to Ullapool but also to businesses in the Highlands and Islands and wished every success to Invisible Heating Systems and others like it in the Highlands and Islands for 2008 and beyond.

This is a sign of real affirmation for Invisible Heating Systems. Despite its commitment to the local area and its continued growth over the past twelve years, the company is currently experiencing significant barriers to growth locally as it struggles with a number of development planning issues. Director Henk Verweijmeren expressed his frustration recently saying “Within the renewables industry, Invisible Heating Systems has a reputation for its innovative approach to the solution of technical challenges and the company has always pushed the boundaries of exploring what it’s possible to achieve. However, certain elements need to be in place to facilitate any business’s growth and development. Our struggles with local planning both in terms of the pace of decision-making and lack of commercial vision has proved extremely disappointing, frustrating and costly. It’s entirely possible to run a highly successful company in a remote rural area that’s not dependant on traditionally recognised industries such as tourism and fishing. People want to live and work in places like Ullapool but services, infrastructure and reasonable jobs need to be present in order to attract and retain an intelligent and vibrant workforce. Our planners need to accept this, be more proactive and commercially aware and move as quickly as today’s markets demand.”