Employment and job opportunities in Orkney
Orkney's traditional industries are farming and fishing. Tourism and food processing, especially at the quality end of the market, are increasingly important. Renewable energy and environmental consultancy are emerging and rapidly growing sectors of the economy.
The service sector is the largest employer with a demand for accountants, lawyers and IT specialists.
Over 7,000 people are employed in the islands, with almost one-third of these working for Orkney Islands Council, NHS Orkney and other public sector organisations.
Oil-related employment is focused mainly on the oil terminal at Flotta, along with several specialist service companies.
Many small businesses have established themselves on Orkney in recent years, and the continuing advances in telecommunications technology mean that Orkney's distance from the mainland of Scotland is no longer a disadvantage.
Starting a business
HIE Orkney provides advice to people wishing to start up in business, and can also provide funding provided the business is not directly competing with another which is already serving the same local market. For more information on employment and/or starting a business please contact:
HIE Orkney
14, Queen Street, Kirkwall, KW15 1JE
Tel: 01856 874 638 Fax: 01856 872 915
Orkney Islands Council
School Place, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY
Tel: 01856 873 535
NHS Orkney
Garden House, New Scapa Road, Kirkwall, KW15 1BQ
Te: 01856 885 400 Fax: 01856 885 411
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