South of Scotland Economic Partnership to hit the road

One year on from the South of Scotland Economic Partnership’s community engagement events across the region the Partnership is hitting the road again.

The events, taking place from May 9 and running into July, will enable businesses, organisations, communities and individuals to find out about the progress the Partnership has made in its first 18 months of operation, as well as the future of a dedicated enterprise agency for the south of Scotland.

Prof Russel Griggs, chair of the Partnership, said: “One year ago we held 26 events across the south of Scotland, having conversations about the challenges and opportunities we have and the potential powers and focus of a new agency.

“Twelve months on much has changed – a Bill is progressing through the Scottish Parliament to establish South of Scotland Enterprise and over £8million of funding has been distributed by the Scottish Government through the Partnership for a wide range of projects.

“It is important now for us to go back to communities, businesses and organisations and explain what we heard, what we’ve done and, on the back of the progress to date, get a feel for what everyone thinks of the future.

“I’d encourage anyone who has an interest in the future of the economy and skills and training in the south of Scotland to attend one of the upcoming events.”

In addition to general SoSEP engagement events, a number of sector-specific events will take place, and business breakfast meetings to increase engagement with firms across the region.

The stakeholder events are being managed by the Southern Uplands Partnership on behalf of the South of Scotland Economic Partnership. Places can be booked at www.sup.org.uk/sosep.asp

The membership of South of Scotland Economic Partnership is made up of a wealth of business experience across sectors, sizes and locations relevant to the south of Scotland, as well as representatives from education, the third sector and the public sector.

As well as bringing together key partners to boost the economic performance of the south of the country, the Scottish Government has provided a significant investment package to assist the partnership.