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PARTNERS

Key partners are working together towards a collective vision for the South of Scotland to be a green fair and flourishing region.   All partners are dedicated to providing support for both existing businesses and those looking to bring their operations to the South.

REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

The South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership (REP) brings together a wide range of expertise and sets the direction of the regional economy. The REP has a collective ambition to deliver a clear and compelling vision for the economic success of the South of Scotland – one which will harness the efforts of all partners. Its role is to inform the development of and oversee the delivery of the Regional Economic Strategy (RES).

The partnership forms part of a new regional structure in the South of Scotland to help drive economic success. This includes the dedicated economic and community development agency, South of Scotland Enterprise agency (SOSE), which went live on 1 April 2020, which operates alongside existing public agencies and Dumfries and Galloway (DGC) and Scottish Borders Councils (SBC). The REP also links into the Convention of South of Scotland (COSS) which is chaired by the Deputy First Minister and brings together local agencies and organisations with Scottish Government.

We can connect you to the right people in the right place and at the right time to ensure your business vision becomes a reality in the South. There’s never a better time to come to the South of Scotland.

key local partners

dumfries & galloway council

One of two council bodies in the South of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council is responsible for the delivery of all local authority services to nearly 149,000 people living in the urban and rural areas of the region, which proves a popular escape for its natural, unspoiled beauty and many opportunities.

Scottish Borders council

Scottish Borders Council is responsible for delivering all local authority services to over 116,000 people across this geographically dispersed, rural region. The Scottish Borders is truly a visitor destination for all seasons and the ideal location to strike a perfect work/life balance. 

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE)

South of Scotland Enterprise, or SOSE for short, is the dedicated economic and community development agency established by the Scottish Government for the South of Scotland. SOSE was established in direct response to the unique economic opportunities and challenges facing the South of Scotland, and are here to lead the delivery of a bold and locally focused approach required to succeed.  Team SOSE’s twin aims, as set out in legislation, are to further the sustainable economic and social development of the South of Scotland, and to improve the amenity and environment of the South of Scotland. Since it’s launch in 2020, SOSE has supported businesses and communities in the South with grant support and a range of services, including training and enterprise advice.

Scottish Government

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland and has a range of responsibilities that include: the economy, education, health, justice, rural affairs, housing, environment, equal opportunities, consumer advocacy and advice, transport and taxation. Some powers are reserved to the UK Government, these include: immigration, the constitution, foreign policy and defence.

Scottish Development International (SDI)

Scottish Development International, or SDI, is Scotland’s trade and foreign direct investment agency. SDI’s aim is to encourage and support more overseas businesses to set up a location here, invest in Scottish businesses or buy high quality Scottish products and services. They have already helped thousands of companies to realise their ambitions in Scotland, so you can be assured of their support before, during and after you choose the South of Scotland.

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT SCOTLAND (SDS)

Skills Development Scotland, also known as SDS, is the national skills body supporting the people and businesses of Scotland to develop and apply their skills. SDS support individuals to build their career management, work-based and employability skills, and also work with employers and employer groups on a national, sectoral, regional, local and individual basis; supporting them to recognise and articulate their current and future skills needs, and to engage with the skills system to help ensure it better meets those needs in the short, medium and longer term.

South of scotland destination alliance (SSDA)

Scotland Starts Here is a campaign created by South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) to showcase the South of Scotland. Aimed at visitors from the UK, Europe and International markets, the campaign works as a hub of information and focusses on four key themes: Hidden Wonders, Active & Outdoors, Food & Drink and History & Heritage. By putting a spotlight on authentic local experiences and award-winning products and businesses, Scotland Starts Here works to increase potential visitors’ awareness of what the area has to offer.

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