VisitScotland welcomes publication of South of Scotland Enterprise Agency Consultation

VisitScotland Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead has welcomed the publication of the consultation report on the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency.

He said: “It is encouraging to see that so many individuals and businesses have taken the opportunity to take part in this consultation exercise. The south of Scotland now has a voice which is as loud as other parts of Scotland. This will be an agency for the south, by the south.

“The economy of the south of Scotland will benefit greatly from this new impetus to stimulate growth and success. Scotland is about building bridges, connecting places and bringing people together. Tourism is at the heart of this – it touches every community, generating income, jobs and social change. We need to be ambitious about our area to ensure we fulfil our potential – and this partnership will allow us to invest in and develop new talent and new thinking.”

Huge support for Scottish Government’s vision for South of Scotland

Investment in innovation, good employment opportunities, the creation of a skilled workforce, and more opportunities for young people, were some of the issues identified by respondents to a Scottish Government consultation, as being key to the future success of the new enterprise agency for the South of Scotland.

Many of the 268 respondents to the consultation also suggested that South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) should focus on improving infrastructure and creating a more diverse local economy, whilst ensuring those sectors that are traditionally important to the area, continue to be valued.

Commenting on the consultation report, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“We recognise the need for a new approach in the South of Scotland, which addresses key challenges facing the area, which is why we moved to create a new enterprise agency. That agency will be crucial in transforming the fortunes of this important economic region, by working with local partners to create a clear vision, and putting in place the foundations for sustainable and inclusive growth. Some work is already underway to achieve that, with £7.7 million being awarded to projects across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders by SOSE’s interim partnership in July, to provide careers opportunities and build community resilience.

“We’ve had a very strong response to the consultation, and it was encouraging to see that the majority of respondents agreeing with the Scottish Government’s proposals. I was also interested to read of concerns regarding potential loss of funding post-Brexit, a lack of education and skills opportunities, and restrictions to business growth caused by burdensome bureaucracy.

“I’m very grateful to all those who took the time to respond. We will now take the time to carefully consider all the views and ideas submitted.”

Russel Griggs Chair of South of Scotland Economic Partnership said:

“The development of a new and thriving economy for the south of Scotland has to be something all communities in the area sign up to and endorse so that we can bring the best possible opportunities and economic growth to the area. This consultation meetings were well attended with a wealth of ideas and views which will be at the heart of this new enterprise agency for the south of Scotland. From more opportunities for young people to improving our infrastructure, it’s an exciting time for the area and I look forward to seeing these ideas being brought to fruition.”

Background

The full report can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/Publications/2018/10/9556 

The pre-legislative public consultation on the South of Scotland Enterprise Agency ran for 12 weeks between 15 March and 7 June. The consultation sought views to help inform the legislation to establish the Agency, outlining its powers and scope, as well as assisting in shaping the detail of the Agency and the operational work we are taking forward to establish it. We received 268 responses.

The formal written consultation was supplemented by 26 engagement events. The consultation was organised by the South of Scotland Economic Partnership which brings together key public sector partners on an interim basis until the Agency is launched in April 2020. The events took the form of morning and evening public meetings in towns and villages across the South. The events were well attended by a total of 536 people ranging from business-owners and entrepreneurs, to people from community groups and interested individuals.

Of the 268 responses to the consultation, 153 came from individuals (57%) and 115 from organisations (43%).

87% of respondents stated that they agreed with the Scottish Government’s vision.