A new partnership will devise a fresh approach to economic development in the south of Scotland, with a £10million injection for enterprise in Dumfries and Galloway.
The Scottish Government has revealed the public and private sector partners who will make up the South of Scotland Economic Partnership, which will pave the way for a dedicated enterprise agency for the region, supported by funding announced in last month’s Budget.
The partnership features members with 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 worth £10 million.
Economy Secretary Keith Brown said:
“This new partnership for the South of Scotland will be responsible for delivering a new approach to economic growth across the region as we prepare for the establishment of a new economic development agency for the South of Scotland.
“A range of key people with business, education, public sector and third sector experience have agreed to be members of the South of Scotland Economic Partnership, and we will back their commitment with additional resources of £10m to boost economic development activities in the South of Scotland.
“The Partnership will ensure that the South of Scotland benefits from a dedicated focus in advance of the establishment of a new statutory agency.”Mr Brown confirmed Professor Russell Griggs OBE as private sector chair of the body, and Borders Council’s Rob Dickson as the public sector lead back in November.
Professor Griggs OBE said: “I am pleased to be working with people with such a wide range of skills, expertise and commitment to the South of Scotland. The Partnership is now ready to bring a fresh approach to economic development to the South. We’re ambitious for the area and determined to make early progress.”
BACKGROUND
The full membership of the South of Scotland Economic Partnership is:
Chair of the Partnership – Professor Russel Griggs, OBE
Members bringing private sector expertise
Tom Barrie, Currie Solutions
Alistair Cameron, Scotmas Ltd
John Fordyce, Three Stills Company Limited
Paula Ogilvie, Borders Book Festival and Bright Sparks Services
Tracey Roan, Roan’s Dairy
David Sulman, UK Forest Products and Scottish Timber Trade Association
Lorna Young, Indigo Works
Members bringing third sector expertise
Amanda Burgauer, Scottish Rural Action
Helen Forsyth, Berwickshire Housing Association
Fred Murray, Old Luce Community Trust
Members bringing further and higher education expertise
Barbara Kelly, Crichton Leadership Group
Tony Jakimciw, Borders College
Members from public sector organisations supporting economic development in the South of Scotland
Chris Brodie, Head of Skills, Planning and Sector Development, Skills Development Scotland
Douglas Cowan, Director, Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Michael Cross, Interim Director of Access, Skills and Outcome Agreements, Scottish Funding Council
Tracey Logan, Chief Executive, Scottish Borders Council
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive, VisitScotland
Iain Scott, Chief Financial Officer, Scottish Enterprise
Gavin Stevenson, Chief Executive, Dumfries and Galloway Council
