South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) has set out its ambitious priorities for the year ahead in its new Operating Plan for 2021/22, published today (Thursday 27 May).
The Plan makes clear that SOSE is for the South, by the South and in the South and will continue to work flexibly and collaboratively to establish the region as a centre of opportunity, innovation and growth.
Economic recovery is a key priority for SOSE, alongside the commitment to look ahead strategically at the opportunities to put the South of Scotland on the map and help the economy flourish.
The region’s economic and community development agency is also prioritising playing a key leadership role to drive change and will be proactive in influencing others to accelerate the realisation of a stronger, greener and fairer South of Scotland.
SOSE will develop its own offering through new services, support and funding and will be developing its performance measurement framework to assess the impact of its work.
Listening to the people of the South also remains a firm promise from SOSE, with plans to actively consult during the autumn of this year to help develop their strategic action plan which will set out SOSE’s longer term priorities and focus.
Chief Executive of SOSE, Jane Morrison-Ross said:
“Our Operating Plan sets out how we intend to make a difference through working in partnership with the people, businesses and communities of the South, and beyond.
“Our team has grown to over 80 incredible staff, with a range of backgrounds and expertise, with a huge passion for the region. We will continue to deliver upon our core values of being bold, striving, inclusive and responsible and we will do so working with everyone in the South with all our hearts.
“We strive to develop the leadership role we need to have for all of us as a voice for the South and we firmly believe that we can ensure the region can come out of this pandemic and look to a positive future.
“We continue to build important relationships with stakeholders – locally, nationally and indeed internationally – to maximise the potential of our area both today and in the future, and make sure we do what is best for the South.”
Professor Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of SOSE added:
“Our aim has always been to become the development agency that the South of Scotland has always wanted and not just a funding agency and I think our first year has shown that in practice.
“We will continue to be seen as an agency which is flexible, adaptable and skilled in providing support and expertise of all kinds to anyone who may need it to achieve their objectives.
“The people of the South of Scotland wanted us to be different and not here to do what might be ‘expected’ or has been done traditionally, but to always consider individual situations and solutions as well as seeing the bigger picture.
“As we publish our Operating Plan, our message to everyone remains – come and talk to us.
“We are very proud of our achievements to date but are firmly focused on the future and our ongoing plans to listen, be innovative, different and continue to deliver for the South of Scotland.”
Since SOSE went live on 1 April SOSE has:
- Awarded around £11.7million to 172 organisations, helping sustain 88 businesses and preparing them for recovery; safeguarding or creating 3,700 jobs and investing £8.9m in capital assets and projects
- Helped influence the award of around £14.6m to 455 businesses in the South of Scotland through Scottish Government COVID-19 funds
- Provided tailored one to one advice and support to over 700 businesses, communities and projects, aiding them to innovate, strengthen and grow
If you are a business, social enterprise or community – and have an idea or need support, no matter what it is – SOSE wants to hear from you. Get in touch by calling 0300 304 888 or visiting www.southofscotlandenterprise.com
