Local politicians have expressed their disappointment with a recent announcement about South of Scotland Enterprise Agency.
The Scottish Government has boasted that £10 million will be made available to help set up the agency and that an ‘Economic Partnership’ is to be established to pave the way for a dedicated enterprise agency.
While welcoming the commitment to set up a dedicated enterprise body for the south of Scotland, John Lamont MP and Rachael Hamilton MSP have pointed to a number of issues.
The membership of the Economic Partnership is lacking in digital expertise and is made up mainly of people from national organisations. There is still no indication that the partnership nor the board of the Enterprise Agency, once set up will be based in the region.
The amount of money set aside for getting the agency up and running is also very disappointing. In 2017-18, Highlands and Islands Enterprise had a budget of £67 million against a budget of £188.8 million for Scottish Enterprise. The Scottish Government’s funding for the interim organisation is only £10 million.
South of Scotland Enterprise is not expected to be operational until 2020.
At General Questions, Rachael Hamilton MSP raised the issue of a lack of digital expertise with Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work. Mr Brown invited Mrs Hamilton to discuss any concerns and help shape the direction of the enterprise.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said: “The South Scotland Enterprise is finally getting underway after years of waiting and this will no doubt help the Borders economy grow.
“However, questions do remain over the lack of digital and technological expertise. I have raised this concern with the Cabinet Secretary and will do so again to help shape the direction of the Enterprise.
“It is essential that we get this right for the Borders to meet its potential. I will make sure I am part of the conversation and the process to get it right and I look forward to meeting with the Cabinet Secretary to do just that.”
John Lamont MP added: “It’s welcome news that we are getting closer to the creation of a South of Scotland Enterprise Agency.
“However, I am getting increasingly concerned that the Scottish Government is going to miss an opportunity here.
“The enterprise agency needs to be based in the south, not run from the central belt and it needs to be properly funded.
“I’m calling for the Scottish Government to show a bit of ambition and seize what is a fantastic opportunity to bring much needed jobs and businesses to the Borders.”