Agenda item

Consider update by Director – Resilient Communities (To follow.)

1.1       There had been circulated copies of a report by the Director of Resilient Communities which provided elected members with an update on key areas of economic development delivery affecting the Scottish Borders.  The report identified the major policies and strategies that were driving regional economic development and detailed key pieces of work.  The Local Employability Partnership (LEP) was established in September 2021 to drive the employability agenda and to foster a strong collaborative approach to delivery. The importance of the LEP had been recognised by the Scottish Government to ensure that there was further integration and alignment of employability and skills provision at local level.  Over the last year the LEP had gained a stronger understanding of the local employability needs in the Scottish Borders supported by partners such as Skills Development Scotland (SDS), Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), employability services, third sector, educational organisations and the NHS, and was working to deliver a more coordinated approach to service delivery.  Scottish Borders Council (SBC) and SOSE agreed to form a strategic partnership in relation to the delivery of the Business Gateway Service in November 2020, with the transfer of services completed in April 2021.  The report provided a regular update on delivery and confirms a general increase in Business Gateway activity over recent months.  The refreshed Scottish Borders Strategic Events Plan was approved in August 2022 for a five year period to 2027.  The new plan was ambitious and targeted support towards strategic events which had regional economic impact, were sustainable and worked towards the delivery of net zero. As a host venue Glentress and the Scottish Borders would have a major role during the Cycling World Championships which would see around 1,000 riders representing national teams, international cycling media, and an anticipated 20,000 spectators come to the Tweed Valley from 6 to 13 August later in the year.  There was an expected TV audience (across the entire World Championships) of one billion people, and the Tweed Valley would host five of the championship events. The South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership (REP) held its first in-person meeting on 24 March 2023. Partnership members agreed that the key areas of focus for the REP over the next two years would be housing, skills and transport as the ‘grand challenges’ that were central to realising the ambitions detailed in the Regional Economic Strategy.  The Chief Officer – Economic Development, Ms Sam Smith presented the report and responded to Members questions.  Regarding the potential for cross-ticketing of appropriate attractions and events, Ms Smith confirmed that discussions had begun to ensure cohesion between the different Borderlands investments.  In response to a question regarding the total financial support available through the Community Festivals and Small Grant Scheme, and the Council Community Cycling Scheme Grant Fund, the Principal Officer – Economic Development, confirmed that £125k was available for the former, and £70k for the latter. Ms Smith confirmed that the criteria for the Community Festivals Fund was published on the SBC website, and undertook to share the link with Members.  In response to a question regarding creating links with the South of Scotland Destination, Ms Smith undertook to organise a members briefing at a future date.

1.2       The Chair welcomed Ms Susan Harkins of SOSE to the meeting. Ms Harkins delivered a presentation on Driving Entrepreneurs in the South of Scotland.  An overview of the SOSE Entrepreneurial lifecycle was presented, which outlined how support was provided to supporting people and enterprise explained.  The focus was on individuals, with no set rules on where to find or define entrepreneurs.  There were 4 pillars of activity, aimed at inspiring individuals to start a business and provide a cycle of support throughout that process.  Ms Harkins explained that a gap had been identified in the region regarding inspiring people to start businesses.  Whilst Business Gateway could assist individuals who had already decided to start a business, there was little impetus on inspiring new entrepreneurs.  It was hoped that by offering a full suite of support potential entrepreneurs would be inspired to start a business.  An inclusive approach had been developed, and work was expected to take place in communities, and within educational facilities.  Ms Harkins highlighted that a Game Freak event in Galashiels had been well received by attendees.  Connection and networking events had been held in Eyemouth, Hawick, Peebles, Kelso and Galashiels, at which 20-20 people had been in attendance.  Members thanked Ms Harkins for her insightful presentation and highlighted that working in partnership was key to success in the area.  It was agreed that copies of the slide presentation would be shared.

DECISION

AGREED to:-

(a)     note the information that was provided regarding the current economic development landscape affecting the Scottish Borders; and

(b)     note where future delivery updates will be reported back to Executive.