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Business Gateway agreement reached in Scottish Borders

A new arrangement will see South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council work together to provide Business Gateway support in the Scottish Borders from 1 April 2021.

The arrangement is part of the strategic partnership protocol agreed between SOSE and SBC in November 2020, to help both organisations work together to achieve their joint aims for the benefit of the local economy.

What is the agreement?

  • As part of the agreement, the role of Business Gateway will transfer from SBC to SOSE from 1 April, with the enterprise agency recruiting four Business Gateway posts to deliver and widen access of its services to communities across the Scottish Borders.
  • Business Gateway is a publicly funded service contributing to the economic well-being of Scotland by providing access to free business support services including online resources, workshops and events and tailored advice through business advisor support.
  • The new arrangement will mean Business Gateway will have a team of five staff based in the Borders and available to support local businesses, restoring the service to its previous staffing numbers.

All four posts are due to be advertised via a new SOSE recruitment website which will be launched this week.

Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of SOSE

“The recruitment of an additional four Business Gateway posts is good news for the Scottish Borders, particularly at this difficult time when local businesses need as much support as possible.

“The support provided by Business Gateway will complement what is already on offer from SOSE and Scottish Borders Council, and further develops the Team South of Scotland approach which will help establish our region as a centre for opportunity, innovation and growth.”

Councillor Mark Rowley, SBC’s Executive Member for Economic Regeneration and Finance

“Business Gateway in the Scottish Borders will be in very safe hands under SOSE, and of course will continue to be well supported by Scottish Borders Council and other partners.

“This is a crucial time for our businesses and I am looking forward to seeing the service being strengthened further with the recruitment of four new posts, who will help to ensure local firms continue to receive expert advice and support that will in turn benefit our local economy as a whole.”

Further information

  • South of Scotland Enterprise is the economic and community development agency for Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. Our support is tailored to individual circumstances. We are encouraging businesses, community groups, organisations to get in touch with them if they need, help, support or advice.  
  • If you are a business which has already applied for available streams of funding and are genuinely still struggling, or you have a good idea to adapt or diversity your business, please contact us.