Blog: The South of Scotland is the place to do business
Following our appearance at the Economy and Fair Work Committee on Wednesday 17 September, our Director for Investment, Business and Entrepreneurship Anthony Daye discusses the impact we have made over the last financial year.
“South of Scotland Enterprise is the most supportive agency I have ever worked with.”
The words of David Gordon-Smith of Harlow Group – an innovative aeronautical engineering company who have moved into our fantastic region in the past year.
David’s words send the clearest message – that the South of Scotland is the place to do business.
This anecdotal feedback is backed up by figures from a record-breaking year for SOSE, where we managed to not just hit but also surpass many of our targets.
We engaged with over 2,000 organisations in the last financial year — the highest number in a in our history.
We’ve approved over £10million in funding across more than 550 client-facing projects - directly fuelling innovation and growth in the South.
Unlocking ambition
We have unlocked ambition at every level — from new entrepreneurs to seasoned businesses.
Over 3,000 people have benefited from our coaching and events.
And our pilot programme Pathways has supported 262 women and under-represented individuals, helping launch over 100 new businesses.
Two-thirds of our funded organisations are female-led — a powerful signal of the South’s entrepreneurial potential.
Inward investment
Inward investment enquiries are up over 400%, driven by our designation as Scotland’s Natural Capital Innovation Zone.
We’re making real progress at our site alongside Chapelcross, with plans for a green hydrogen facility that will anchor the region’s energy transition.
We are extremely proud and excited to be playing a key role in the transformational Center Parcs development.
And we are preparing to start work on the Mountain Bike Innovation Centre - a flagship for active tourism, Research & Development and innovation.
We are also laying the groundwork for the future while we tackle head-on the challenges of the past— namely housing, transport, and infrastructure - in partnership with local and national organisations.
Real economic value
SOSE is delivering Natural Capital and Net Zero projects that create real economic value and spark new entrepreneurship.
And we are backing community-led innovation that is driving up turnover and impact.
We’re attracting high-quality inward investment — including the Harlow Group.
Harlow’s arrival and subsequent success in the South is the perfect example of why our region is a brilliant place to do business, with a breathing space to live, to work and to invest.