Jane Morrison-Ross

SOSE assists 800 organisations in latest annual report and accounts

South of Scotland Enterprise engaged with and supported almost 800 businesses, social enterprises and community groups in the last financial year.

The figures are included in SOSE’s latest annual report and accounts, which highlight the investments and impacts the region’s community and economic development agency has made during the year which runs from April 2021 to March 2022.

The annual report and accounts are available to read here.  

Key figures

  • A total of 790 organisations received one-to-one engagement and advice, 191 of which received grants which totalled £13.4million. This is an increase on the £11.7m of non-COVID-19 grants awarded to 172 organisations in 2020/21.
  • In addition, £2.9m was directed towards strategic partnerships, programmes and projects which included the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere.
  • Over 2,200 jobs within businesses in the South were safeguarded, and 875 posts created, thanks to SOSE’s investment and support, while 148 roles were safeguarded and 79 posts created in community groups.

There were a number of other achievements in 2021/22, such as the creation of a Net Zero Directorate and Natural Capital team to help the South of Scotland work towards Net Zero and a wellbeing economy.

There was a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship which has included new enterprise coaches focussed on supporting women and young people.

Other achievements included the establishment of the South of Scotland Business Panel, working with partners to launch the Regional Economic Strategy, visiting 23 towns and villages as part of engagement tour and SOSE picking up a Carbon Literacy bronze award.

SOSE Chief Executive Jane Morrison-Ross said:

“Our latest annual report and accounts shows our focus remained firmly on the wellbeing of our communities, economy, and our environment – on people, prosperity and the planet.

“During 2021/22, we remained dedicated to helping those continuing to recover from COVID-19 pandemic, as well as assisting businesses and communities who are creating opportunities for the future.

“We have innovative, resilient, outward looking industries in the South of Scotland, who are helping to leading the way on Fair Work and Net Zero making our region an even more attractive place to live, work and learn.

“While our businesses and communities are facing significant challenges presently, SOSE remains committed to realising our ambitions for the South of Scotland and unlocking its potential to drive forward inclusive economic growth.”

Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of SOSE, added:

“Our annual report and accounts highlights the breadth of the businesses, communities, social enterprises and individuals we have worked with, and continue to support.

“It also shows how flexible and open to any ideas we are, provided they contribute to the vision we all share for the South.

“A critical part of our role as an economic and community development agency is to provide development support for the region, not simply funding.

“This is highlighted by the 790 businesses, communities and projects who we assisted to find information, access relevant support, develop ideas, make changes and improvements, and prepare themselves for future recovery and growth.”