Living Wage Week Business Breakfast attendees

Borders businesses mark Living Wage week  

The Scottish Borders Living Wage Action Group hosted a business breakfast this week (Wednesday 12 November) at the Inspire Learning Centre in Tweedbank.

As part of Living Wage Week, the event aimed to equip local businesses with practical tools and fresh ideas for attracting, retaining, and developing talent. 

Delegates enjoyed a packed morning that combined expert insight with real-world experience.

Speakers were:
  • Martin Tennant, Head of People and Health & Safety at Scotmas
  • Owen Adams, People Manager at Live Borders
  • Susan Brown, HR Manager from Evolution Bottling and Packaging Solutions
  • Heather Boyce, CEO of Streets Ahead.

Core themes ran throughout the morning including workplace wellbeing and innovative approaches to supporting staff health and happiness; inclusive recruitment and employee engagement and creating a culture where people feel valued and motivated.

Delegates shared ideas and learned from each other creating a collaborative and supportive environment for future work.

Councillor Robin Tatler, Co-Chair of the Scottish Borders Living Wage Action Group, said:

“The Scottish Borders Living Wage Action Group is committed to encouraging employers to pay the real Living Wage and become accredited Living Wage employers.

“Fair pay is essential - without it, people can’t plan for the future, or live with dignity.

“It was fantastic to see so many people attend; a great morning with businesses engaged, sharing experiences, and learning from one another.

“It highlighted how small changes can make a big difference in creating workplaces where people want to stay and grow.”

Seonaid Mann, South of Scotland Enteprise’s (SOSE) Fair Work and Equality Lead and co-chair of the Scottish Borders Living Wage Action Group added:

“The Business Breakfast reaffirmed SOSE’s commitment to helping employers across the Scottish Borders become true employers of choice.  

“We believe embedding fair working practices into workplaces results in employees who are more engaged, happier, and more productive and that ultimately results in organisations that are more sustainable and profitable long-term.   

“Attendees left with actionable insights, practical resources, and renewed confidence to implement positive change within their organisations and the wider community.”

 South of Scotland Enterprise Fair Work information and support.