First meeting of South of Scotland Enterprise Board takes place
The first meeting of the South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) Board took place on Thursday 19 March with the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the local economy the main focus.
The Board met quickly after members were announced on Tuesday 17 March to share their perspectives of the impact of COVID-19 across the South of Scotland. The meeting was held via video conference facilities, in line with the current social distancing guidance.
Professor Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of SOSE, said: “Given the unprecedented situation for local businesses and communities across the South of Scotland, it was important that the Board met as quickly as possible after members were announced.
“It is obviously important as a Board, that we start to quickly put our thoughts towards how SOSE can most effectively contribute to the work of both Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council and other partners to support businesses and communities across the region into the future.
“We had a hugely helpful meeting where all members shared valuable insights into the current situation across the area which will, of course, be vital to help inform SOSE’s strategy for going forward.
“Board members are absolutely committed to ensuring the strategic direction of SOSE is as well informed as possible with a focus on staying well engaged both nationally and locally. This cannot be done in isolation and the Board has agreed to meet weekly in order to prioritise informing SOSE’s strategic role in supporting partners in the best way for the economy into the future.”
In the meantime, SOSE are asking people to keep up to date with the Government response with advice for communities and businesses available from the Find Business Support website and at Scottish Borders Council and Dumfries and Galloway Council websites.
Notes to editors
The South of Scotland Enterprise Act 2019 which was passed by Scottish Parliament in June 2019, provides the legal framework for SOSE operating in the local authority areas of the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.
The Act allows for a board of up to 10 members, plus the SOSE Chair and Chief Executive.
The Board will set the strategic direction of SOSE whilst taking account of legislation and policy guidance set by Scottish Ministers.
Scottish Government Ministers appointed six members of the SOSE Board through the public appointment process and the Board co-opted a further four members.
The ten members of the SOSE Board have a broad range of knowledge and experience and, alongside the Chair Professor Russel Griggs OBE, will drive forward the vision of SOSE to establish the South of Scotland as a centre of opportunity, innovation and growth. View the SOSE Board Biographies.