SIX key priorities have been revealed for the region over the next five years by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), which they believe will make the day to day lives of local people better.
They are:
* Advancing innovation and improving productivity
* Accelerating Net Zero and nature-positive solutions
* Advocating for Fair Work and equality
* Attracting ambitious investment
* Awakening entrepreneurial talent
* Activating and empowering enterprising communities
And SOSE have set out what they will be doing to make progress for each one in their strategic plan.
The six themes have been shaped by engagement with the South’s businesses, social enterprises, community groups and members of the public.
Nearly 750 people had their say on what they see as the opportunities and challenges for the south’s economy.
In addition, SOSE spoke with over 100 people from seldom heard groups, such as young people with additional support needs and armed forces veterans.
The Five Year Plan also sets out how the South’s economic and community development agency will work to deliver for the South, ensuring that its values – being inclusive, responsible, bold and striving – continue to be at the heart of all the organisation does.
Launching the plan, chief executive Jane Morrison-Ross said: “It is a critical document not just for SOSE but we hope for all our partners and the people of the South of Scotland, making it clear where we will focus our efforts across the next five years.
“Some of these priorities may seem complex but essentially each is about making a real and lasting difference for our people and places.
“It commits us to keep bringing people together, listening to them, and working with them to realise the great potential we all know the South of Scotland has, and helping us all to achieve more and to amplify our distinctive regional voice.”
To read the plan in full, visit www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/fiveyearplan
