Future of mill building uncertain as Spark quits

Built in 1835, the five-storey building ceased to operate as a textile mill in 1988.

It was turned into a business centre by the former Scottish Enterprise Borders between 1999 and 2002, with work to develop the building’s third floor being completed in 2007.

That transformation cost around £6m, including £1.5m of European Union cash.

Spark Energy was launched in 2007 as a small start-up company based in Ettrick Riverside, and it soon found a gap in the market by supplying to tenants.

It grew quickly, taking on more and more employees, and by 2014 it was placed 23rd on the Sunday Times Fast Track 100, the highest-ranked Scottish company on the list.

In 2018, though, it failed to pay £14m to energy regulator Ofgem under the renewables obligation scheme and Ovo Energy took over.

As well as Ovo Energy, the building now houses several small businesses, including the local BBC radio station and the ITV Border local team.

However, the energy supplier had expanded so much over recent years that it now takes up more than half of the office space offered by the building, due to be handed over by Scottish Enterprise to the new South of Scotland Enterprise board next month.

Board chairman Russel Griggs says it is still too early to say how big an impact Spark’s departure will have, explaining: “We have been made aware of the very concerning news that Ovo Energy plans to close offices including its premises in Selkirk.

“This is already such a worrying time for businesses and communities in the south of Scotland and as the new enterprise agency for the south of Scotland, we are committed to doing all we can to support those who are affected by this news.

“We are in regular communication with Scottish Enterprise, which manages the account with Ovo, and are keeping up to date with the situation with Scottish Government, Scottish Borders Council and Skills Development Scotland.

“The partners will work together to do everything they can to support staff affected and consider the wider implications of this on the town of Selkirk.”

Mr Griggs added: “We take over ownership on June 1, and both ourselves and Scottish Enterprise are monitoring the situation with Ovo very carefully.

“Ettrick Riverside is a great asset for the local economy and a fantastic location for its occupants.

“It is too early to determine what will be done with the floorspace should it become vacant.”