Chance to have your say on City Region deal

Edinburgh UK Oct 12 2015;Views of Edinburgh taken from Calton Hill credit steven scott taylor / J P License

Scottish Borders Business Forum will hold an open meeting on Friday, February at 9am in the Council Chamber at Scottish Borders Council.

Its aim is to enable business people from all sectors to hear about the plans for the major investment package involving Scottish Borders, City of Edinburgh, Fife, and Mid-, East and West Lothian councils.

Bryan McGrath, Scottish Borders Council’s chief officer for economic development, will talk through the City Region Deal proposal and how it could benefit the Scottish Borders.

A question and answer session will follow, during which the audience will be invited to give their comments and ideas about the projects they would like to see in the City Region Deal.

Mike Wilson, chairman of Scottish Borders Business Forum, commented this week: “The Forum is keen to help spread the word about this important opportunity for the Scottish Borders and engage more local businesses in the process.

“This open meeting is a chance for businesspeople across the Scottish Borders to find out more about the City Region Deal, ask questions and give their views.”

The proposed City Region Deal envisages investment, intellect and culture fusing together to create new ways of doing things.

The aim is that within the next 20 years the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region will become the most connected, creative, inclusive and entrepreneurial place in Europe.

The City Region Deal foresees the building of a network of businesses, universities, technical and creative skills, with participants attracted by a great lifestyle and the culture on offer. Should it be approved, funding for the City Region Deal will come from both the UK and Scottish Governments.

Implementation of projects will take up to 10 years and successful projects are set to be frequently monitored to ensure that their expected outcomes are achieved.

If businesses would like to attend they are invited to call 01835 826505 or email [email protected].

The Scottish Borders Business Forum represents over forty associations, enabling industry to speak with one voice within and outwith the region, at Newtown St Boswells, Holyrood, Westminster, and in other quarters.