Business and third sector experts invited to help shape Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal

Scottish Borders Council headquarters - Image credit: Scottish Borders Council

Councils are calling for people with a background in business or the voluntary sector to get involved in shaping the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal.

Applications are now open for individuals working in the private and third sectors to join the city deal’s regional enterprise council (REC).

The council will advise the decision-making body overseeing the city deal, the joint committee, on aspects of the deal.

REC members will engage with their own networks to capture views and provide a consensus from their sector based on their industry knowledge.

They will also act as champions for the city deal nationally and internationally to encourage investment. 

The REC will be made up of 12 members from different sizes of organisations that are representative of the region’s economy and demographics.

All local authority areas will be represented by at least one member with significant operations in that area.

Anyone working in the private or third sectors in the region covered by the deal can apply.

City of Edinburgh Council leader Adam McVey, chair of the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland Leaders’ Group, said: “The Regional Enterprise Council will be a pivotal part of the governance structure for the city region deal.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals from the private and third sector who are passionate about the place they live and work to contribute to a better future for all.

“They will support the delivery of the deal’s ambitious plans for sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits everyone across the capital and the Lothians and from Fife down to the Borders.

“The council will be a key component in helping to fully capitalise on the opportunities the deal investment creates.”

The city region deal will see £1.3bn invested in infrastructure over the next 15 years with aim of accelerating economic growth across the south-east of Scotland.

The city deal is being funded by the UK and Scottish governments and run in partnership with six local authorities, Edinburgh, East Lothian, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian, as well as universities and colleges and the private and third sectors.

Councillor Shona Haslam, leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “The REC will play an important role in the city region deal and we want a group of members that not only represents all the region’s key sectors but also all sizes of business and every geographic area.

“I’d encourage anyone from our local business or third sector community interested in the role to find out more and help us maximise the benefits of the deal for the Scottish Borders and the city region as a whole.”