South of Scotland Enterprise delivered record support for businesses, communities and social enterprises in its latest financial year which saw work begin on the flagship Center Parcs development.
It supported almost 2,300 organisations in 2025/26 – the highest number ever recorded by the region’s economic and community development agency.
The milestone is revealed in SOSE’s latest annual report and accounts which show it engaged with 2,282 organisations in 2025/26 – up from 2,156 in 2024/25 – marking another record year for the agency.
It approved £18.3 million for 648 projects, a significant increase on the £10.3m approved for 558 client-facing funded projects in the previous year.
SOSE said the investment is translating into tangible benefits for the region. It helped create or safeguard 749 jobs- almost double the 377 recorded in 2024/25 – while investments generated £3.33 for every pound invested, contributing almost £61million to the South of Scotland economy.
The report confirms that it reported no disclosable losses on its investments. The Scottish Public Finance Manual requires total losses and special payments exceeding £300,000 to be disclosed and “there are none to report”.
Among major inward investments were a £4.7 million investment in Pickstock Telford to help deliver a £24 million-plus beef processing facility in Ecclefechan, creating 90 jobs for the region.
This week SOSE also announced a near-£1 million equity investment in Hemspan to establish an innovative bio-based manufacturing facility in the Scottish Borders, with the potential to generate up to 100 jobs.
Work has begun on the Center Parcs Scottish Borders village, which is expected to create around 1,200 jobs and contribute £75m to the local economy.
Russel Griggs, SOSE chair, said: “This has been another year of significant delivery and growing momentum for the South of Scotland.
“These latest results again highlight how the South of Scotland has become more confident, outward looking and leading in innovation.”
Jane Morrison-Ross, chief executive, added: “This year’s results show the scale of what can be achieved when ambition, investment and local knowledge come together.
“SOSE is helping to build a stronger, more resilient South of Scotland economy.”
The report reveals that Ms Morrison-Ross’s basic salary rose by 5% to £131,496 from £125,233, while the average salary increase across the organisation was 6.2%.
Mr Griggs annual fee rose to between £60,000 and £65,000 from £55,000 and £60,000.
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