A NEW website has been launched to showcase the benefits of doing business in the south of Scotland in a bid to attract more inward investment to the region.

For the first time, the website www.investinsouthofscotland.com aims to ensure anyone with an interest in locating or expanding their business can access clear information and get in touch with the local team.

The site supports the ongoing collaborative work of the Regional Economic Partnership (REP) to deliver their vision in the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) for a ‘Fairer Greener and Flourishing South of Scotland’.

The site includes an interactive map highlighting the south’s location at the heart of the UK, as well as key statistics on the region.

Opportunities for investment are also included such as energy transition and natural capital, food and drink innovation, creative economy and the South’s position as the global home of the bike.

It also includes a range of inspirational case studies with businesses who operate across the south.

The project supports Scottish Government’s collective ambition to bring more inward investment to Scotland.

REP partners involved in the creation of the website have included Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders councils, South of Scotland Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and South of Scotland Destination Alliance, alongside Scottish Development International.

The partners will launch a campaign later this year to help promote the website with the aim of putting the region on the map and help to bring investment to the South of Scotland.

Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s executive member for community and business development, said: “Bringing new businesses to this region is critical to further developing our local economy and supporting our amazing young people in to jobs which will allow us to retain their talent in this wonderful part of the world.

“As a region we have so much going for us, and this new website is a great way to showcase the opportunities we have for businesses to establish or relocate themselves in the south.

“As a council we are playing our part by investing in new business infrastructure to support inward investment and ensuring our young people have the skill sets that businesses in growing sectors are looking for, including digital skills developed through our world-leading Inspire Learning programme.”