Private and third sector leaders appointed to advise on Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal

The Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal has appointed experts from the private and third sectors to its Regional Enterprise Council (REC).

The REC comprises individuals from small, medium and large organisations across who will advise the Deal’s decision-making body, the Joint Committee, on the delivery of projects.

The group will also have responsibility to develop closer links between the public, private and third sectors and to champion the Deal to encourage investment opportunities.

Leeann Dempster, Chief Executive of Hibernian Football Club who has advocated inclusion and growth initiatives in Edinburgh, has been named REC Chair. Claire Pattullo of Edinburgh Social Enterprise Network, who has extensive experience in delivering employability programmes and addressing barriers faced by disadvantaged groups, will serve as Vice Chair.

Speaking on behalf of the Deal partners, City of Edinburgh Council leader, Adam McVey, said: “The transformative City Region Deal will deliver real, tangible opportunities for residents across the region allowing us to build a vibrant economy for our people and businesses to thrive in.

“I welcome the appointment of this exceptional group of private and third sector leaders and believe Leeann Dempster will make an outstanding chair. Together they will bring a wealth of strengths, skills and experience to the Regional Enterprise Council.”

Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Jamie Hepburn said: “Deal investment is only the beginning of the journey towards enabling inclusive economic growth that is truly transformational, and the Regional Economic Partnership approach being developed in Edinburgh and South-East Scotland provides an opportunity to build on this. I’m pleased to see that business and the third sector will have the opportunity to play their parts in achieving this shared ambition through the Regional Enterprise Council.”

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: “It is crucial that each deal reflects the specific needs of each region, which is why I welcome the advice and influence of this new Regional Enterprise Council.

“With experience in everything from shipping to apprenticeship schemes, these advisors will bring a range of perspectives to the table. This will ensure that the Edinburgh City Region Deal plays a crucial role in shaping economic prosperity across Edinburgh and South East Scotland.”

The City Region Deal is a £1.3bn investment over the next 15 years designed to accelerate economic, inclusive growth and create opportunities across the entire South-East of Scotland. The UK and Scottish Governments have partnered with six local authorities (City of Edinburgh, East Lothian, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders and West Lothian), Edinburgh’s universities and colleges and the private and third sector across the South-East of Scotland to deliver the deal. It was formally agreed on 7 August 2018.