Business Groups & Organisations
Below is a list of business groups and organisations based in the Scottish Borders.
Borders Architects Group
The Borders Architects Group (BAG) is an independent membership organisation, open to registered Architects living and / or working in the Scottish Borders, with the primary objective of promoting good Architecture and Design in the Scottish Borders and elsewhere.
Website: http://bordersarchitecture.co.uk
Borders Arts Trust
The aim of Borders Arts Trust is to devise and run contemporary arts projects and events in the Scottish Borders.
Website: bordersartstrust.wordpress.com/tag/borders-arts-trust/
Twitter: @BordersArtTrust
Borders Business Group
The Borders Business Group meeting is held every Thursday at the Buccleuch Arms Hotel 7am until 8:30am.
Website: www.bordersbusinessgroup.co.uk
Borders College
Borders College has a high reputation as one of the top Further Education providers in Scotland. It is the sole Further Education College and the major provider of training in the Scottish Borders Region. Each year, around 5,500 students enrol for a wide range of courses and programmes particularly in subject areas that will enhance their employment opportunities and provide the skills necessary for the local economy.
Website: www.borderscollege.ac.uk
Twitter: @borderscollege
Facebook: borderscollege
The Borders Foundation for Rural Sustainability
Initiates projects to benefit rural communities by generating jobs and revenue in rural areas through an alternative, integrated approach to the countryside resource. Enables the Border countryside resource to provide more work which benefits the environment through habitat and landscape maintenance and creation.
Website: www.bfrs.org
Borders Machinery Ring
Borders Machinery Ring (BMR), the first Ring to be formed in the UK in February 1987, has the aim of rationalising labour, machinery and input costs. Since 1987 BMR has grown to offer its members a constantly increasing range of benefits to help sustain and improve business viability. Currently, there are over 900 Full, Labour and Private members.
Website: www.ringleader.co.uk
Twitter: @BordersMR
Borders Social Enterprise Network
Senscot’s vision is of a socially just Scotland where social entrepreneurs and their initiatives are a valued part of everyday life. To achieve this, Senscot builds and services a network to help social entrepreneurs become more effective. We are active in three key areas; connecting and informing social entrepreneurs, facilitating networks and developing the sector. Senscot also works to raise awareness of the contribution of social enterprise to economic activity, social inclusion and general social well-being through public speaking and publications.
Website: www.senscot.net
Twitter: @Senscot
Facebook: ThematicSENs
Borders Therapies
Borders Therapies (The Borders Integrated Healthcare Group) is a register of qualified complementary healthcare providers and health professionals working together with the aim of providing holistic healthcare in the Scottish Borders. As well as the website listing the practitioners and treatments available, Borders Therapies publishes and distributes a brochure.
Website: www.borderstherapies.co.uk
Facebook: BordersTherapies
Business Gateway – Scottish Borders
Business Gateway Scottish Borders was established in 2001 to help support individuals and businesses with quality, practical advice, guidance and information. Whether you are starting or growing a business, we provide access to a range of publicly-funded business support services. By assisting new and developing businesses, we can contribute to the Scottish Borders’ diverse and dynamic economy.
Website: www.bgborders.co.uk
Twitter: @BGBorders
Business Savvy (Scotland) Ltd
Experts in the Social Enterprise sector with over 25 years experience in developing and supporting Social Enterprises and voluntary organisations. Business Savvy offers services which are guaranteed to grow and develop enterprises throughout Scotland.
Website: www.business-savvy.org
Faceboook: Business-Savvy
Creative Arts Business Network (CABN)
CABN supports the professional creative sector in the Scottish Borders, with a focus on creative micro-businesses across all artforms. We also engage with, and provide support to sectoral organisations and community groups, and work with a range of partners to develop further opportunities.mCABN supports primarily through it’s core function as a Network – providing information relevant to the creative sector through the CABN website, weekly e-bulletin and Social Media.
Website: www.cabn.info
Twitter: @CABNScotBorders
Facebook: CABNScotBorders
Crossing Borders
Crossing Borders brings artists and craft makers from the Scottish Borders together to shout out loud for creative talent in the area. We represent painters and printmakers, ceramic and glass artists, sculptors, photographers and woodworkers, artists working creatively in textiles, jewellery, metal and leather work.
Website: www.crossing-borders.org.uk
Twitter: @CBArtTrail
Facebook: CrossingBordersArt
Cycle Scottish Borders
The Cycle Scottish Borders website has been delivered by the Scottish Borders Recreational Cycling Group who have been established to develop and promote cycling in the Scottish Borders.
Website: www.cyclescottishborders.com
Earlston Community Development Trust
Earlston Community Development Trust (ECDT) is a Development Trust which is run by members of the Earlston community. Its aim is to help the village of Earlston develop facilities that can be owned and managed by the people of Earlston for the benefit of the whole community.
Website: www.earlston.org
Energise Galashiels
Energise Galashiels aims to provide a focus for engaging with our community, to develop a vision for and deliver actions to improve Galashiels and create a more vibrant, welcoming and confident community. Energise Galashiels was established in November 2014, when it merged individuals and groups sharing a vision for a more vibrant, confident and inviting community. Comprising around 50 local volunteers, the group has been awarded charitable status and works alongside (but is not funded by) Scottish Borders Council.
Website: energisegalashiels.uk
Twitter: @energisegala
Facebook: I Love Gala
Eyemouth Initiative
The Eyemouth and District Initiative group is a community based group set up to improve and promote Eyemouth by raising fund and sponsoring local groups and charities, encouraging volunteering and local improvement projects, organising festivals, events and other opportunities, co-ordinating with all local groups and charities and liaising with the Eyemouth Community Council and practising good governance and following participatory and non-discriminatory principles.
Website: onlineborders.org.uk/node/9958
Federation of Small Businesses
Scottish Government statistics show that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) now account for 99 percent of all Scottish businesses and for over half of all private sector employment – underlining the pivotal role of small firms in our economy and communities. The FSB in Scotland campaigns for a better social, political and economic environment in which to work, learn and do business. With a strong grassroots structure, regular members’ meetings and dedicated Scottish staff to deal with Scottish institutions, media and politicians, the FSB in Scotland is widely recognised as one of the most influential business organisations in Scotland.
Website: www.fsb.org.uk/eastofscotland/scottishborders
Twitter: @fsb_eos
Facebook: Federation of Small Businesses
Future Kelso
FutureKelso is an organisation which is bringing together representatives from the other organisations in the town including Community Council, Chamber of Trade, Sportskelso and Kelso & District Amenity Society to identify future needs of the town and to take action to try to get these needs met.
Website: http://www.kelso.bordernet.co.uk/organisations/future-kelso.html
Investors in People Scotland
Investors in People Scotland see people as the engine of success for responsible, sustainable and profitable businesses. We are the UK’s most successful framework for business improvement through people management. The Investors in Young People framework was launched in July 2014 and offers recommendations and guidance for organisations recruitment, retention and development of Young People. There is funding available to organisations of up to 999 employees to a maximum of 100% to use IIYP accreditation and advice. This is only available to organisations that use IIYP before March 2016.
Website: www.investorsinpeople.scot
Website: www.investorsinyoungpeople.scot
Twitter: @IIPScotland
Twitter: @IIYPScotland
Facebook: Investors in People Scotland
Facebook: Investors in Young People
Kelso Chamber of Trade
The Kelso Chamber of Trade started in 1935 for the purposes of promoting the successful development of Kelso and District – its business, its people and its environment. Membership of the Kelso Chamber of Trade is open to businesses, individual traders, and other persons connected with trading and commercial interests, and it can be joined by completing the application form below and paying the appropriate annual membership fee.
Website: www.visitkelso.com/content/chamber-trade
Facebook: Kelso Chamber of Trade
Lauderdale Development Trust
The Development Trust operates as a community business to further the economic, environmental and social development of Lauderdale. The Trust is an independent organisation that seeks to achieve sustained community renewal through the self-help and enterprise of its community. It is an umbrella organisation for a variety of social enterprises engaged in the regeneration of Lauderdale.
Website: http://www.lauder.bordernet.co.uk/organisations/31.html
National Farmers Union of Scotland
NFU Scotland are Scotland’s leading agricultural organisation, representing 8,500 members. NFU Scotland’s aim is to promote and protect the interests of our members by influencing government, the supply chain and consumers in order to secure a sustainable future for Scottish agriculture. We inform members on all major policy and legislative matters which affect their businesses.
Website: www.nfus.org.uk/
Twitter: @NFUStweets
Peebles Community Trust
The website of the community of Peebles – informing the visitor of where to go and what to see, and providing an information board and debating chamber (“village pump”) for local residents and the town’s many voluntary organisations.
Website: www.peeblescommunity.org
The Prince’s Trust Scotland
The Prince’s Trust Scotland supports 13 to 30 years old who are unemployed and those struggling at school and at risk of exclusion. Around one in five young people in the UK are not in work, education or training. Youth unemployment costs the UK economy £10 million a day in lost productivity, while youth crime costs £1 billion every year. Many of the young people we help are in or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness or mental health problems, or have been in trouble with the law.
Website: www.princes-trust.org.uk
Twitter: @PrincesTrust
Facebook: princestrust
Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce
SBCC is a member of the Scottish network of 26 Chambers of Commerce representing more than 50 percent of private sector jobs in Scotland – these Scottish Chambers of Commerce, through the umbrella body, Scottish Chamber of Commerce, have built a reputation as Scotland’s premier voice for business at national and international level. By joining the Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce your company automatically becomes part of Scotland’s largest business organisation, with access to an unrivalled range of services, support and advice to aid your development as a thriving member of the business community. Success in business depends greatly on providing value for money, quality products and exceptional service – these are also the cornerstones of the Network’s reputation – and good reasons for joining the 9,000 Scottish companies already benefiting from membership of their local Chamber.
Website: www.borderschamber.com/
Scottish Borders Exporters Association
Scottish Borders Exporters Association events provide the experienced exporter with up to date information on export developments and activities. Companies new to exporting can network with individuals with ‘hands on’ experience in exporting as well as gaining access to vital information on export market research, financing exporting, movement of goods, joint ventures, etc. Membership of the Association is open to all companies regardless of size, or industry sector. Regular meetings, workshops, and seminars on specific export topics and countries are organised for members, who also receive through the Association’s web-site news stories about member’s activities and successes overseas, plus information on current developments and opportunities.
Website: www.borders-export.co.uk/
Scottish Borders Food & Drink Network
Scottish Borders Food & Drink Network was set-up in 2006 and involves local food businesses (local food producers, hoteliers, restaurateurs and local food shops), committed to developing and showcasing the region’s food. Our members produce, use on their menus or stock in their retail outlets high quality fine food and drink products from the Scottish Borders. The Network produce an annual Directory of producers and suppliers, which can be downloaded as a pdf from bordersfoodnetwork.co.uk, together with various food and drink trails covering different areas and interests across the region eg Railway Trail, Cycle Trail etc. (these are available in print form, but the downloads also help to direct people to our site).
Website: www.bordersfoodnetwork.co.uk/
Scottish Borders Manufacturers’ Corporation
The Scottish Borders Manufacturers’ Corporation, was founded in 1776 and is the oldest organisation of its type in the UK. Formed by ten mill owners, the Corporation – originally named the ‘Galashiels Manufacturers’ Corporation’ – was created to assist the further development of the woollen trade in Galashiels. Today, the Corporation has evolved and reflects all sectors of the Borders economy, representing both manufacturing and service based businesses, including construction, telecommunications, finance and marketing.
Website: www.scotbor-mc.co.uk
Scottish Borders Social Enterprise Chamber
The Social Enterprise Chamber was founded in 2005 to provide a collective voice and focal point for the development of social enterprise in the Scottish Borders, we offer a variety of services to help our members develop and grow.
Website: www.sbsec.org.uk
Scottish Borders Tourism Partnership
The Scottish Borders Tourism Network (SBTP) represents all the visitor-related sectors in the Scottish Borders via a network of specialist sector representatives.
Facebook: ScottishBordersTourismPartnership
Scottish Borders Visitor Network
Acts as the channel for projects which benefit Earlston: in particular (at the moment) the annual community day and the Orchard Town Represents 60 hospitality providers, and a member of the SBTP. Currently expanding into Peeblesshire, and discussing co-operation with Eskdale and Northumberland.
Website: www.getintotheborders.com
Scottish Development International
We’re here to help foreign companies invest and thrive in Scotland, and local enterprises make the most of international trade and global markets. SDI is the international arm of Scotland’s enterprise agencies. If your company is considering Scotland, we can provide a full support service, whether it’s to invest, relocate, partner, trade or expand here.
Website: www.sdi.co.uk
Scottish Enterprise
Scottish Enterprise provides training and support to high growth companies based in Scotland.
Website: www.scottish-enterprise.com/
Scottish Land & Estates
Scottish Land & Estates, driven by their membership, strives to demonstrate, promote and represent the very good work and contribution members make on farms, landholdings and estates across Scotland — to both the communities to which they belong and also to the wider economy and society.
Website: www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/
Twitter: @ScotLandEstates
Selkirk Regeneration Company
The purposes of Selkirk Regeneration Company are:
- to advance Community (defined as those postcodes prefaced TD7) development, including urban or rural regeneration within the Community;
- to advance the education of the Community about its environment, culture, heritage and/or history; and
- to advance environmental protection or improvement including preservation, and conservation of the natural environment, the maintenance, improvement or provision of environmental amenities for the Community and/or the preservation of buildings or sites of architectural, historic or other importance to the Community.
Website: selkirkregen.com/
South of Scotland Alliance
The South of Scotland Alliance aims are to get more devolution right down to the rural people of South Scotland, to persuade Edinburgh to re-devolve several of our public services (like Police) and to bolster our links with our friends and cousins in Cumbria and Northumberland with whom we share a rural heritage despite a bit of rivalry. We must never be separated from them by a full scale international border.
Website: sosal.org.uk
Southern Uplands Partnership
The Southern Uplands Partnership (SUP) is a not for profit organisation with full charitable status. Our mission is to keep people living and working in rural southern Scotland by promoting sustainable use of the region’s abundant natural resources. Since 1999, SUP has developed, managed and implemented over 60 significant socially and environmentally sustainable projects and secured and invested over £4M of funds.
Website: www.sup.org.uk
Tweed Valley Tourist Consortium
The Tweed Valley Tourist Consortium is a group of around 90 tourism-related businesses – from activity operators to retailers, accommodation providers and more – that have come together to develop the Tweed Valley as a recognised brand, and work towards our long-term goal of making the area a world-class destination for a range of activities.
Website: www.visittweedvalley.co.uk
If you have an organisation that isn’t currently listed, or if you are an administrator from any of the above organisations and would like to add to or update the information, please contact us.