Celebrations for Ettrick Riverside Centre
The programme includes a presentation by entrepreneur and creator of ultimo lingerie and founder and co-owner of MJM International - Michelle Mone and John Philips from Scottish Enterprise who will focus on Scottish Enterprise's new remit.
The development of the third floor which is the final phase of the current development of Ettrick Riverside business centre has been carried out on behalf of Scottish Enterprise by architects Gray Marshall and contractors GHI.
The centre has lots of celebrate, as an independent report, published last year highlighted the centre was responsible for generating over £18 million of additional turnover a year in the regional economy since it had re-opened. The centre currently houses 26 companies and 140 staff and boasts tenants such as BBC Scotland, Lyle and Scott and Spark Energy. In total 84 separate office units have been created, equalling 3,250 square meters of high quality accommodation for businesses over the last five years.
The third floor of Ettrick Riverside will be able to accommodate up to 37 new companies, which will provide accommodation for local businesses and will help attract new businesses to the borders from outside the region, with its first new tenants having already taken occupation.
Scottish Enterprise identified the centre's potential and started work to refurbish the imposing Victorian mill in 1999 and has invested more than £6 million, including £1.5 million of European funding to create business accommodation.
Ettrick Riverside has developed three of its five floors since 2002 creating small business units, meeting rooms, cafe/bistro, internet cafe, Business Gateway area, exhibition area and shared reception area, attracting new companies to the region and providing quality office space for local start ups and emerging businesses.
Nigel Watson, Director of Business Infrastructure at Scottish Enterprise said "We needed to fulfil the need for high quality business space for local companies whilst attracting and providing support for a wide diverse range of ambitious growing businesses and Ettrick Riverside is a great testament to that.
David Gass, Regional Director for Scottish Enterprise further commented "Scottish Enterprise supports business growth and helps develop the business environment at a regional and national level. Since opening in 2002, Ettrick Riverside has exceeded all expectations and is delivering major benefits to the economy. We look forward to attracting more companies to the Scottish Borders and promoting Selkirk and the Borders as a great location to do business."