New-look Scottish Enterprise open for business

This follows a Government review of the Enterprise networks in 2007 which saw a number of changes to SE’s governance and remit.

Major changes include the transfer of SE’s Skills activity and Careers Scotland to a new body, Skills Development Scotland, and responsibility for the Business Gateway transferring to local authorities.

Jack Perry, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, said: “Today represents the starting date for our new organisation. We have a new remit and with this a completely new operating model as Scotland’s enterprise, innovation and investment agency. We have great opportunities ahead of us but some challenges too. We are all enormously excited by the prospect ahead and we must now get on and deliver.”

Other changes include:

• The network of Local Enterprise Companies no longer exists although our 12 local offices have been retained. Scottish Enterprise is now one single organisation operating from Grampian to the Borders. This gives us the flexibility required to allocate people and money where it will have the biggest impact.
• Specialist teams focused on innovation, commercialisation and business infrastructure are being established to offer expert advice and support to business customers and industry teams as required. At the same time the number of account managers will increase to enable us to work more intensively with our business customers to help them reach their full potential
• Responsibility for local regeneration projects is being transferred to local authorities with SE retaining its role in projects of regional and national importance, such as the Edinburgh BioQuarter

In addition, Scottish Enterprise has simplified its governance and management structures and created a more flexible workforce, allowing it to respond more effectively to customer needs and changing market conditions.

David Cannon, Senior Media Relations Executive
Tel: 0141 228 2702
Email: david.cannon@scotent.co.uk