The campaign led by South of Scotland Enterprise on behalf of, and with input from, the Regional Economic Partnership (REP) will encourage businesses in the construction and housebuilding sector to get in touch to discuss their future plans.

Support available includes expert advice, training, mentoring and potentially funding available to assist.

Those looking to discuss support can do so by visiting the website. 

The campaign is one of ten key activities in the South of Scotland Housing Action Plan, which was launched last year to tackle the urgent need for more homes, and a greater choice, in the region.

The Plan - created by the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership – looks to build on the important work of the region’s local authorities, businesses, Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) and communities. It involved engagement with over 50 local and national organisations, with business and community representatives advising that action was needed. 

With an expectation that over 9,000 new homes may be required in the next ten years in the South, the current demand for affordable housing of all types and tenures has also caused issues for employers attracting people to live and work here. 

Amongst the other actions set out in the Action Plan is a commitment to develop proposals to significantly increase construction skills provision. It also commits to working with communities and businesses on projects in the South of Scotland to pilot innovative construction techniques that could significantly reduce the time taken to deliver, and the cost of housebuilding.

Work is underway on other actions to create new student and key worker accommodation and to develop and launch a promotional prospectus to showcase demand for housing in the South of Scotland. 

SOSE chair Russel Griggs OBE, and chair of the REP’s Strategic Action Group on Housing, said: “This campaign aims to make it clear to housebuilders in our region that support is available for those who wish to start up, grow or innovate. Those doing so will be contributing to the housing issue which all organisations in the Regional Economic Partnership are working hard to solve.

“Through working together, the public sector, businesses, Registered Social Landlords and communities can deliver a solution which helps the South of Scotland economy to grow and thrive.” 

Dumfries and Galloway Council leader Gail Macgregor added: “The launch of the South of Scotland Housing Action Plan was an important first step in addressing the challenges for housing and homes in the South of Scotland, which has never been more pressing.

“Delivery of the plan will provide a clear path to develop skills and grow the economy across the region, supporting some of the fantastic work already underway. Dumfries and Galloway Council is clear about its commitment to work collaboratively to grow the local economy. 

“Developing more homes is fundamental to our aspirations, and enabling further investment in the region will significantly benefit our communities.”

Councillor Euan Jardine, leader of Scottish Borders Council, and chair of the REP, commented: It’s fantastic to support this housing campaign, along with other partners. It is crucial to assist construction and housebuilding businesses through mentoring and potential funding to boost housing supply, enhance quality, and expand access to affordable, high-quality homes.

“I hope this campaign, along with other sections of the action plan, will play a vital role in sustaining growth throughout the region.”

A local firm which has already received support is Nairn Construction. Based in Lockerbie, Nairn Construction have managed to grow to take on larger projects, developed a training programme and recruited apprentices.

Craig Nairn, managing director and founder of Nairn Construction, said: “It has been a great journey and without SOSE’s help we would not be the size of business we are now.”