South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth has urged business in the DG12 area to engage with the newly established Annan Solutions Team to help develop an Economic Action Plan for the area.

The Annan Solutions Team formally opened their doors at the Annan Business Park last month following a successful bid for funding to the South of Scotland Economic Partnership from Dumfries and Galloway Council. The Solutions Team were formed with the aim of helping to build the economy of Annan and the wider DG12 area following the closure of Pinneys in August 2018.

On a visit to the Annan Solutions Team offices, Colin Smyth MSP learned of some of the early work that has been carried out since the offices opened only a month ago. Colin Smyth also learned of the early plans in place to start a community consultation that will feed into an Economic Action Plan.

Colin Smyth said, “The Annan Solutions Team who have hit the ground running in a bid to support local businesses to help grow the economy of Annan and the wider DG12 area. From engaging and supporting existing businesses who may grow in the future, proving advice to businesses looking to expand into the area and supporting the new owners of the Pinneys site with recruitment, the Solutions Team are already making a real difference.

In recovering from the loss of Pinneys the Solutions Team will play a huge role in helping those seeking for a jobs and supporting local businesses to succeed and grow.

Shortly after the closure of Pinneys was announced I called for an Economic Action Plan to be created to attract public sector investment targeted at growing the economy and creating jobs. I am very pleased to hear that the Solutions Team are starting to work on a community consultation to give local people a say in that Economic Action Plan. Both the UK and Scottish Government’s should be ready to fund that Action Plan to ensure we protect and grow the economy and the number of jobs locally. In the meantime I would urge local businesses and others to enage in the process and ensure this is plan that will make a real long term difference to the local economy”