The Midlothian Council Economic Development Service works with a number of partners to provide business support, growth opportunities, upskilling and more for our local businesses.
The Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal is a UK and Scottish government-led investment with a value of over £1.5 billion. The City Region Deal comprises the six local authorities in the region (Midlothian, Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian, Fife & Scottish Borders), together with regional universities, colleges and the private sector.
24% of Scotland's population live in the region and the Deal is designed to accelerate productivity and inclusive growth through the funding of infrastructure, skills and innovation.
As well as creating thousands of jobs over a 15-year period, core to the Deal is that communities also receive additional positive outcomes through community benefits. The ESES Community Benefits Portal matches communities and good causes with suppliers and businesses in the region to make positive contributions to those living in the region and promote sustainable operations.
Edinburgh College is one of Scotland's biggest Colleges with 4 campuses in Edinburgh & The Lothians with their Midlothian campus situated beside Eskbank Railway Station in Dalkeith.
Offering a range of studies and courses for school leavers, job seekers, and employers and employees looking for professional development opportunities, there's something for everyone.
The Business Gateway Midlothian Service host an Enterprise Hub at Edinburgh College's Midlothian Campus every Thursday. Open to everyone, you can pop along for an informal chat about starting or growing your business and find out more about the FREE business support available.
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is the national skills body supporting the people and businesses of Scotland to develop and apply their skills.
SDS support businesses across the Country to ensure they have the right skills at the right time in high performing, fair and equal workplaces, and that every individual has the skills and confidence to get a job and progress in the workplace, achieving their full potential.
Their support for employers includes tailored skills advice and funding for workforce development.
They also provide careers information, advice and guidance, and work-based training programmes aimed at building the career management skills that will enable them to thrive in a changing economy.
Midlothian Tourism Forum brings together the wide range of businesses making up Midlothian’s vibrant tourism sector. This includes attractions, transport, accommodation, venues, retail, hospitality, events and festivals, all of which contribute to putting Midlothian on the map.
The Visit Midlothian website is managed by Midlothian Tourism Forum, showcasing all there is to do in Midlothian. From great days out to unmissable attractions, the best hotels to fantastic foodie spots, you can find all Midlothian has available for visitors and locals alike.
MTF is open to all tourism sector businesses in Midlothian. By connecting, you’ll influence and help to drive the direction of tourism in Midlothian. You’ll have exclusive access to:
- A business listing on the new Visit Midlothian website
- MTF networking events with fellow tourism businesses (virtual during COVID)
- An open forum to discuss challenges and benefit from peer support
- Partnership opportunities
- Support from experts at Business Gateway Midlothian and VisitScotland
- Meaningful market Intelligence
- Business development opportunities
Midlothian Science Zone (MSZ) represents a unique cluster of science parks, research institutes, and companies within Midlothian, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
This informed and innovative community provides a hub of knowledge exchange and facilitates access to expertise, resources and core facilities, new technologies, accommodation and services, business support, networks and events.
Together, Midlothian Science Zone makes a global contribution to biotechnology and bioscience research. The thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem offers opportunities for early-stage and growing companies, and a broad range of careers (science and non-science).
Collaboration is encouraged between scientists, researchers, academia and entrepreneurs 'in the zone', and beyond, within One Health, agriculture, aquaculture and related sectors.
Midlothian Science Zone is supported by a Steering Group of prestigious industry partners who meet regularly and provide regular input and guidance to the Midlothian Science Project Co-ordinator and Digital Manager.
CONNECT, COMMUNICATE, COLLABORATE
Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce (MELCC) is a not-for-profit membership organisation, which provides a full range of business support services. We are the voice of business in East Lothian and Midlothian - representing both SMEs and larger corporate organisations alike.
MELCC supports the development of the business community by providing business information and expertise, encouraging education / industry links and helping business people network and trade with each other, thus impact on the wider economy.
No matter the size nor sector of your business - be it start-up, established, expanding or high growth - MELCC can support you at every stage of the development of your business. Our mission is to offer the network, the advice and the solutions you need to succeed.
If you’re a Scottish SME or third sector organisation interested in working with the public sector, Supplier Development Programme (SDP) Scotland can help you. They offer expert training, support and information to help you win work and grow your business, all for free.
SDP gets local suppliers tender ready, with online and in person events, and in doing so helps to diversify supply chains, build stronger regional economies, and link procurement training with Community Wealth Building.
If you have little or no experience of tendering, or if your business is too small to have dedicated bid team, SDP can help!
