EDAS Citations in SP Committee Report

We have already stated that the Economy, Energy & Tourism committee cited EDAS extensively in its enterprise network inquiry. Rather than taking our word for it or leave you to search for yourself, we've outlined the reference points for you:

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• 73. The variation of business support across the country was also borne out by written evidence received from local authorities and The Economic Development Association (Scotland) (EDAS) reported that “within the current structure it is very difficult to ensure you have the right balance between nationally set policies and local delivery on the ground”

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• 169. There is some evidence of a positive impact on the services… The Economic Development Association Scotland (EDAS), meanwhile, noted that “there has been less intra-regional competition within the network and improved focus on added value”, adding that it has helped keep costs down and enabled SE to be more cost-effective, and led to improvement in the delivery of national projects.

• 171. However, the Committee has also been presented with a number of less favourable views of the impact of the rationalisation on the services that the agencies deliver. For example, while EDAS identified some positive impacts (as previously noted), it states that “the majority of feedback was negative” and that the changes have been “extremely disruptive to the delivery of local economic development”.

• 219. A written submission from the Economic Development Association (EDAS) reported “a lack of consistency from area to area in how stakeholders are brought together and co-operate operationally”.

• 228. Among respondents to the inquiry, the Strategic Forum appeared to have a low profile. EDAS, following consultation with its members, reported that “the opinions of the Strategic Forum were far from complimentary. Many were completely unaware of the forum and any activities or discussions that came out of it.

•233. Written submissions to the Committee indicate that there is little awareness of the RABs outside of their participants and the agencies with Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Future a notable exception. EDAS’s submission stated of RABs that “members either did not know who they were or thought that they had little or no impact – mere talking shops that are aloof, redundant and disconnected”.

• 273. A more positive attitude outlook on the issues raised above was put forward by EDAS, which reported that some members suggested extending account management to the Business Gateway network.

• 276. A number of arguments have been put forward against further reform at this stage. EDAS, for example, stated that “now is not the time for another government restructuring. Perhaps there are better models out there but precious energy and resources would be wasted in yet more structural change which most likely would damage economic recovery”.

Click here to read our submission to the committee.