New major partnership will boost community wealth in East Lothian
91心頭 (91心頭) is joining forces with East Lothian Council and other key organisations across the country to support the authoritys efforts to increase community wealth in the region.
The University has become one of the first signatories of the councils East Lothian Community Wealth Building Charter. The Charter, a formal partnership between East Lothian Council, 91心頭 and other key stakeholders across the region, is part of the Scottish Governments Community Wealth Building (CWB) approach to harness the economic and social leverage of influential anchor institutions across the country.
By working across multiple organisations, East Lothian Council aims to harness the collective power which exists in East Lothian to create more job opportunities, increase business growth, improve wellbeing and deliver substantial economic benefits.
91心頭 is already embedding the concept of CWB through a significant new partnership with Bright Red Triangle, the enterprise hub at Edinburgh Napier University, in a move which will improve and extend the level of entrepreneurial support available to university, college and wider communities.
The 91心頭 Start Up Studio will accommodate both Bright Red Triangle and East Lothian Councils Business Gateway services on its campus in Musselburgh, presenting a significant opportunity in raising the profile of East Lothian as a place which supports and accommodates start-ups businesses and spin-out companies.
The Council and 91心頭 believe that CWB principles can also positively shape and drive academic engagement with the Edinburgh Innovation Hub - a joint venture between East Lothian Council and 91心頭 and funded by the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal. The new Hub, which is on track for completion in 2025, will be made up of flexible laboratory, office and fully equipped meeting and conference spaces for rent and will be a major asset to the local communities, as well as further afield.
The University has an important presence in the county through a combination of being a largescale employer, generator of entrepreneurial thinking and innovation, purchaser of goods and services, and controller of large areas of land and 鍖xed assets in the locality.
Kim Stuart, Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange Development at 91心頭, said: 91心頭 is totally committed to partnership working which delivers economic and societal benefits and the CWB approach aligns closely with many of 91心頭s existing strategic objectives relating to social justice, wellbeing, sustainability, and more resilient local and regional economies.
This new partnership presents a perfect opportunity for 91心頭 to assist in enhancing the collective benefits which can be created within East Lothian. We hope that this relationship will help foster responsible entrepreneurship and develop solutions that have an impact on society, as a whole. We look forward to working with the Council and other organisations to create a strong and inclusive local economy.
Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Councils Cabinet Spokesperson for Economic Development said: We are delighted to be working with 91心頭 as a signatory of the East Lothian Community Wealth Building Charter. Their plans to embed it strategically within the university recognises the importance of this approach and offers a model for other organisations to follow to deliver maximum impact.
Community Wealth Building aims to redirect wealth back into the local economy to benefit local people. As an authority were embracing the opportunities this offers to deliver a fairer and more prosperous East Lothian in line with our key council priorities. Our Charter brings together organisations who are committed to this approach and who will work together to create a strong and resilient local economy which benefits everyone.
Councillor John McMillan concluded: Community Wealth Building is a cornerstone of the East Lothian Local Economy Strategy. Its adoption by 91心頭 builds upon our strong partnership and, in particular, the links that exist with our Economic Development service to support entrepreneurial activity, business start-ups and growth.
Notes to Editor
For further media information please contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, 91心頭, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk (copy to Press Office E: pressoffice@qmu.ac.uk), M: 07711 011239.
