The SOSE Spotlight

In the final episode of this series of the SOSE Spotlight, we speak to Alex Feechan, owner and founder of Findra Clothing, an Innerleithen-based company which specialises in outdoor clothing for women.Alex discussed how a new hobby of mountain-biking with friends 14 years ago led to the creation of Findra, the importance of being based in Innerleithen, the challenges still faced by female business leaders, and her company’s sustainability efforts.Listen now at your usual podcast platforms.Useful linksFindra - findraclothing.comTranscription of episode – southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlightContact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us*****************************************************************************************Audio Source: JamendoAdobe Stock Asset ID:#346977350

This week we travel to Hawick to speak to Allan Godfrey, Managing Director of Teviot Knitwear. Allan talks about:Teviot Knitwear's rapid growth, after overcoming the challenge of being set up in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemicThe continued importance of the textile industry to HawickIts collaborations with celebritiesAdvice for budding entrepreneursAnd the support its received from South of Scotland Enterprise.Useful linksTeviot Knitwear - teviotknitwearhawick.co.ukTranscription of episode – southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlightContact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us*******************************************************************************************Audio Source: JamendoAdobe Stock Asset ID:#346977350

This week we speak to Alistair Fell, of Dalbeattie-based Iron & Pine about how the business he co-founded with school friend Luke Mazs, converting shipping containers into offices and wedding venues, has rapidly grown - from starting out operating in a friend's hay shed to employing over 20 skilled people in Dumfries & Galloway.Alistair discusses how Iron & Pine have embraced Fair Work and circular economy, challenges of recruiting staff in a rural location, advice for budding entrepreneurs and their ambitions to help tackle housing issues in the South. Useful linksIron & Pine - ironandpine.co.ukFair Work support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/fair-workNet Zero support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/net-zeroCircular Economy - zerowastescotland.org.uk/topics/circular-economyTranscription of episode –southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlightContact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us*******************************************************************************************Audio Source: JamendoAdobe Stock Asset ID:#346977350

We travel to Whithorn for the latest episode of the SOSE Spotlight, to find out more about the fantastic work of Building Futures Galloway.Julia Muir Watt discusses how the organisation prides itself on providing young people with the opportunity to protect the local history while shaping their futures through learning traditional construction skills.Julia discusses Building Futures Galloway's efforts around inclusion, diversity and sustainability, and how it has led to recognition on a national level.Listen to find out more and subscribe at your usual podcast platforms.Useful linksBuilding Futures Galloway - buildingfuturesgalloway.comFair Work support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/fair-workNet Zero support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/net-zeroTranscription of episode –southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlightContact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us*******************************************************************************************Audio Source: JamendoAdobe Stock Asset ID:#346977350

This week's episode of The SOSE Spotlight travels to Palnure on the edge of the Galloway Forest, to hear from Alan Baxter of Rowan Glen.Rowan Glen is one of the longest established yoghurt manufacturing sites in Scotland but faced an uncertain future in 2022 when the site was closed by its previous owners.Alan discusses how he and his team led the purchase of the factory and brand, as well as how Fair Work and sustainability have been key to Rowan Glen's revival since. Listen to find out more and subscribe at your usual podcast platforms.Useful linksRowan Glen - rowanglen.comFair Work support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/fair-workNet Zero support - southofscotlandenterprise.com/driving-change/net-zeroTranscription of episode –southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlightContact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us*******************************************************************************************Audio Source: JamendoAdobe Stock Asset ID:#346977350

Series three of The SOSE Spotlight is focussing on the stories of some of the inspiring businesses, social enterprises and community groups we have worked with in the first five years of South of Scotland Enterprise.In the first episode of the series, we speak to James Gaffney of JagArt 82.James is a neurodivergent artist whose motto is inspire to be inspired.With his team, he offers workshops and personalised mentorship in creative fields for various groups, including children.James tells us about the opportunities and challenges being neurodivergent presents while running a business, and about JagArt 82's move into the Scottish Borders.  Useful linksJagArt 82 - jagart82.comTranscription of episode – southofscotlandenterprise.com/thesosespotlightContact SOSE - southofscotlandenterprise.com/contact-us*******************************************************************************************Audio Source: JamendoAdobe Stock Asset ID: #346977350

The final episode of this Pathways-focussed series hears the inspiring journey of Ruth O'Malley, who has set up her own business while at the same time being a nurse in the Scottish Borders.Discover how Pathways has supported Ruth, offering support, guidance and friendship.Useful linkPathways - https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/pathways***************************Audio source: JamendoAdobe Stock Asset ID: #346977350

The latest episode of our Pathways-focussed series see us chat with the incredible Martina McKinnel, one of our Pathways coaches. Gain insights, inspiration and motivation in this must-listen episode.Useful link: Pathways - https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/pathways***************************Audio source: JamendoAdobe Stock Asset ID: #346977350

The latest episode of our Pathways-focussed series.Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Derek Chisholm, one of our amazing Pathways clients. Hear how he has overcome challenges to find his way to success.Useful link: Pathways - https://www.southofscotlandenterprise.com/pathways***************************Audio source: JamendoAdobe Stock Asset ID: #346977350