FOUR business units at Hawick’s Galalaw Business Park have been officially opened by the Scottish Government’s Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, Jamie Hepburn.

The units, already home to three businesses, were developed by Scottish Borders Council following the Scottish Government’s announcement of a £3.625million funding package for Hawick in September 2016.

Mr Hepburn said: “It is great to see local businesses benefitting from the newly created units at Galalaw Business Park, enabling them to expand and flourish.

“I am delighted that the Scottish Government has been able to provide £3.625 million to support this development and other business infrastructure projects in Hawick as part of our commitment to the Hawick Action Plan.

“Enhancing the economy of the south of Scotland is a priority for the Scottish Government, and we are taking forward a range of activity to facilitate that. We are delivering investment of up to £85million in the region through the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, and working to establish an enterprise agency for the south of Scotland.

“This is an exciting time for economic development in the south of Scotland, and the Scottish Government is committed to developing the region to its full potential.”

Designed by the local authority’s in-house architects, the single industrial building at Galalaw is divided into four units but is flexible, enabling businesses to expand into the adjacent units if required, and if the space is available.

Local contractor Rodger Builders of Earlston undertook the main works.

The four units have provided business development and expansion opportunities, with an interior and flooring contractor, a plumbing and heating business and an energy efficient window, door and conservatory company in place so far.

In addition to the business units, the £3.625m funding is also being used to create a business incubator centre on the site of a derelict town centre property.

And improvements have already been made to business facilities at the town’s Tower Mill.

Councillor Mark Rowley, spokesman for Business and Economic Development, said: “These business units have provided the opportunity for three existing local businesses to take the opportunity to move to new, larger premises with better access and facilities. This will enable them to grow and take on more staff, and I am delighted that these new units have had such an impact already.

“A total of 21 enquiries have been received about the units to date, which is strong evidence of the need for this type of infrastructure, and the desire among firm to expand and develop in Hawick.

“Our aim with the projects progressed in partnership with the Scottish Government was to help create new jobs, encourage new businesses into Hawick and generally act as a catalyst for more inward investment and property redevelopment and regeneration in the town.

"All of this will have a very positive impact on the town’s economy, and that of the wider region."