Go to : [INDEX / 1998-1999 PROJECTS] [1995-1997 PROJECTS]
[INTRODUCING GROUNDBASE] [The Future & Leader III]
[CONTACTING GROUNDBASE]
[BUDGET 1995-1999] [BUDGET 1995-1997]

David Rennie, Programme Manager

Projects Underway : 1998 - 1999

Groundbase operates the LEADER II European Community Initiative across the whole of Dumfries and Galloway. It is a partnership between the European Union, Dumfries and Galloway Council, and Dumfries and Galloway Enterprise, and runs until the year 2000. LEADER II aims to support business growth, community development and the rural economy, and runs to the year 2000. Groundbase's main programmes concentrate on rural and innovation initiatives. Its key is a 'bottom up' approach with grant support to a wide range of businesses, organisations, community groups and individuals throughout the Region.

David Rennie, Programme Manager

"Welcome to this Review of LEADER II in Dumfries and Galloway. I hope it provides a flavour of the work of Groundbase during the last 12 months and more importantly a measure of our achievements. The focus remains very much on rural micro-business (including agriculture and tourism), and areas and communities suffering from economic and social exclusion. Groundbase intends to continue on into 1999 offering a range of programmes and projects aimed at supporting rural employment creation, in partnership with other public sector agencies and the private sector. It is difficult to look further ahead as it has not yet been confirmed whether a LEADER III Community Initiative will be introduced in the year 2000. Groundbase will, however, continue to prepare the groundwork for a LEADER III application in anticipation of a decision being announced in 1999." - David Rennie

The Projects Available :

Groundbase is still taking applications for its grant expenditure during 1998 and 1999. A range of new and continuing projects are underway to assist development and provide training.

Groundbase has commissioned a number of Feasibility studies and has implemented a number of pilot projects. These form the basis of Groundbase activity over the remainder of LEADER II. Attention is to be focussed on : -

1. Micro Enterprise Growth Initiative :

   This well-established and successful project is continuing to support and fund the expansion of small businesses with up to ten staff.

2. MEGA-Business Information Technology Enhancement :

   A specific form of MEGA better use of this, both for existing businesses and for potential new ones.

3. Joint Marketing Programme (JMP) :

4. Training and Development :

   Besides a general provision, this is to concentrate on young people and women returners, to complement capital grants given in recent years.

5. Tourism Development :

   To increase this potential of the Region by building on the experience gained from three successful projects :-

   1. Visitor Attraction Enhancement Programme (VAEP),

   2. Information Technology for Tourism Programme (ITTP),

   3. Tourism Events Support Programme (TESP).

   4. Tourism Catering Support Programme (TCSP).

6. Community Initiatives :

   Working with local groups to develop their own communities.

7. Networking : Exchanging ideas and experiences with other LEADER II groups.

Go to Index for Description of Projects

Case Studies making use of these Projects will be added to this site during 1998 and 1999.

The Future and Leader III : 2000+ :

The Agenda 2000 Proposals recently published by the European Union suggest that there will be a LEADER III Community Initiative running for the years 2000 to 2006. Although many details have yet to be confirmed, Groundbase will begin preparing the groundwork for a LEADER III application and will seek the views of all interested parties.

We would be happy to discuss your commercial development needs if you are considering starting or expanding a business in Dumfries and Galloway Region. Alternatively, if you interested in locating elsewhere in Scotland or undertaking export business, we can refer you to appropriate contacts.