The Scottish Borders business community is entering a new phase of collaboration and growth, with the potential to become a major economic force, according to industry leader Cynthia Guthrie, CEO of the Guthrie Group and a driving figure behind the early expansion of Sky TV across the UK.
Speaking after attending the latest Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce (SBCC) Leaders’ Dinner at Duns Castle, Ms Guthrie praised the “can-do energy” and ambition she witnessed across local businesses, public-sector leaders and third-sector organisations.
”“I got a tremendous sense of positivity about the Borders – a real desire to see what can be achieved”
Cynthia GuthrieCEO Guthrie Group
A Strong and Ambitious Borders Business Network
The Guthrie Group, one of Scotland’s leading suppliers of workwear, catering and PPE and with a base in Selkirk, has long been part of the Borders business landscape. But Ms Guthrie said this event felt different from other business chamber gatherings.
“I got a tremendous sense of positivity about the Borders – a real desire to see what can be achieved,” she said.
“Across public, private and third-sector organisations, there is a strong shared purpose. The openness and honesty of the discussions were very special.”
The SBCC Leaders’ Dinner series, which operates under Chatham House Rules to encourage open debate, brings together influential figures from across the region. This latest event united representatives from more than 15 Borders firms in sectors such as farming, banking, food and drink, and technology. Also in attendance were Scottish Borders Council CEO David Robertson, Borders Community Action CEO Julianna Amaral, and former MP Calum Kerr.
”I feel very positive about what’s happening here.”
Cynthia GuthrieCEO Guthrie Group
Borders Business Challenges and Opportunities in Focus
Held ahead of the UK Budget announcement, the meeting highlighted concerns about tax changes, National Insurance costs and the rising national and living wage. Drawing on her extensive background in defence engineering and corporate leadership roles at Sky Television and BSkyB in London, Ms Guthrie outlined the importance of strong business representation to navigate such challenges.
She emphasised that the key to growing the Borders economy is expanding the Chamber’s membership and increasing its collective influence with national and local government, especially as the region faces increased activity from energy companies planning wind, solar and battery storage projects.
With the number and diversity of businesses in the Scottish Borders, the potential for this Chamber to grow is huge,” she said.
“Geography can make it difficult for businesses to connect, but communication is absolutely essential to building a strong business network in the Borders.”
She added that small and medium-sized businesses – as well as micro and third-sector organisations – often lack the influence of large corporates, but a strong Chamber can change that.
“If businesses continue working in silos, progress will be slow. But this Chamber has the potential to break down those silos. When that happens, influence grows, politicians take notice, and local businesses grow together.”
Ms Guthrie concluded by urging entrepreneurs, leaders and organisations across the region to get involved:
“I feel very positive about what’s happening here. We have a great opportunity in the Borders, and I sincerely hope people engage with the Chamber.”
Upcoming SBCC Event: Festive Connections at Clint Lodge
The next major networking opportunity for Scottish Borders businesses is Festive Connections, taking place on Thursday 4 December at the award-winning Clint Lodge, Melrose.
This special end-of-year gathering will feature canapés, mocktails and festive fizz, offering members a relaxed chance to celebrate the season, reflect on a year of business growth, and build new connections for 2026.
