The outgoing convener of Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce has called on local groups to sort out their differences and work together.
At the chamber’s annual meeting last week, James Aitken also said business leaders and politicians in the Borders need to pull together to make the region a better place than ever to live and work.
Mr Aitken said: “It does no-one, least of all business in the Borders, any favours to see yet another war of words between different groups and factions when it is likely that regular and transparent communication from all sides would solve many of the perceived issues.”
But he pointed out that historic difficulties between business organisations in the region were now being addressed and thing were moving forward.
Mr Aitken also hailed various local schemes which have come to fruition recently, including the 3G pitch at Netherdale, the creation of the Margaret Kerr Unit and the refurbishment of Abbotsford.
However, he said: “If one phrase sums up the position of the chamber this year, as opposed to last year, it is: improving but still lots more to do.
“Our financial position is much healthier, our membership continues to grow and what the chamber is saying and doing is regularly covered in the press.
Mr Aitken, a partner in and co-founder of Legal Knowledge Scotland, is stepping down after two years in the post of convener. His successor is Jack Clark, the recently retired managing director of auctioneers John Swan.