UK Government approves Ayrshire Regional Investment Plan

The investment represents the collective ambition of the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership, bringing together North Ayrshire Council, East Ayrshire Council, South Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire College, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and wider regional partners around a shared commitment to delivering sustainable, inclusive and long-term economic growth across Ayrshire.

The approval of the Local Growth Fund Investment Plan builds on the recent adoption of Ayrshire's Regional Economic Strategy Delivery Plan 2026-2029 and reflects a continued commitment by partners to a coordinated approach to economic development. Through the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership, organisations have agreed shared priorities, aligned investment plans and established collaborative delivery arrangements that enable resources, expertise and investment to be targeted where they can achieve the greatest regional impact.

The £11.8 million Local Growth Fund allocation is focused on improving real disposable household income and supporting growth across three priority themes:

• Local growth and community infrastructure
• Business innovation and growth support
• Skills development and employment training

By working collectively at a regional level, partners are better positioned to attract investment, respond to economic challenges and deliver opportunities that no single organisation could achieve alone. The programme will support projects that strengthen communities, improve opportunities for residents and businesses, and contribute to a more productive and competitive regional economy.

Delivered through the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership, the approved Investment Plan aims to improve productivity, competitiveness and real disposable household income while laying the foundations for long-term inclusive and sustainable growth across the region. Key actions in year one include establishing and supporting regional delivery capacity, developing a shared Regional Economic Partnership website, a programme of regional business support and innovation activity, advancing skills and employability through regional recruitment incentives and capital investment and developing a pipeline of future funding and investment opportunities. £4.4million has been allocated to help achieve the year one ambitions.

Councillor Tony Gurney, Chair of the Ayrshire Regional Economic Partnership, said: “This funding approval is an important milestone for Ayrshire and reflects the strength of the partnership that has been developed across the region. The £11.8 million package will support a regional programme of investment that will benefit communities, businesses and residents across Ayrshire.

"By aligning this investment with our Regional Economic Strategy, we can tackle barriers to inclusive growth, support innovation and enterprise, develop skills and create opportunities that deliver meaningful long-term benefits across the region. This is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when partners work together around a shared vision and common priorities.”

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said:

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “Today, the UK Government is releasing more than £4.4 million to Ayrshire partners who know their communities best.  

“These funds will be crucial for developing a new Regional Intelligence Hub to drive growth while expanding start-up incentives and local apprenticeship opportunities. The UK Government is committed to empowering local communities by spreading power throughout the country.  

“These funds will support local leaders throughout Scotland to create skilled jobs, help start-up businesses and revive our local high streets.” 

Ayrshire is one of Scotland's most established regional economic partnerships, with public, private, academic and third-sector organisations working together through a collaborative partnership model to deliver shared economic priorities and drive long-term regional prosperity.

The programme will be delivered through established regional governance arrangements, with partners working collectively to oversee investment, monitor outcomes and ensure that resources are directed towards priorities that support productivity, competitiveness, skills development and inclusive growth across Ayrshire.