Ayrshire councils launch new strategy group that will 'reset' economy in 10 years
North, East, and South Ayrshire have teamed up to form the Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy working group.
Councillors in Ayrshire have announced a new regional economic strategy that they say will transform the area within the next decade.
All three local authorities (North, East, and South Ayrshire) are coming together to form a new working group that will be putting a focus on boosting the local economy over the next 10 years.
Leaders say it will aim to enable ‘people of all ages to live full and healthy lives’ and say they are focussing on six key themes.
The themes are:
• Support for Enterprise
• Fair Work
• Innovation
• Good Health and Wellbeing
• Stronger Places and Communities
• Enhancing Natural Capital
Speaking at the launch in Irvine on Monday, Councillor Douglas Reid, said: “This is an important document as it sets out our bold 10-year vision for the Ayrshire economy and for Ayrshire residents now and into the future.
“This is the first strategy of its kind for our region…. and it’s the first in Scotland to feature Community Wealth Building as a founding principle throughout.
“There is a determination to make a difference to this and future generations.
“We already have mechanisms in place across Ayrshire to help us deliver the ambitions of this Strategy, including existing strong regional partnership working, the Ayrshire Community Wealth Building Commission… the Ayrshire Growth Deal, which underpins some of the largest investments in regeneration and infrastructure improvements to take place in Ayrshire in decades… and the Ayrshire Regional Skills Investment Plan.
“Now is the time to capitalise on the momentum of these existing partnerships to deliver a Strategy that works for people, businesses and industry across Ayrshire.
“It will take time to tackle some of our most difficult challenges but whilst the ambition is long term, delivery begins today and we all have a part to play.”
Over the next decade there will be a drive to upskill more people - with a focus on a coordinated approach to training and learning opportunities to match current and future skills requirements.
Bosses also say that they’ll support local businesses and continue to make the case for enterprise and innovation in Ayrshire.
The group will also look to take advantage of the £251m Ayrshire Growth Deal opportunities and will seek to attract inward investment at significant levels at strategic sites such as i3 in Irvine, the Halo Project in Kilmarnock and Prestwick Aerospace Park
There will be an emphasis on health and wellbeing, and making more people fit and ready for employment to counteract the area’s ageing population. The Working for a Healthier Economy – a £3million Ayrshire Growth Deal project – has already been established and supported hundreds in its first year in operation.
You can view the joint Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy here on the council website.