Ayrshire businesses are being invited to a special event to mark the launch of a bold 10-year plan that aims to transform the area's economy.

To kick start Ayrshire Business Week, the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce is inviting business owners to come along and discuss the new Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy and its delivery plan at an information event at Gailes Hotel in Irvine.

The event will be held on Monday, October 2 from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

As well as hearing from guest speakers, businesses can network and learn about the new strategy which will see the three councils working with local partners to deliver significant and long-lasting economic renewal across the region.

The initial focus is to bring businesses together and to form strong partnerships across Ayrshire.

Community Wealth Building – the economic development model that puts local people and communities at the heart of decisions while redirecting wealth back into the local economy – is at the centre of the new economic approach.

And a key aim in the next ten years, is that ‘Ayrshire will be a region where wealth is shared fairly, to enable people of all ages to live full and healthy lives’.

This event will focus on three key themes:

• Support for Enterprise
• Fair Work
• Innovation

Councillor Marie Burns, chair of the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee said: “What better way to start Ayrshire Business Week than by getting local businesses together to talk about the bold and ambitious plans for Ayrshire.

“We have so much potential here in Ayrshire and so many skills, experience and expertise amongst a variety of sectors.

“We already have some very strong partnerships across Ayrshire and many mechanisms in place to deliver the ambitions of this Strategy.

“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 now and we all have a part to play.”

The partners will 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 initiative – a £3 million Ayrshire Growth Deal project – has already been established and supported hundreds in its first year in operation.

The partners will aim to improve the support they give local businesses and will continue to make the case for investment in enterprise and innovation.

Alastair Dobson, chair of the regional strategy working group, who will chair the event: “We are looking forward to welcoming as many Ayrshire businesses as possible.

“This strategy reflects our collective desire to take a different approach to regional economic development in Ayrshire - an inclusive approach based on the principles of community wealth building.

“All partners have their part to play and successful proactive businesses will be the heart of sustainable inclusive economic recovery and growth.

“I am sure the Ayrshire business community will recognise this and be determined to look at things differently to deliver their critical role to change the landscape of the Ayrshire economy.

“The success of the strategy will depend on excellent engagement and delivery. The event at Gailes Hotel will be a chance for lots of us to share our knowledge and experience.

“We are a passionate, proud, creative and hardworking region, we need to nurture and develop the team approach at a local and regional level. We are confident this Strategy can deliver significant and long-lasting economic renewal across our region.”