Committee visit to learn about key economic model
AN event to shine a light on how Community Wealth Building (CWB) is impacting businesses, groups and residents was held in Irvine this week.
Colin Smyth MSP, chair of Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee was joined by fellow committee members Willie Coffey MSP, Lorna Slater MSP and Gordon MacDonald MSP at the special event at the Townhouse.
They were there to learn from the experiences of North Ayrshire Council – the first Council in Scotland to adopt CWB – and local businesses and community groups who have first-hand experience of how this economic model has positively impacted them.
After a round-the-table discussion, the Committee met with Elizabeth Sweeney and Margaret Sweeney - Raise Your Voice with Ardeer; Colin Hunter - Kilwinning Community Sports Club; Mhairi Sawyer and Fiona Macintosh from West Kilbride Community Initiative; Audrey Duckworth from Ailsa Reliability Solutions and Daniel Jack from Jack’s Alt Stays to hear how CWB has impacted them.
The Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee examines the Scottish Government’s economic policy and strategy, employment, procurement, investment and trade policies, support for business, industry, tourism and manufacturing.
Quote: Our Committee is delighted to visit North Ayrshire – a pioneer in community wealth building in Scotland – as part of our scrutiny of the proposed Community Wealth Building Bill. We’re looking forward to finding out about the projects that are making the most of local partnerships and resources to make a positive impact on the community. We know that many local councils are doing great work, but how much they’ve put into action can vary. That’s why we’re looking closely at the Scottish Government’s new bill, so we can recommend improvements to it that can help community wealth building to be delivered consistently across the country and benefit more people in Scotland.”
Quote from: Colin Smyth MSP,, Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee
North Ayrshire Council launched Scotland’s first CWB Strategy (2020-2025) in May 2020 and a refreshed strategy in 2024. The economic model – where money is redirected and retained locally to support our communities and build economic resilience – has proved successful in the subsequent years.
North Ayrshire Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “We were delighted to welcome members of Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee and am sure they learned a lot from the work that has been carried out in North Ayrshire.
“Community Wealth Building is now an integral part of how we operate and will continue to drive our policies and ambitions over the coming years.”
Published: 12 June 2025