Accessibility tools
Powered by 
Translate
Use the boxes below to change the website colours.
Visit disclaimer page for more information about the accessibility tool.
Council to build stronger economic ties across Ayrshire
North Ayrshire Council is set to move forward with plans to create a shared Economic Development Service in partnership with East Ayrshire Council, aiming to strengthen the region’s ability to drive economic growth and investment.
The shared service will focus on delivering the Regional Economic Strategy and will bring together key functions such as economic development, community wealth building, tourism and Ayrshire Growth Deal delivery.
The new shared approach – approved at a full meeting of North Ayrshire Council yesterday (Wednesday 11 February) - aims to reduce duplication and ensure a more consistent regional offer to businesses and communities.
Quote: Both North and East Ayrshire Councils are ambitious for our communities, seeking to improve the lives of the people we serve. There is strong alignment across both councils and by working together across council boundaries, we can bring greater strategic focus, and ensure our communities and businesses benefit from a stronger, more joined‑up approach to economic growth. This is an important step forward for Ayrshire’s economy and pooling our skills and talent can help us attract investment, deliver key regional priorities and make the most of opportunities that are presented to us
Quote from: Councillor Eleanor Collier, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy
The proposal to create the new shared Economic Development Service builds on existing collaboration, through initiatives such as the £251million Ayrshire Growth Deal and the Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy.
The shared approach will bring together key economic functions including economic policy, business support, tourism and digital renewal.
The Shared Services model will be led by North Ayrshire Council from 1 June 2026, overseen by a new Regional Economic Director, who will drive delivery of the Regional Economic Strategy and manage regional investment and partnerships. Governance will be provided through the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee, with a dedicated project board managing implementation. Staff from both councils will transfer under TUPE, with local service presence retained in each area.
Published: 12 February 2026