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Ayrshire's economic future
12/03/2010
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather will join forces with key players from Ayrshire's private, public and third sectors on Monday to consider opportunities for economic growth in the region.
Mr Mather will facilitate a day-long event hosted by East Ayrshire Council, at which local leaders will identify issues central to the economic, social and environmental development of Ayrshire, and decide how to work together to address them.
The event, at the Grange Academy in Kilmarnock, will ensure businesses and agencies adopt a focused and coordinated approach to economic development in Ayrshire, and a shared responsibility for the region's future economic success.
Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said:
"Bringing people together to agree a shared responsibility for the future of Ayrshire is the most effective way to achieve the economic growth we all want to see for the region.
"This event will give representatives of local businesses, the third sector, all three local authorities and the three Ayrshire Community Planning Partnerships, an important opportunity to get to grips with key issues affecting prospects for the local economy - and agree a joint approach to stimulating growth.
"The impact of recession has been felt across Scotland and there is no doubt Ayrshire has been adversely affected by the downturn. As we start to see fragile signs of economic recovery in Scotland, it's vital that the region seizes all opportunities to ensure it benefits fully from a strong and sustainable return to growth. And while job losses at places like Diageo in Kilmarnock have had a clear and damaging impact, we must all now look to the future and generate a shared determination to exploit the massive potential of Ayrshire and its skilled workforce and strong communities.
"It's time to leave any differences we have behind in favour of inclusion, collaboration and a shared desire to work together to achieve positive growth for Ayrshire. This event will pave the way for local leaders to do exactly that."
During 2009, 17 businesses in Ayrshire accepted offers totalling £8.2 million from the Scottish Government, through Scottish Enterprise, in the form of Regional Selective Assistance (RSA). This funding related to projects with planned capital expenditure of over £61 million and was expected to create or safeguard 650 jobs.