On February 8th, hub South West Scotland (hub SW) will be kicking off its annual development programme, Build Ayrshire.
Offering local businesses across the construction sector the opportunity to build on existing skills and reach their market goals, the programme helps to drive local economic development across Ayrshire.
Having run the programme successfully across Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and Dumfries and Galloway for six years, hub SW’s Build Programme is delivered by expert leaders from different sectors within the construction industry to offer expert advice and interactive learning.
Companies participating in the programme will gain expert insight into tendering and receive first-hand introductions to leading Tier One contractors, allowing them to grow their connections with key players across the industry.
Registration is now open and hub SW is inviting businesses in the area to apply for the Build Ayrshire programme as soon as possible.
hub SW is a public-private partnership, which provides services to public sector businesses allowing for cost-efficient and sustainable design and construction of community infrastructure projects across the South West of Scotland.
To date, they have delivered a total of 91 projects to a value of £717m across the education, health, leisure, office and social housing sectors and have nearly £500m of projects in construction and development. In Ayrshire alone, hub SW has delivered 35 projects with a total value of £398m.
The programme is free to attend and runs over the course of eight weeks, comprising one half-day session per week. Each session is designed to have its own unique focus to cater to the needs of all attendees, covering an array of subjects around business management — from developing a strategy and navigating procurement and finance, to creating a marketing and social media plan.
Build Ayrshire is open to businesses focusing on all aspects of construction, with a diverse mix of attendees ranging from building contractors and engineers, to architecture firms and energy companies.
Once the eight week sessions have come to an end, each participating company has the opportunity to present to the group to discuss what they have learnt and how the knowledge they have gained will impact their business strategy and growth plans going forward. A winner is then chosen based on their presentation quality and engagement throughout the programme.
Speaking of the value that Build Ayrshire can bring to local business owners, Mark Houston, Supply Chain Development Manager at hub South West Scotland, said: “Our free Build Programme is designed to help local businesses develop an effective and achievable plan for the future, building the foundations they will need to secure their position in the wider market. By offering growing businesses the chance to meet industry experts, Tier One contractors and like-minded people, our collaborative programme provides a proactive and impactful environment in which businesses can really put their ideas to the test and solidify their plan of action, gaining the integral skills and confidence they need to move forward in the long-term.
“We’ve had a real variety of businesses join in the past, from data analysing drone companies to award-winning roofing businesses, so anyone with a focus on construction is welcome to apply. As we approach the new year, we’re looking forward to getting off to a flying start and helping local companies across Ayrshire reach their full potential.”
Claire Baird, CEO of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, commented: “In recent years, we’ve seen hub South West Scotland bring some great opportunities to Ayrshire through the Build programme and I’m delighted that they will be continuing to work with our local businesses again in 2023.
“Over the course of the eight week programme, it’s incredible to see the growth in these companies and the confidence that they gain within themselves as individuals. hub South West Scotland plays a major role in helping our local business community to maximise their potential and, as a result, brings fantastic economic benefits to the local area. We look forward to finding out about the new innovative companies that will be taking part in the programme this year.”
Any businesses who are interested in signing up for Build Ayrshire should email Mark Houston, Supply Chain Development Manager and organiser of Build, at mhouston@hubsouthwest.co.uk.
Header image: Mark Houston, Supply Chain Development Manager at hub South West Scotland.
