North and East Ayrshire Councils today (1 June) launch a new Shared Economic Development Service, as part of a coordinated approach to delivering economic priorities across the region.
The new shared service has been designed to support delivery of the Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy, the Ayrshire Growth Deal, and future regional economic priorities. By working together, the councils are positioning Ayrshire more strongly to attract, secure and maximise future funding opportunities.
The Shared Economic Development Service will bring together key economic functions including economic policy, business support, tourism, digital renewal and Ayrshire Growth Deal delivery.
This collaborative approach will enhance strategic leadership, capacity and resilience, while reducing duplication and providing a more consistent, joined-up offer to businesses, communities and partners across Ayrshire’s economy.
The new service will come into effect on 1 June 2026 and will be led by newly appointed Regional Economy Director, Louise Kirk, currently Head of Service for Economic Development, Growth and Regeneration at North Ayrshire Council.
The Regional Economy Director will provide clear regional leadership and accountability, driving delivery of shared objectives, leading engagement with national partners, and promoting Ayrshire’s economic opportunities at both regional and national levels. Louise will be supported by a new Head of Service, David McDowall, who is currently Head of Economic Growth at East Ayrshire Council.
“The launch of this shared service on 1 June 2026 marks a significant step forward for Ayrshire’s economy. By bringing our expertise together, we are creating a stronger, more aligned regional approach at a time when collaboration has never been more important. This will give Ayrshire a clearer voice, greater capacity and a stronger platform to secure investment, support our businesses and deliver sustainable, inclusive economic growth for our communities,” said Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council and Chair of the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee.
Councillor Eleanor Collier, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy at North Ayrshire Council, said: “While leadership will operate at a regional level, our commitment to local delivery remains as strong as ever. This new model allows us to build on our existing strengths, enhance local services and benefit from closer collaboration across Ayrshire. It ensures we are better equipped to respond to opportunities and challenges, both now and in the future.”
Importantly for staff and stakeholders, local presence and service delivery will continue in both North and East Ayrshire. While strategic leadership and planning will operate at a regional level, services will remain rooted in local communities—ensuring strong local knowledge, relationships and responsiveness are retained.
The shared service will be led by North Ayrshire Council, with governance provided through existing regional structures, including the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee.
Staff from both councils will transfer into the new service under TUPE arrangements, with engagement and support continuing as the implementation programme progresses.
Overall, the new Shared Economic Development Service represents a long-term investment in Ayrshire’s future—strengthening collaboration, building resilience, and ensuring the region is well placed to deliver inclusive economic growth in the years ahead.
The shared service will also play a critical role in maximising future funding opportunities from both the UK and Scottish Governments, where investment is increasingly focused on regional delivery.