Ayrshire’s largest business event is set to return this autumn with an expanded and diverse programme designed to help businesses connect, grow and thrive.
Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce has announced the return of its flagship event, Ayrshire Business Week 2026, taking place from Monday 28th September to Friday 2nd October. The five-day programme will bring together businesses, entrepreneurs and professionals from across the region for a dynamic week of insight, networking and celebration.
This year’s programme will feature keynote speakers, practical learning opportunities, expert-led insight and Ayrshire’s largest B2B exhibition, culminating in the prestigious Ayrshire Business Awards Dinner at Ayr Racecourse. Together, the events will create a unique platform for businesses of all sizes and sectors to gain valuable knowledge, build relationships and identify new opportunities for growth within the regional economy.
The week will open at Dumfries House with a flagship launch event featuring Scottish EDGE CEO Evelyn McDonald and the official launch of the new Ayrshire Regional EDGE. Attendees will hear directly from successful Ayrshire entrepreneurs, including Johnny Manning of Connekt EV Charging, Saskia Jae of Narture CIC and Ryan Leslie of Fuelfit, who will share practical insight into scaling businesses, securing funding and driving innovation.
On Tuesday, the Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Ayrshire Entrepreneurial Lunch at Seamill Hydro will bring together young people and apprentices to hear from some of Ayrshire’s most influential business leaders. Ayrshire Chamber members are also invited to attend an exclusive economic update delivered by Adam McGeoch, Bank of England Deputy Agent for Scotland, providing valuable insight into current economic conditions and the outlook ahead.
A key highlight of the week, the Ayrshire B2B Exhibition, will return on Wednesday 30th September at The Park Hotel in Kilmarnock. Featuring more than 90 businesses and partners, the event will include speed networking and a networking lunch.
On Thursday, businesses are invited to The Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride for Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), featuring a keynote insight from William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce. This will cover the BCC’s role in advocating for Chamber members, key developments in UK and global trade policy, emerging trade opportunities across the EU, US and international markets, and the range of trade accelerators and support available to help businesses expand globally.
The day will also include a behind-the-scenes event at the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) in Irvine, exploring automation and applied AI and offering practical guidance for businesses looking to embrace new technologies and improve productivity.
The week will conclude on Friday evening with the highly anticipated Ayrshire Business Awards at Ayr Racecourse, hosted by entertainer and magician Ben Hanlin and sponsored by Business Gateway. The annual awards celebrate achievement, innovation and excellence across Ayrshire’s business community, with 16 awards recognising outstanding organisations and individuals.
Ayrshire Business Week offers tangible benefits for participating businesses, from building valuable relationships with potential clients and partners to gaining expert insight from industry leaders and policymakers. It provides an opportunity to raise brand profile, discover new markets and collaborations, learn practical strategies for growth and innovation, and engage with emerging talent.
Claire Baird, Chief Executive of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Ayrshire Business Week is one of the most important dates in the regional business calendar, bringing together the people, ideas and opportunities that help our economy move forward.
“This year’s programme reflects the ambition, resilience and innovation we see every day across Ayrshire’s business community, and we are proud to provide a platform that supports connection, collaboration and growth.”
With a packed programme of high-quality events and something for every stage of business, Ayrshire Business Week 2026 is set to be an unmissable opportunity for organisations looking to strengthen their position and drive future success across the region.
Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Business Week stands as the region’s leading event for business networking, collaboration and celebration.
monday 28th September
A morning with Scottish Edge CEO, Evelyn McDonald and the Launch of the Ayrshire Regional EDGE
10:00am – 12:30pm
Dumfries House
Tuesday 29th September
Members Update with Bank of England deputy agent for Scotland Adam McGeogh
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday 29th September
DYW Entrepreneurial lunch. Hear from an inspiring panel of guest speakers and entrepreneurs.
11:00am – 14:30pm
Seamill Hydro, West Kilbride
Wednesday 30th September
Speed Networking. Grow your network and explore new opportunities in just one morning.
07:45am – 09:00am
The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock
Wednesday 30th September
Stand Booking, B2B Exhibition. Make sure you secure your stand at Ayrshire’s largest B2B exhibition!
09:15am – 12:30pm
The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock
Wednesday 30th September
B2B Exhibition. Reserve your free visitor ticket for Ayrshire’s largest B2B exhibition!
09:15am – 12:30pm
The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock
Wednesday 30th September
Networking Lunch. Enjoy a delicious lunch and make valuable connections.
12:30pm – 14:00pm
The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock
thursday 1st october
Ayrshire Chamber AGM with guest speaker William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce.
09:00am – 11:00am
The Waterside Hotel & Spa
thursday 1st october
Automation and Applied AI Insights. Interactive demonstrations showcasing cutting-edge tools.
12:30pm – 16:45pm
Digital Process Manufacturing Centre
