Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce welcomed its Platinum and Gold+ members to an exclusive morning with renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter at the historic Blair Estate. The event offered a rare opportunity for business leaders to engage directly with one of Scotland’s most influential voices in enterprise.
This event was part of the Chamber’s ongoing commitment to champion Ayrshire’s business community by delivering high-value opportunities, premium networking, and direct access to industry leaders whose insights help shape innovation, resilience, and future growth.
Set within the stunning surroundings of Blair Estate, attendees heard Sir Tom’s reflections on the current economic and business landscape. He shared perspectives on leadership, scaling businesses, overcoming adversity, and the importance of continuous personal development—providing a blend of strategic insight and practical advice drawn from his own entrepreneurial journey.
Guests engaged in an open conversation with Sir Tom, raising real-time challenges faced by local businesses. Topics included self-belief in business, the impact of policy decisions on growth, regulatory challenges, planning delays, procurement issues, funding routes, workforce and skills shortages, fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, and leading teams confidently through a rapidly changing environment.
This wide-ranging discussion offered members a valuable chance to explore concerns and opportunities with one of the country’s most respected business figures.
A key highlight of the event was Sir Tom Hunter’s announcement around the Entrepreneur Charter. Developed in partnership with Ayrshire Chamber, the programme aims to give business owners and leaders a direct voice in shaping political and economic priorities ahead of the Scottish Elections next May.
Through the Entrepreneur Charter, Sir Tom and the Chamber invite businesses across Ayrshire to share what they want from local politicians and what changes they believe are needed to strengthen the business landscape. Members and non-members alike are encouraged to contact the Chamber to contribute ideas, concerns, and recommendations that will inform this collective call for action.
Ayrshire Chamber CEO Claire Baird said:
“Hosting this event gave our members direct access to Sir Tom Hunter’s vast experience and expertise. His insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the economy provided invaluable takeaways for all who attended. At the Chamber, we remain committed to creating opportunities like this that empower and inspire our members to thrive.”
The Chamber will continue gathering input for the Entrepreneur Charter in the coming months and encourages all businesses with a stake in Ayrshire’s economic future to participate.
Lord Sugar’s adviser swaps the boardroom for
the ballroom
A star of BBC’s The Apprentice will be heading to Ayrshire next year to take centre stage at one of the region’s most prestigious business events.
Mike Soutar will be joining the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking and celebration at its Annual Dinner.
Best known to TV audiences as one of Lord Sugar’s trusted advisers who puts the candidates through their paces at the interview stage, Mike will bring his trademark insight and wit to the stage at the Trump Turnberry Resort on Friday, 27th March, addressing an audience of up to 500 business leaders and guests.
A respected entrepreneur, media leader and business strategist, Mike co-founded Shortlist Media, served as CEO of The Evening Standard and played a pivotal role in advising high-growth businesses across fintech, data, contemporary art and social media. In 2024, he was named the first-ever inductee into the Professional Publishers Association (PPA) Scotland Hall of Fame, recognising his significant contributions to publishing. In 2025, he was appointed to the UK Government’s Board of Trade, promoting British business internationally.
Chamber CEO Claire Baird said: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Mike as our guest speaker. His passion for mentoring emerging leaders and his vast experience across multiple sectors make him an inspiring figure. His ability to share strategic insights through powerful storytelling will no doubt resonate with our audience.”
Principal sponsor for the Annual Dinner 2026, which will be in The Donald J Trump Ballroom, is Dash Claims, an independent UK-based accident claims management service.
Sandy Hillan, company director of Dash Claims, said; “The Chamber plays a fantastic role in championing local enterprise, encouraging collaboration and creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes. We’re delighted to support this flagship event, which celebrates success and brings together the people who are shaping the future of business in our region.”
The event is also supported by event partner Scape Scotland, a public sector framework provider, dedicated to creating efficiency and social impact via the built environment.
The evening will feature the announcement of the 2026 winner of the Business Excellence Award, which recognises organisations based in Ayrshire who are committed to following a path of continuous improvement.
Previous winners have included Donnini Apartments, Break the Silence, Begg x Co, Woodward AES Prestwick and Browning the Bakers.
Sponsorship opportunities are available – to learn more, please contact: dmcpherson@ayrshire-chamber.org
“We are ready to stand beside every Ayrshire business” says Chamber CEO
The leader of a business network has vowed ‘to turn ambition into action and ensure Ayrshire is not just part of Scotland’s success story, but helping to lead it’.
The Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce joined Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeil MP, Ayrshire’s MPs and Ayrshire College at a gathering showcasing Ayrshire’s economic strengths.
Claire Baird, Chief Executive of the Chamber, said: “Ayrshire is a region with ambition, talent and resilience. Our businesses continue to achieve remarkable things – often in challenging conditions – and they deserve the recognition and support needed to scale, innovate and compete. This is a pivotal moment for our region. Together, we can turn ambition into action and ensure Ayrshire is not just part of Scotland’s success story, but helping to lead it.
“The Chamber is ready to stand beside every Ayrshire business on this journey. For organisations that want to shape the region’s future, strengthen their voice and drive real change, the Chamber is the platform to make that happen. Being part of this network ensures Ayrshire is consistently represented where it matters most.”
More than 40 Ayrshire businesses attended a special Westminster event, which celebrated the region’s globally recognised sectors, from aerospace, advanced manufacturing and engineering to food and drink, tourism and digital innovation. The event also highlighted Ayrshire’s ambition to secure greater recognition, stronger investment and a clearer route to long-term, sustainable growth.
Discussions centred on how to unlock further investment and accelerate regional opportunity.
The showcase followed the launch of Ambitious Ayrshire, an initiative led by Ayrshire’s MPs to gather insights from local businesses on growth priorities. Early findings reveal that businesses are calling for faster progress on infrastructure, enhanced support for innovation and exporting, and a clear, coordinated approach to securing investment, all viewed as essential to unlocking Ayrshire’s economic potential.
Ayrshire Chamber will continue to work closely with government, partners and the business community to ensure the region remains at the forefront of economic planning and decision-making.
