One of Scotland’s biggest business celebrations took place in style as Ayrshire’s top companies and entrepreneurs were honoured across 16 categories.
The annual Ayrshire Business Awards brought together the region’s leading businesses for a glitzy evening at Ayr Racecourse. The culmination of Ayrshire Business Week, sponsored by RMC Double Glazing Ltd, the awards are organised by the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.
Claire Baird, CEO of Ayrshire Chamber, said: “It was a fantastic evening celebrating the drive and innovation of Ayrshire businesses. The finalist videos showcased some truly inspiring journeys – it’s clear our region is bursting with talent, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit.”
One of the standout successes of the night was Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd, who walked away with two awards – Growth Business of the Year (11-50 employees) and Apprentice of the Year, the latter awarded to rising star Evan Williamson. With more than two decades of expertise, Ailsa Reliability Solutions is a specialist in enhancing the reliability and performance of industrial plants and assets.
Backed by sponsors, the awards recognised excellence, innovation and resilience in a diverse range of sectors.
Entry to the awards began earlier this year with a written submission, followed by finalist presentations to an independent panel of expert judges.
“The judging process is never easy, but we’re fortunate to have such a rich variety of businesses here in Ayrshire.”
While only one winner can be chosen in each category, every finalist should feel incredibly proud. These awards are about shining a spotlight on the brilliant work being done right here in our communities, celebrating dedication, creativity, passion, and the positive change they bring every day.
Guests were treated to entertainment from TV magician Ben Hanlin, followed by a lively DJ set from Colin McCardle to round off the evening in celebratory style.
The evening also featured a charity raffle, raising £5,067.00 in support of Hansel, a leading social care charity, and Pennyburn Regeneration Youth Development Enterprise (PRYDE), a community-owned organisation supporting local youth and development initiatives.
THE WINNERS WERE:
Apprentice of the Year Award
Sponsored by Ashleigh Building
Evan Williamson – Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd
Ayrshire’s Growth Business of the Year Award
(0-10 employees)
Sponsored by Dains Accountants
Rail Spares Limited
Ayrshire’s Growth Business of the Year Award
(11-50 employees)
Sponsored by Business Gateway
Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd
Ayrshire’s Growth Business of the Year Award
(51 employees or more)
Sponsored by Woodward Inc
DM Roofing & Roughcasting Ltd
Charity of the Year Award
Sponsored by Regency Facilities Management
The Killie Community
Community Award
Sponsored by Stagecoach
Alloway Railway Tunnel ART SCIO
Community Wealth Building Award
Sponsored by Booth Welsh
Ayrshire Independent Living Network
Developing Ayrshire’s Young Workforce Award
Sponsored by DYW Ayrshire
Emergency One (UK) Ltd
Digital Innovation award
Sponsored by Ayrshire 5GIR
Scotia Windows and Doors
Driving Sustainability
Sponsored by HALO Powering the Nation
Renewable Oil Services Limited
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Sponsored by Ailsa Reliability Solutions
George Taggart – GT Groundcare Ltd
Hospitality and Tourism Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by Trump Turnberry
SimpsInns
Innovation Award
Sponsored by Wallace McDowall Ltd
Land Energy Girvan
Outstanding Contribution to the Visitor Economy Award
Shelia Gilmore – Visit Arran
Resilience Award
Sponsored by 9CC Group
Donnini Apartments
Start-up Business of the Year Award
Sponsored by Ralston Contracts Ltd
Detalo Creative
Workplace Health and Wellbeing Award
Sponsored by Lighthouse IT & Network Services
J.C. Peacock & Company Ltd
HIGHLY COMMENDED RUNNERS-UP WERE:
Apprentice of the Year
Rachel Alexander, Alex Begg Group
Innovation of the Year Award
CCL Logistics & Technology
AYRSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS WEEK 2025
Ayrshire Business Week 2025, organised by the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, was a resounding success, attracting over 1,120 attendees across 10 major events.
Running from Monday 29th September to Friday 3rd October, the week offered a mix of workshops, networking sessions, and learning opportunities designed to support and inspire local businesses and organisations.
The week began with a launch event at Dumfries House in partnership with Scottish EDGE, where Evelyn McDonald, CEO of Scottish EDGE, shared valuable insights into the programme and advice on how businesses can apply for funding.
Standout highlights included a record-breaking B2B exhibition featuring 90 exhibitors and a buzzing networking lunch, a tourism-focused workshop delivered in collaboration with VisitScotland, and the inspiring DYW Ayrshire Leadership Lunch, which brought together local employers, educators, and young people to discuss the importance of developing future talent and leadership skills.
An economic update from Bank of England Deputy Agent Adam McGeoch provided further value, offering perspectives on investment trends, business outlooks, and labour market developments.
Overall, Ayrshire Business Week 2025 was a huge success providing Ayrshire’s businesses with a valuable platform to connect, learn, and grow.
With thanks to Business Week 2025 sponsor RMC Double Glazing.
