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Neil recently gave an engaging presentation to fellow Business Club Ayrshire members about Roxburgh Insurance. He highlighted the company’s dedication to providing tailored insurance solutions for individuals and businesses, ensuring clients receive the right coverage for their unique needs.

During his talk, Neil shared insights into Roxburgh Insurance’s approach—combining industry expertise with a personal touch. He emphasised that their goal isn’t just to sell policies but to build long-term relationships based on trust and excellent service. He also explained how their team works closely with clients to navigate the often-confusing world of insurance, offering guidance on everything from home and motor insurance to commercial and liability coverage.

Neil also discussed the challenges and opportunities within the insurance industry, particularly in the ever-changing economic landscape. He highlighted Roxburgh Insurance’s commitment to innovation, ensuring they stay ahead of market trends to offer the best possible service.

By the end of his presentation, Business Club Ayrshire members had a clearer understanding of the value Roxburgh Insurance brings to the community. Neil’s passion for his work was evident, leaving attendees confident that Roxburgh Insurance is a trusted partner for all their insurance needs.

Business Club Ayrshire members pulled together to help Auchincruive based charity; River Garden. The charity provides a model of recovery that is refreshingly different. Not only are residents given much needed time to reflect on their lives and to grow and flourish, but they are given the means to do so through the communal support of their peers and their participation in on-site social enterprises over the course of 3 years. An approach and facility which is unique in its nature within the country.

River Garden were recently notified that they were in breach of SEPA regulations with regards to discharge from their septic tank which is crucial to operations. With funding already extremely tight, it wouldn't have been possible to have the necessary works carried out and the already financially stretched charity would be subjected to a hefty fine, leaving the entire project in peril. Business Club Ayrshire have stepped in to save the day. Club members have pulled their skills, resources, and time together to carry out required surveys, create detailed plans and drawings, and develop a solution. Using club contacts and funds to hire plant, machinery and materials and utilising volunteered labour from club members, a series of filtration trenches were created, and the charity is not only compliant with today’s regulation but also has piece of mind going forward as the project is future proof. Beyond the septic tank, Business Club Ayrshire have carried out repairs to the access road which was previously eroding and full of potholes. Tar planings were brought in, also using club funds and River Garden Staff and residents and club members grabbed shovels, rakes, and machinery to get the job done. The repairs will provide safe and secure access for residents, staff and visitors to the estate and café.

Jardine Simpson, General Manager at River Garden explained, ‘We are extremely grateful to Business Club Ayrshire for their continued support. Without such acts of kindness, we wouldn’t have been able to carry out the works.’. A spokesperson for the project added, ’We have such a powerful and unique facility here, in the heart of Ayrshire, providing a system with a proven track record that works for the residents and for the wider community. At River Garden, it’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about fundamentally changing people’s lives. The café and wider estate also provide a welcome environment for local people to grab a bite to eat, relax and enjoy some of Ayrshire’s finest woodland’.

Business Club Ayrshire is a group of local businesses allowing members to socialise, raise awareness of their companies and services, and discuss wider business issues. Membership fees are utilised to manage the effective running of the group and to provide financial support to local charities. The group’s core values include working together to improve local business and to support projects in the wider community. providing a platform and strategy for members to build relationships, encourage and support each other and develop skills to grow.

The total project value is well in excess of £75k. This is the largest club project to date and one all members and connections can be very proud of. The club is looking forward to watching River Garden and it’s residents flourish in the coming years with our continued support.

The club would also like to thank Smith Contracts, ST Andrews and Drumclog Plant for their help and donations and Sharon Dowey MP for her support.

Business Club Ayrshire’s septic tank project is really starting to take shape. During week 1, the groundworks team used the plant and machinery to excavate the soil and create the new drainage channels in accordance with the plans. As with most projects, the team also had to overcome unforeseen issues, problem solving on the spot whilst overcoming the Ayrshire weather and soft conditions underfoot. Importantly for the project, all work was carried out without any downtime for the water treatment tank itself. Continuous operation of the plant means no disruption to the facility.

With the new drains in place, week 2 of the project sees the team backfilling the ground and tidying up the field. Being part of the estate and visible from the road, it’s important aesthetically that the works look good. The location is also home to a variety of wildlife and plays host to visits for educational and recreational purposes. Upon completion of the drainage, BCA will be taking delivery of tar scalping’s and carrying out repairs to the access road. The access road is a pivotal part of River Gardens operations, allowing passage for residents and staff as well as café customers. The project is on target to be completed this coming Saturday with BCA members from all backgrounds volunteering to learn some new skills, chip in with some much-needed labour and of course share some good times.

Business Club Ayrshire members were treated to a fantastic night of entertainment and business chat at The Balgarth Pines. Shaf Rasul is one of Scotlands most prolific and successful entrepreneurs. A former BBC dragon online with Dragon's Den, Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, resident entrepreneur at Strathclyde Univsersity and weekly business columnist with The Sun. A prolific serial investor in property, asset management and technology. Shaf talked about his early days in business through to his current affairs with more than a few unexpected twists and histerical moments.

Donna Kerr, founder of DMK Finance, a boutique finance brokerage took us through her incredible story. From humble beginnings, 'the wee lassie from Possil', worked her way up to senior director level at Lloyds, Bank of Scotland & RBS. One of the many takeaway's from Donna's journey was her sheer endeavour and her compassion and understanding for her clients unique needs in an industry which is often so focused on numbers alone.

The event was hosted by Gav Hollywood of Wood Property Group. Gav spoke passionately about the opportunities locally in Ayrshire and his company proudly sponsored the event which welcomed businesses from all industries based and operating in Ayrshire and beyond.

Work is well and truly underway at Auchincruive. Trenches are being dug, drainage pipes being laid and complexed equipment is being calibrated. Despite the wet conditions, the team on site are working incredibly hard to ensure the project is delivered on target.

Jardine Simpson, general manager at River Garden visited the project today and explained, 'The Field Drainage System is an essential piece of infrastructure for our site and our access road badly needs attention to improve access to the Gardens and our Bothy Cafe for the visiting public. All this work would cost RGA tens of thousands of pounds but because of the amazing generosity and support from Business Club Ayrshire members, Smiths Contractors, St. Andrews and Drumclog Plant we look forward to these important works being carried out in March. River Garden would like to thank our amazing friends at Business Club Ayrshire.'

There's still a lot of work to be done but Business Club Ayrshire is proud to be able to give something back to the community and help an Ayrshire based charity.

This week, Business Club Ayrshire members were treated to an insightful presentation by architect Roddy Dunn of Thomson Hunter Associates. With 19 years of experience in the field, Roddy has been instrumental in delivering a range of high-profile commercial and residential projects. His expertise spans from large-scale residential developments to social housing initiatives, with a particular focus on the hospitality industry's architectural needs. Beyond design, Roddy excels in contract administration and project management, ensuring that architectural visions are realised through meticulous design management and practical detailing.

During his talk, he highlighted Thomson Hunter Associates' mission to transform clients' dreams into reality by providing tailored, high-quality architectural services. The firm, established in 2011, boasts a team of award-winning professionals dedicated to understanding and fulfilling client aspirations. Roddy also shared insights into notable projects, such as the new multi million pound training facility at Kilmarnock Football Club. His presentation underscored the importance of innovative design and client collaboration in architecture, leaving fellow members inspired by the transformative power of thoughtful architectural practice.

With our Business Club Ayrshire X River Garden Charity project officially kicking off, it's a great time to raise awareness of this charity and reflect on why it's so important to us and why our contributions matter.

River Garden Auchincruive's mission is to help people to leave behind their drug and alcohol addiction through a model of recovery that is refreshingly different. Not only are residents given much needed time to reflect on their lives and to grow and flourish, but they are given the means to do so through the communal support of their peers and their participation in on-site social enterprises. Over the 3 years they are resident, they are key partners in a model of social entrepreneurship, of education, of rehabilitation and the opportunity for transformative change. River Garden is exciting and full of hope. River Garden firmly believes that any activity, if carried out with passion combined with training to develop competence, can become a key for reintegration to society. It may be a young charity, but the signs so far are optimistic. Four residents have recently graduated and are living independently and working in their chosen fields. They all maintain close ties with River Garden and give active support to current residents as well in turn as being encouraged and supported by them. In January 2021 the Scottish Government announced a National Mission to reduce Scotland’s unacceptable drug death rates. River Garden is a part of that mission. Everything the charity has achieved so far has depended on donations large and small. residents do not pay River Garden and none of their places are state sponsored.

Business Club Ayrshire members have also been given tours of both River Garden's operations and the wider estate. We feel proud to have such a ground breaking facility in Ayrshire which is paving the way for methods of improvement in their field. The cafe and estate also provide a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere for a bite to eat and to enjoy some of Ayrshire's finest woodland. One of Business Club Ayrshire's core values is to work together to support local charities and support project's in the wider community. The club is looking forward to solving River Garden's drainage and road problems and supporting this incredible charity in the future.

The Bothy Cafe is open 5 days a week (Wed-Sun) 9:30am to 4pm. Serving fresh home-made soups, sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and scones with home grown River Garden produce. With the added bonus of daily specials and a seasonal menu, there will always be something new to try. River Garden, Auchincruive is located 2 mins by car from Whitletts roundabout at the junction of the A77/B743. At the roundabout, take the B743 turning signposted Mossblown and Mauchline. Go past the main Auchincruive estate entrance on the right and continue for ¼ mile and at the bend in the road turn right into the Nellie’s Gate entrance where the car park is located 50m on the left. The gardens and Bothy cafe are a short walk 150m down the hill.

The cafe offers up a tremendous range of training and skills development opportunities for our residents and helps fund the facilities.

Business Club Ayrshire kicked off it’s most ambitious charity project to date; Ensure River Garden are compliant with SEPA regulations regarding their septic tank and carry out essential repairs to the access road.

River Garden were recently notified that they were in breach of SEPA regulations with regards to discharge from their septic tank which is crucial to operations. BCA members performed a detailed survey and engineered a solution which will not keep River Garden compliant today but is future proofed for years to come. The access road for the facilities and café has also been a major burden to the charity. BCA will also tackle a programme of repairs to ensure staff and visitors have safer and more comfortable passage. BCA will fund the entire project, with help from friends, as part of it’s mission to provide financial support to local charities and help the local community.

Following a lot of work behind-the-scenes, some BCA members met with representatives from River Garden for a pre-start before Neil and Michael inspected the road. Ground works for the project will kick off this week with completion expected mid-March.

Business Club Ayrshire members recently enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour at Neogen’s Ayrshire facility, gaining insights into the company’s innovative work in food safety, animal health, and genomic solutions.

Neogen is a global leader in food and animal safety products. The Ayrshire site plays a crucial role in research and production, contributing to both local and international industries.

Members were welcomed by fellow member Steven and his team, who provided an engaging presentation on the company’s history, mission, and impact. The discussion highlighted Neogen’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The event also fostered networking among members and Neogen representatives, sparking conversations about potential collaborations and shared challenges.

Congratulations to Andy Kerr who received the award for the Best Behind The Scenes Visit in 2024.

Business Club members recently voted for the best event of 2024, and Andy's trip to Glennon Brothers Sawmills in Troon won.

Thanks to Andy for organising. Looking forward to more member events this year!