News

We recently enjoyed an insightful member presentation from Neil McColm, Owner of McColm Civil & Structural Engineers, as part of our latest Business Club Ayrshire meeting.

Neil shared an overview of his business, its journey and the growth it has experienced, giving members an insight into the work McColm Civil & Structural Engineers undertakes and the projects they are involved in. It was a great opportunity for members to learn more about Neil’s business and the expertise behind it. Following the presentation, Neil put members to the test with a fun and engaging team-building tower challenge. Working in teams, members had to communicate, collaborate and think creatively to build the tallest and most successful tower possible!

The activity provided plenty of friendly competition, laughter and teamwork, while giving members the chance to connect with each other in a different way.

A big thank you to Neil for sharing his business journey and organising such an enjoyable and interactive session.

Business Club Ayrshire was delighted to welcome Emily from Little Acorns CIC as our guest speaker, where she shared the inspiring story behind Acorns Adventures and the incredible work being delivered for children and families across Ayrshire.

Founded by Emily and her husband Antti in 2017, Little Acorns is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to nurturing children through nature. Based at River Garden on the beautiful Auchincruive Estate, Acorns Adventures provides outdoor learning experiences that encourage curiosity, resilience, creativity and wellbeing through hands-on exploration in the natural environment.

Emily spoke passionately about the organisation's journey, its unique forest school setting and the positive impact it is having on local families. From woodland adventures and outdoor education to farm experiences and holiday clubs, every activity is designed to help children build confidence, develop life skills and create lasting memories away from screens.

Members thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this remarkable local organisation and the difference it is making within our community. It was an inspiring presentation that highlighted the power of nature-based learning and the importance of creating opportunities for children to grow, explore and thrive.

Business Club Ayrshire members recently enjoyed a fascinating presentation from Derek Mair, founder of Novo Leadership, who shared his remarkable career journey and wealth of business experience.

Derek began his career as an apprentice in Kilmarnock in 1984 before going on to work across the globe. Throughout his career, he has scaled three international manufacturing operations to nine-figure revenues across three continents, led business acquisitions and turnarounds, and worked with hundreds of SME owners as a trusted business growth partner.

He has also personally built, invested in and scaled multiple SMEs through to successful exit, while serving as Managing Director within a private equity environment. This has given him first-hand insight into how investors assess business value and what it takes to build businesses that are both profitable and attractive to buyers.

Today, Derek works with established multi-seven-figure business owners, helping them build profitable, scalable and transferable companies that increase business value, create greater strategic options and provide owners with more freedom of choice. He also specialises in improving business valuation multiples, supporting portfolio acquisitions, succession planning, management buyouts (MBOs), exit planning and long-term personal wealth creation.

Members gained valuable insights from Derek's extensive experience, leaving with practical advice and fresh perspectives on business growth, leadership and creating long-term value.

Business Club Ayrshire recently welcomed a number of visitors to its latest meeting, giving them the opportunity to discover what makes the club a valuable resource for businesses across the region. The session provided an overview of the club's DNA, highlighting its commitment to building trusted relationships, encouraging collaboration and supporting the local business community. Visitors also learned about the club's ongoing charity work, diverse membership and the many networking and business development opportunities available throughout the year.

The meeting offered prospective members the chance to experience the welcoming atmosphere firsthand, meet existing members and ask questions about joining Business Club Ayrshire.

Among those attending were Kristian Keenan, Sharon McDonald (Director of Holmes Mortgages), Chris Arkley (Business Development Manager at Clansman Interiors), Tapiwa Gwatidzo and Craig Gibson, who works in cyber security. The event demonstrated the club's continued commitment to connecting local professionals and supporting businesses through meaningful relationships, collaboration and shared success.

Some of the BCA members attended the River Garden Shed on Friday morning and met the volunteers. It was not initially known that there is a strong group of volunteers keeping the gardens in order. They were delighted with the donation of tools and welcomed members into the shed for a meet and greet to share more about their work.

It was not clear at first, but having now walked around the gardens, greenhouses and polytunnels, it was fascinating to see what is taking place and the positive impact these tools will have. It is not just about pulling weeds and cutting grass.

The River Garden relies on volunteers as an important part of its wider charity mission. Providing fruit, vegetables and herbs to the café, together with maintaining the grounds to attract visitors, is as important as their work with residents themselves. Members were delighted to hear that there are plans to expand this work by inviting community groups of all ages to learn and enjoy a wide gardening experience in the context of helping others.

What struck members most was the volunteers’ passion for gardening and their willingness to give up their time to help others on their journey. It also became clear that the experience benefits the volunteers themselves. Stories were shared of new friendships, community spirit, the passing on of expert gardening knowledge to younger generations, and a strong sense of personal satisfaction. The experience was deeply inspiring.

As members walked through the polytunnels, one of the volunteers spoke about Andy Kerr’s contribution to the gazebo, providing both manpower and materials. There was a clear appreciation for what has been done and for the wider support offered by the Business Club. There is much more that could be written about the repairs and ongoing work carried out by the volunteers, but visitors are encouraged to go and see for themselves, as the team warmly welcomes community interest.

Members also captured images from the visit to share with the club and to provide a better understanding of the valuable work being undertaken. Thanks are extended on behalf of BCA to Joy for bringing this opportunity to the group. Members enjoyed a very positive morning representing BCA.

Did you know that Auchincruive has its own species of strawberry dating from the mid-20th century? Thanks to this kind of community involvement, this local legacy will continue.

At the latest Business Club Ayrshire event, Member David Wilkinson from Launch Digital showcased a compelling insight into modern digital growth and client-focused strategy.

We heard how Launch Digital delivers tailored digital marketing solutions for clients across multiple sectors, helping businesses improve visibility, engagement, and measurable return on investment.

David highlighted the importance of strong client relationships, agile campaign delivery, and data driven decision making in today’s competitive online environment.

Business Club Ayrshire continues to provide a valuable platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing innovative local businesses like Launch.

We look forward to seeing the company’s continued growth, expanding client partnerships, and ongoing contribution to the region’s digital economy. As the digital landscape evolves, presentations like this underline the importance of innovation, collaboration, and community support within Ayrshire’s business ecosystem. Events such as this strengthen connections between members and inspire growth across Ayrshire.

Business Club Ayrshire was delighted to welcome Donna and Stuart from SmartSTEMS to the latest club meeting, where they delivered an engaging and informative presentation on the work of the organisation and its impact across the region.

Members heard how SmartSTEMS is helping to inspire the next generation through science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while creating valuable links between education and industry. Donna and Stuart highlighted the importance of developing future skills, encouraging innovation and supporting young people as they prepare for future careers.

The presentation gave members a greater understanding of the opportunities and challenges within STEM education, as well as the positive role local businesses can play in supporting learning and development across Ayrshire.

Their passion and enthusiasm for the subject generated excellent discussion among attendees and reinforced the importance of collaboration between the business community and education sector.

Business Club Ayrshire extends its thanks to Donna and Stuart for taking the time to share their knowledge and insights with members.

Business Club Ayrshire welcomed members to its latest meeting with an insightful presentation from Neil of Roxburgh Insurance Brokers. Drawing on his extensive experience in the insurance sector, Neil provided members with a valuable overview of the current business insurance landscape and the challenges facing organisations across Ayrshire and beyond.

The presentation explored the importance of risk management, the evolving nature of commercial insurance, and how businesses can better protect themselves in an increasingly uncertain environment. Neil also highlighted emerging trends affecting companies of all sizes, including cyber security risks and rising operational costs.

Members appreciated the practical advice and real-world examples shared throughout the session, which sparked engaging discussion among attendees. Events such as these continue to demonstrate the value of Business Club Ayrshire in bringing local professionals together to exchange knowledge, build connections and support the wider business community.

The club extends its thanks to Neil and Roxburgh Insurance Brokers for an informative and thought-provoking presentation.

Business Club Ayrshire enjoyed another successful members’ night out last Thursday at the iconic Brig O’ Doon’s Tales Restaurant, bringing together local professionals for an evening of fantastic food, great conversation, and valuable networking.

From the moment members arrived, there was a genuine buzz in the room. The restaurant provided the perfect setting, combining warm hospitality with a fantastic menu that impressed throughout the evening. Every course was beautifully presented and full of flavour, giving everyone plenty to talk about beyond business.

More importantly, the night highlighted exactly what Business Club Ayrshire is all about: bringing together local professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders in an informal environment where relationships can grow naturally. Conversations flowed easily, ideas were exchanged, and new introductions were made alongside familiar faces catching up.

A huge thank you goes to the team at Brig O’ Doon’s Tales Restaurant for hosting such an enjoyable evening. We look forward to the next opportunity to connect.

Business Club Ayrshire is delighted to spotlight member Launch Digital for their recent work supporting local charity River Garden. The creative agency has successfully designed and developed a brand-new website for the organisation, enhancing its online presence and making it easier for the community to engage with its work.

River Garden holds a special place for the club, as it serves as our regular Friday meeting venue. This connection makes the project particularly meaningful, showcasing the power of collaboration within our network.

The new website reflects the charity’s mission, values, and impact while offering a modern, user-friendly experience. Launch Digital’s expertise has helped bring River Garden’s story to life online, supporting its continued growth and outreach.

We’re proud to see members using their skills to give back locally, strengthening both our community and the relationships at the heart of Business Club Ayrshire.