Changes will build stronger economic ties in Ayrshire
North and East Ayrshire Councils are launching a new shared Economic Development Service, as part of a coordinated approach to delivering economic priorities across the region.
The new shared service has been designed to support the delivery of the Ayrshire Regional Economic Strategy, the Ayrshire Growth Deal and future regional economic priorities. By working together, the councils are positioning Ayrshire more strongly to attract, secure and maximise future funding opportunities.
The Shared Economic Development Service will bring together key economic functions including economic policy, business support, tourism, digital renewal and Ayrshire Growth Deal delivery.
This approach will enhance strategic leadership, capacity and resilience, while reducing duplication and providing a more consistent, joined‑up offer to businesses, communities and partners across Ayrshire’s economy.
The new service comes into effect on 1 June, 2026, and will be led by the newly-appointed Regional Economic Director Louise Kirk, who will aim to provide clear regional leadership and accountability. Louise is currently Head of Service for Economic Development, Growth & Regeneration at North Ayrshire Council.
This role will drive delivery of shared objectives, lead engagement with national partners, and promote Ayrshire’s economic opportunities at a regional and national level. The Regional Economic Director will be supported by a new Head of Service, David McDowall. David is currently Head of Economic Growth at East Ayrshire Council.
New Regional Economic Director Louise Kirk: said: “Bringing our economic development expertise together at a regional level gives Ayrshire a stronger voice, greater capacity and a clearer strategic focus at a time when regional working has never been more important.
“This shared service ensures Ayrshire is better placed to secure future investment, support businesses and deliver inclusive economic growth that benefits all of our communities.”
Head of Service David McDowall said: “While leadership will be regional, our commitment to local service delivery remains unchanged. This model allows us to strengthen what we do locally while benefiting from closer collaboration across Ayrshire.”
Importantly for staff and stakeholders, local presence and service delivery will continue in both North and East Ayrshire. While strategic leadership and planning will operate at a regional level, services will remain rooted in local communities, ensuring strong local knowledge, relationships and responsiveness are retained.
The shared service will be led by North Ayrshire Council, with governance provided through existing regional structures including the Ayrshire Economic Joint Committee.
Overall, the new Shared Economic Development Service represents a long‑term investment in Ayrshire’s future – strengthening collaboration, building resilience and ensuring the region is well placed to deliver inclusive economic growth in the years ahead.
The shared service is critical to maximising future funding opportunities from UK and Scottish Governments, which increasingly operate on a regional basis.
Published May 11, 2026
