Time to celebrate local business week

Small businesses are the backbone of the Ayrshire community.

Throughout the UK small and medium- sized companies account for 99.9 per cent of the UK’s businesses and have a combined annual turnover of over £ 300 billion.

They are a crucial part of Ayrshire’s economy.

Local Business Week is now an annual campaign encouraging the UK to get behind their local businesses, providing advice, support and ways to grow.

And Small Business Week is a time when dedication and hard work of these local businesses is recognised.

In Ayr s h i re there are organisations that focus on helping small businesses.

Business Gateway Ayrshire works with individuals and businesses across Ayrshire to support them to achieve their ambitions and goals.

Whether you are considering self- employment, starting a business or already running a new or existing business, the team can support you with a range of advice, expert knowledge, business information.

And they run regular workshops and events.

The Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce is another organisation that offers a range of services to its 800 plus members.

A new membership model at the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce will be launched at Park’s showroom in Ayr this month.

Canapes and Fizz will greet guests on arrival, with Range Rover and Jaguar test drives available alongside networking opportunities.

Garry Graham, general manager at Park’s, said: “We look forward to welcoming members and guests into our sensational facility as well as showcasing the full range of exceptional Jaguar and Land Rover cars.”

The event takes place on Tuesday, May 29 between 5.30pm and 7pm and is free.