Team game proving to be a winner in the North
Team North Ayrshire is celebrating after being recognised for its pioneering approach to supporting local businesses.
The team was awarded Best Public/ Private Working Initiative by APSE ( Association for Public Service Excellence) at a prestigious awards ceremony in Edinburgh.
Launched in 2013, Team North Ayrshire has enjoyed significant success in development and economic growth across the region.
Councillor Alex Gallagher, Cabinet Member for Economy, said: “It’s a great achievement to have won this prestigious APSE Award.
“All the agencies have come together to deliver a co- ordinated, focused support to our businesses – and it’s working.
“The council’s mission is to improve the lives of North Ayrshire people and develop stronger communities.
“Our Team North Ayrshire approach is helping us achieve this.
“Over the last two years, Team North Ayrshire has supported 266 new business start- ups and supported 644 businesses.
“We have helped create 1,243 jobs. Over the last three years, we have seen a 91 per cent increase in the number of unemployed people who have progressed to employment through council funded or operated schemes.”
He added: “Our ongoing success depends on collaboration, building on both the similarities and unique strengths of our organisations.”
Team North Ayrshire partners include: North Ayrshire Council, SimpsInns, UPM Caledonian, Taste of Arran, Ayrshire Community Trust, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, Ayrshire College, Centre for Engineering, Education & Development ( CEED), University of the West of Scotland, Department of Work and Pensions, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Skills Development Scotland.
Private Sector Member and Chair of Team North Ayrshire, Malcolm Simpson, Owner of SimpsInns, said: “We are delighted to have won.
“It is a remarkable achievement and it has only been made possible thanks to everyone’s relentless efforts and determination to make a difference in North Ayrshire.
“It has been a true partnership and collaboration across the public, private and third sector and has revolutionised the support that our business can access to become more competitive and grow.”
The awards are designed to recognise excellence in local government frontline services across the UK, are open to all local authorities and their public sector partners.”