BusinessWith All change as Graeme takes on his new presidential duties
As one of Ayrshire’s most charismatic businessmen, Graeme McKinstry needs little introduction.
The law boss, who boasts 32 years at the head of his own successful firm, The McKinstry Company, is firmly established as one of the region’s leading players.
But he begins 2017 facing one of his biggest challenges yet – after being unveiled as the new President of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.
It has been a long journey to the summit, where McKinstry becomes just the eleventh person to hold the prestigious title.
And after three decades in a supporting role, he admits the task is one he is relishing.
“My business has been a member here for all those years and I guess you could say I’ve become part of the fabric around the place,” he said.
“But taking on the role of President in one of the most active Chambers of Commerce in the UK is a true privilege – and I can’t wait to get started.”
McKinstry, vice- president at the Chamber since 2015, succeeds ABP’s Stuart Cresswell in the top job.
And he is sure to put his own stamp on the organisation, which currently boasts 831 members.
Along with chief executive Val Russell, who has held her own post since 1999, McKinstry is at pains to stress that raising the Chamber’s profile while in office lies top of his agenda.
He said: “We’re very keen to promote a pan- Ayrshire approach – and that can be very simple things like taking our board meetings out on the road.
“As an example, we’re holding February’s meeting at Seamill and this is the perfect way to get out there and make the brand more appealing.
“Being visible, accessible and seen by all is a vital aspect of where we need to be going forward.”
McKinstry enters office with Ayrshire laying claim to a potential Spaceport at Prestwick promising to transform the region’s economy in decades to come.
And with US President Donald Trump an Ayrshire business owner, it’s safe to say the eyes of the world are trained on the county.
But McKinstry admits the responsibility to cater for all rests heavily on his shoulders – and his remit will ensure the light is shone on all 831 of the Chamber’s members.
He said: “We are Ayrshire’s voice for business and make no distinction between companies, regardless of their size.
“We are here to enable Ayrshire’s economy and ensure that it continues to grow.
“Our membership numbers are already sizeable – but we’ll be out there on a recruitment drive this year.
“And representing everyone from the painter and decorator to the bigger corporates is essential to our task.”
Graeme added: “The area has unique challenges, but it also has huge amounts of potential and we provide a forum for the voices of all local industries to be heard.”
The Chamber, which bases itself on first floor offices at Prestwick Airport, is currently staffed by 17 as it bids to run the region’s network.
Over 200 sole traders are signed up, while more than 400 members have staff numbers in the 11– 50 bracket from a wide range of industries.
And 2017 marks a headline moment with the Chamber celebrating its Platinum Anniversary.
Members will attend an anniversary dinner at Trump Turnberry on Friday, March 10, hosted by Ayr comedian Karen Dunbar.
Val added: “Graeme has been a familiar face around the Chamber for as long as we can all remember, so his step up to the position of President is a natural one. Looking to the future is key to what we do, whether it be with appointments like Graeme or schemes such as Developing the Young Workforce.
“A good example of that is we’ve just welcomed our youngest board member in the shape of Ian Allan, who is just 26.
“We’re always looking to be forward thinking and the future here in Ayrshire is something to be very, very positive about.”