Ayrshire Growth Deal Progress Meeting
AYRSHIRE GROWTH DEAL PROGRESS MEETING
On Wednesday I participated in a cross-party progress meeting roundtable with senior leaders from key aerospace businesses and public sector partners regarding the Ayrshire Growth Deal (AGD).
The AGD is a partnership being driven forward by the Scottish Government, UK Government and East, North and South Ayrshire Councils and presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the economic prospects of the county.
Senior representatives from Woodward, GE, Spirit, PAML (Ryanair), ADS Scotland, Ayrshire College, Ayrshire Chamber, National Manufacturing Institute, Scottish Enterprise, and South Ayrshire Council all participated.
Private Sector representatives from the Prestwick aerospace cluster outlined their growth projections and how they see the AGD being a key enabler of growth anticipated to provide 1,750 additional direct engineering jobs by 2030.
The Scottish aerospace sector is already experiencing rapid growth, and the Scottish Space Strategy aims for an annual contribution exceeding £4 billion to the Scottish economy by 2030, with year-on-year sector growth of 26% which would have a significant knock-on effect to the wider Ayrshire economy including XLCC at Hunterston.
Prestwick is already the largest Aerospace Campus in Scotland and home to world leading advanced engineering companies.
Private and public sector representatives however highlighted the timeline by which the deal must deliver for Ayrshire if we are to maximise the opportunities and prosperity that will ensue.
All MSPs present agreed to support and commit to ensuring timely delivery of the AGD.