HUNDREDS of local businesses attended a major renewable energy event in Cumnock looking to secure a share of an estimated £2 billion onshore wind investment pipeline.
Businesses ranging from small hospitality providers to construction firms and professional services companies were represented at a first of its kind for East Ayrshire Meet the Buyer event at Cumnock Town Hall.
They came to meet the developers behind East Ayrshire's 1.5GW onshore development pipeline, allowing local businesses to find out about forthcoming contracts, meet potential customers and learn how to tender for work.
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Independent analysis by BIGGAR Economics has found that onshore wind projects in the East Ayrshire pipeline could represent around £2 billion of investment in the local economy over the next five to eight years and a £4 billion expected lifetime investment.
The event was organised following the establishment of the East Ayrshire Developer Forum by OnPath Energy in April, bringing renewable energy companies together to improve collaboration and ensure local communities and businesses can benefit from planned investment.
Working alongside East Ayrshire Council, Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, The Ayrshire Growth Deal and Business Gateway, the initiative aims to ensure businesses across the area are given greater visibility of upcoming contracts and a fair opportunity to tender for work.
Aileen McCreadie, community and partnerships manager at OnPath Energy, said: “To see more than 200 businesses coming through the doors on the day was fantastic.
"We've had people from a range of sectors, and it shows just how many different types of local business could benefit.
“This is about putting local people and businesses first.
"Over the next five to eight years, there is significant investment planned for this area, and we want to make sure as much of that money as possible stays in the local economy.
“We also want smaller businesses to understand that these opportunities aren't just for the big companies.
"When our projects are ready to go out to tender, we want Ayrshire businesses to be among the first to know and to have a genuine chance of winning that work.”
The opportunity extends beyond the specialist companies involved in building wind turbines.
Major renewable energy developments also require plant hire, transport and accommodation, as well as catering and a wide range of professional services.
Organisers will now use the information gathered from businesses attending the event to identify further procurement support and training needs, as well as taking this approach in other areas to help more local companies prepare for forthcoming renewable energy contracts.
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