Renewable energy developers behind a multi billion-pound pipeline of planned projects in East Ayrshire are to gather to help local businesses tender for contracts generated by the sector.
The first East Ayrshire Meet the Buyer event will be held at Cumnock Town Hall on Tuesday, October 27, giving firms direct access to the companies procuring work across forthcoming projects.
Event format and sessions
The programme has been split into separate sessions so businesses which have never been involved in a major renewable project can learn what is required, while more experienced suppliers can speak directly to developers about forthcoming opportunities.
A morning 'Get tender ready' session will run from 10am until noon, followed by a 'Tender ready' session from 1pm until 3pm.
Businesses will also be able to meet principal contractors responsible for delivering major elements of renewable projects, giving them direct insight into forthcoming work, procurement requirements and the standards expected of suppliers.
Developers and support organisations attending
Among those attending will be SP Energy Networks, bringing insight into the electricity infrastructure needed to support future renewable energy development. The company is currently delivering a transmission investment programme worth up to £12 billion across central and southern Scotland between 2026 and 2031. Other developers attending are Brockwell, Vattenfall, Reg Power, Force 9 Energy Partners, Renewco and 3REnergy.
Businesses will also be able to get advice on skills, infrastructure and support available from organisations including Ayrshire College, Ayrshire Growth Deal and Scottish Enterprise.
The opportunity extends far beyond companies traditionally associated with the energy sector. Major renewable developments require services ranging from construction, engineering and plant hire to transport, accommodation, catering and professional services, meaning businesses across the local economy could potentially benefit.
Local economic impact
Organisers hope the sessions will also help businesses identify where they may need to invest in skills, training or capacity to compete successfully for future contracts.
Independent analysis by BIGGAR Economics found that onshore wind projects in the East Ayrshire pipeline over the next five years could represent around £2 billion of investment in the local economy.
One local business to have benefited from wind farm contracts is New Cumnock-based Duncan Plant Hire.
CEO Campbell Duncan said: "We have been contracted to drill test holes, make access points for drilling rigs and do geological work on the Lethans site. The wind farm work makes us an attractive employer for guys who are keen to work local to their house. They're not having to travel an hour or two hours away to a job.
"The wind farms keep everybody busy and there is a buzz about all the shops right now. The newsagent is busy every morning with all the vans coming and going. It's only going to grow arms and legs for us this work."
Robin Winstanley, Sustainability and Marketing Director at OnPath Energy, said: "We already know the scale of renewable energy investment potentially coming to East Ayrshire. The focus now has to be on making sure local businesses are ready to compete for as much of that work as possible.
"This is about getting companies into the same room as the developers and contractors who will need their services, giving them a clearer picture of the contracts coming down the line and helping them understand what they need to do to win that work.
"There are opportunities for far more than specialist energy businesses. We want construction companies, plant hire firms, hauliers, accommodation providers and professional services businesses to recognise that this investment could create opportunities for them too."
Councillor Jim McMahon, Depute Leader, East Ayrshire Council said: "East Ayrshire is already at the heart of Scotland's transition to renewable energy. With a significant number of wind farm developments either operational, in construction or proposed, we have a real opportunity to make sure this investment delivers lasting economic benefits for our businesses, communities and people.
"We know the opportunities presented by these developments extend far beyond the construction of the turbines themselves. They create demand across a very broad supply chain.
"Our focus has to be on working collectively with developers and suppliers alike to maximise how much of that economic value is retained locally. By supporting the growth of our existing local businesses, creating employment and skills opportunities for local people, we can help make sure that the transition to renewable energy leaves a positive and lasting legacy for East Ayrshire."
OnPath Energy established the East Ayrshire Developer Forum in April as part of efforts to improve collaboration between developers and give local suppliers greater visibility of upcoming renewable energy projects.
The initiative supports the ambitions of the Scottish Government's Onshore Wind Sector Deal, including helping Scottish businesses and supply chains maximise the economic opportunities created by the expansion of onshore wind.
Businesses looking to attend can sign up on the East Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce website.
