Key sectors and opportunities

Discover Ayrshire’s dynamic business landscape. You'll access state-of-the-art facilities and expertise focused on driving production development, innovation, productivity and growth.

The region has a strong manufacturing base. This provides firm foundations for new advanced manufacturing sectors, such as renewable energy, agritech, space and digital automation.

Find out about its key sectors and opportunities.

Energy transition

At Hunterston Parc, you’ll benefit from Scotland’s largest deep-water port. This is ideal companies working in energy transition, offshore wind, and the circular economy. Your business can leverage low-cost, on-site power and heat generation, ideal for energy intensive industries.  

By advancing new technologies and research in sustainability, SMART systems and decarbonisation, the region has become home to pioneering net zero solutions. These include the Community Renewable Energy Project (CoRE) and the Carbon Neutral Island Initiative. Ayrshire is an exceptional testbed for cutting-edge renewable technologies.  

Aerospace and space

By locating your business at Prestwick Aerospace, you’ll join Scotland’s largest aerospace cluster, home to global leaders like GE Aerospace, Collins Aerospace, Spirit AeroSystems, and BAE Systems. You’ll benefit from direct access to Glasgow Prestwick Airport and the Aerospace Innovation Centre (AIC), a hub for design, digital manufacturing, and skills development. The new Aerospace and Space Technology Applications Centre (ASTAC) will further enhance your competitive edge.

Health tech and life sciences 

Your business can thrive in Ayrshire’s dynamic life sciences ecosystem, supported by the Digital Processing Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) at i3 in Irvine. 

Here, you can access a Centre of Excellence for digital automation and advanced manufacturing, with strong links to the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and the University of Strathclyde. This collaborative environment supports research and development (R&D), and start-ups across health tech and life sciences.

Marine Science

Ayrshire has an extensive coastline. Your business will benefit from Ayrshire’s leadership in marine science through the International Marine Science and Environmental (IMSE) Project, in partnership with the University of Stirling.

The Field Studies Council-Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae offers purpose-built marine research and teaching facilities. This will help you develop the skills and partnerships needed to work in the blue economy, supporting your growth in marine sustainability and the net zero transition.

Food and drink innovation

Ayrshire is a dynamic hub for food and drink innovation. The region offers high-quality, food-grade industrial units suitable for advanced manufacturing. 

Your business will flourish with support from Ayrshire’s flagship Food and Drink Centre of Excellence, part of the Ayrshire Manufacturing Investment Corridor (AMIC). Gain expertise in packaging, technical support, and commercialisation.