The Ayrshire Business Awards is just one part of a week-long event designed to encourage, support and facilitate business throughout the area.

Ayrshire Business Week is held from Monday, October 6 to Friday, October 10 and sees events held each day and a number of guest speakers share their expertise and industry knowledge. A number of events will be held throughout Ayrshire which will provide insightful and practical knowledge for your business.

Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Val Russell believes Business Week is a very worthwhile event and encourages businesses in Ayrshire to take the time to attend as many as events as possible.

She said: “Ayrshire Business Week is an excellent event. We have a number of interesting speakers lined up this year who will share their experiences and knowledge with those attending.

“We understand that not everyone will be able to make every event over the week, but I would encourage people to try and attend at least one of the events.

“Ayrshire Connections Business to Business Trade Exhibition is filling up quickly so I’d recommend anyone interested in booking a stand to get in touch with the Chamber as soon as possible so you don’t miss out.” Business Week will be launched on Monday, October 6 at The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock with an event hosted by Business Gateway and finishes up on Friday, October 10 with an event to raise money for the Ayrshire Hospice Go Purple day.

Local Ice Cream makers in Ayrshire have been invited to make their own purple ice cream and will be judged by a panel of experts.

Val added: “We will have our own fun end to Business Week with the ‘Cream of Ayrshire’ event at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum to raise money for the Ayrshire Hospice. Money from each ticket sale will be donated to the Ayrshire Hospice.” Full details of all events at Ayrshire Business Week can be found by logging onto the www.ayrshire-chamber.org website and clicking events.

You can also contact the Chamber office on 01292 678666.