Renewable energy developers behind a potential £2 billion pipeline of onshore wind investment in East Ayrshire are seeking to increase local businesses’ participation in project supply chains, with a procurement event scheduled for 27 October.
The initiative will bring together developers, principal contractors and business support organisations to help local firms identify forthcoming opportunities and understand the requirements for securing contracts.
Independent analysis by BiGGAR Economics suggests that onshore wind projects planned in East Ayrshire over the next five years could represent around £2 billion of investment. The extent to which this expenditure will benefit local businesses will depend partly on their ability to compete for construction, engineering and other contracts.
The first East Ayrshire Meet the Buyer event, taking place at Cumnock Town Hall, will feature developers including Brockwell, Vattenfall, Reg Power, Force 9 Energy Partners, Renewco and 3REnergy.
SP Energy Networks will also attend, providing insight into the electricity infrastructure required to support renewable energy expansion. The network operator is delivering a transmission investment programme worth up to £12 billion across central and southern Scotland between 2026 and 2031.
Opening up supply chains
Organisers say opportunities extend beyond specialist energy contractors to businesses providing plant hire, transport, accommodation, catering and professional services.
The event will include separate sessions for businesses unfamiliar with major renewable energy procurement and those already equipped to tender, alongside advice on skills, training and business development.
New Cumnock-based Duncan Plant Hire is among the local firms already benefiting from wind farm construction. Its chief executive, Campbell Duncan, said contracts involving geological work, drilling and site access had helped the company attract employees seeking work closer to home.
Robin Winstanley, Sustainability and Marketing Director at OnPath Energy, which established the East Ayrshire Developer Forum in April, said the priority was ensuring local companies were equipped to compete for forthcoming work.
“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.”
Councillor Jim McMahon, Depute Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said the developments offered an opportunity to retain more economic value locally through business growth, employment and skills development.
The initiative supports the Scottish Government’s Onshore Wind Sector Deal, which includes commitments to strengthen domestic supply chains and maximise the economic benefits of expanding renewable energy capacity.
The event’s Get Tender Ready session runs from 10am to noon on 27 October, followed by a Tender Ready session from 1pm to 3pm. Registration is available through the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.
