Fund will help boost jobs in area

Oct 30 2009 by Lisa Boyle

THE AYRSHIRE community has pulled together in a bid to create jobs.

Council representatives and support agencies attended GlaxoSmithKline's Irvine plant for the launch of an Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) aimed at creating sustainable jobs in the area.

With funding of £400,000 provided by GSK, the new EDF will be administered by the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

It will support applications from individuals wishing to start businesses, businesses wishing to expand, and private and voluntary sector organisations that are operating or plan to operate, in Irvine and the surrounding Ayrshire area.

Brian Donohoe, MP for central Ayrshire, said: “I would like to commend GSK on their approach to setting up this enterprise fund and with the Ayrshire Chamber on board I know they will do a professional job in supporting the creation of new jobs in Ayrshire.”

Alan Catterall, GSK Irvine site director, said: “This is an important job creation initiative for Ayrshire and we hope our investment will help create at least 70 sustainable jobs in the local area.

We have held several discussions with key economic development organisations and are delighted that Ayrshire chamber of commerce have agreed to take on the role of EDF administrators.”

Martin Cheyne, chief executive of the Ayrshire chamber of commerce, added: “We are proud to be associated with GSK in administering the fund.

“This is a real opportunity to provide seed funding for new jobs Ayrshire.

“GSK have demonstrated a clear commitment to their social responsibility agenda and people in Ayrshire can take advantage of this fund to develop new sustainable jobs.”