Businesses across Ayrshire are being encouraged to showcase their achievements and gain recognition for their hard work
Organised by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, the annual award celebrates outstanding businesses that demonstrate innovation, excellence and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The award is completely free to enter and is open to small and medium-sized businesses and social enterprises across Ayrshire employing fewer than 250 people.
Businesses operating in the service and manufacturing sectors are eligible to apply, with the award offering an opportunity not only to gain recognition but also to reflect on their achievements and identify areas for future growth.
Recognising Ayrshire's Business Success
Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Claire Baird believes many local businesses deserve greater recognition for the contribution they make to the region's economy.
She said: “Across Ayrshire, we have fantastic businesses achieving exceptional things every day, but often when you are focused on running and growing a business, you don’t take the time to step back and recognise just how much you have achieved.
“That is what makes the Business Excellence Ayrshire Award so valuable. It is an opportunity to take stock of what you are doing well, recognise the progress you have made and identify where you can go next.”
Over the years, the award has established a strong reputation for celebrating some of Ayrshire's most successful and ambitious organisations.
Previous winners include Donnini Apartments, Break the Silence, Begg x Co, Woodward AES in Prestwick, Utopia Computers, Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd, LMA Architects, Opus Couture and Lochside House Hotel, Lodges & Spa.
Claire added: “I would really encourage Ayrshire businesses to put themselves forward and take the opportunity to celebrate their success.”
More Than Just an Award
Unlike traditional business competitions, the Business Excellence Ayrshire Award includes a detailed self-assessment process designed to help organisations examine their performance, recognise their strengths and identify opportunities for improvement.
The process allows participating businesses to benchmark their progress and develop a clearer understanding of their achievements and future ambitions.
For many businesses, the experience itself can provide valuable insight, regardless of whether they ultimately win the award.
Applications Open Until 27 November
Applications for the 2027 award will remain open until 5pm on Friday 27 November 2026.
Finalists are expected to be announced in early 2027, with the overall winner revealed at the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner in March 2027.
To help businesses prepare their entries, the Chamber is also organising a special Business Excellence Award Application Masterclass on Tuesday 10 November, from 2pm until 4pm.
The session will provide guidance for businesses considering applying and help them understand how to approach the application process.
The 2027 Business Excellence Ayrshire Award is supported by Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Land Energy Girvan and UKSE.
How to Apply
Ayrshire businesses interested in entering the competition or attending the application masterclass can find further information through the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce website.
With businesses of all sizes continuing to play a vital role in Ayrshire's economy, the awards provide an opportunity to recognise the innovation, determination and achievements of the people helping local enterprises succeed.
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 27 November 2026.