Being a member of Ayrshire Business in the Community is a tangible way of showing an organisation’s commitment to working in partnership for a better community. Members enhance their corporate social responsibility reputation, and are part of a movement that demonstrates the positive value business can bring to wider society. There are regular networking opportunities with peer companies committed to community involvement or corporate social responsibility and regular briefings and updates to keep members abreast of new developments and international best practice. Specific benefits to members include:

The benefits to those companies wanting to improve their delivery of community activities derive from being part of the only organisation in Ayrshire focused on delivering strategic advice on how to improve the impact of community activities on society and improve the return to the company involved.
 

ABIC History & Purpose
The Ayrshire Business in the Community Initiative (ABiC) is a business led initiative established in 2001 to support and encourage private sector involvement within Ayrshire’s communities. The initiative aims to direct private sector efforts where most needed and to maximum benefit - both for the community and the business. It also aims to increase private sector contribution by providing a structured route to channel the skills, knowledge and expertise available.

The needs of some communities present certain problems, which cannot be solved by government alone. The skills and resources of the private sector can provide the impetus to help many of these communities.

ABIC Structure
Ayrshire Business in the Community is managed by Lesley Craig as Project Co-Ordinator and Alison Shearer, Assistant Co-Ordinator. The project chairman is Ian Welsh, Chief Executive of Momentum. Also providing support is the ABIC Board, consisting of Bob Leitch, Chief Executive of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, Janet Botwright of Job Centre Plus, Brian Loye and Jim Reid of Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and David McCall of Munro Architects.

Funding & Support
Ayrshire Business in the Community is funded by Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and The Big Lottery. The initiative is supported by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.