This week on Ayrshire Insights, we’re joined by Fiona McKenzie, founder of CentreStage in Kilmarnock.

Fiona shares the remarkable journey that took her from a 20-year career as a secondary school Principal Teacher of Music to becoming one of Ayrshire’s most influential community leaders. She talks about the early challenges, the vision behind using the arts to transform lives, and how CentreStage has grown into a powerful hub for creativity, opportunity and community in Ayrshire.

In this episode, we sit down with Isobel and Andy from Studio16, the Ayr‑based high‑end detailing studio making waves across Scotland and beyond. Andy founded the business, and together he and Isobel have transformed Studio16 into one of the country’s most respected names in automotive and motorcycle detailing.

In just 12 months, Isobel has become the UK’s only International Detailing Association Certified Female Detailer and one of only 11 people worldwide to earn specialist motorcycle detailing certification — achievements matched only by her recent international win in Orlando, where she was crowned Newcomer of the Year.

We dive into their journey: how they balance business and partnership, the challenges of entering a male‑dominated industry, the proudest moments of their rise, and the impact Studio16 has made on Ayrshire’s community. Plus: walk‑in tunes, quick‑fire questions, bargains of the week, and what’s next for this powerhouse duo.

This week Elliot sits down with Colin Eggo of MKM Merchants Kilmarnock for an honest and inspiring conversation about life, leadership, and building a business from the ground up.

Colin shares his journey growing up in Kilmarnock, the lessons that shaped his work ethic, and the pivotal moments that defined his career. From early challenges to establishing a respected name in the builders’ merchant industry, he opens up about the risks he’s taken, the setbacks he’s faced, and the mindset required to grow a successful operation in a competitive market.

Colin talks about entrepreneurship, resilience, community impact, and what it really takes to build not just a business — but a reputation. Whether you’re a business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply enjoy hearing real stories from local leaders, this is a conversation packed with insight and authenticity.

This week on Ayrshire Insights, Elliot sits down with Jim Gemmell of Gemmell’s Van Sales — a man whose journey is as authentically Ayrshire as it gets. Jim shares how growing up in Onthank shaped his work ethic, his values, and his drive to build one of the region’s most successful vehicle businesses, now turning over millions each year.

Despite the scale of the operation, Jim’s commitment to community remains at the heart of everything he does. From supporting local causes to staying grounded in the place that made him, this conversation is a reminder that success doesn’t need to take you away from your roots.

Elliot sits down with Sir Tom Hunter to explore his journey from working in his dad’s grocery store to building Sports Division, buying Olympus Sport, and selling to JJB in one of the UK’s biggest retail deals. Sir Tom also reflects on his time at West Coast Capital, the impact of the 2008 crash, and how it shaped his approach to business and giving back.

They dig into his philanthropic work through the Hunter Foundation, Scale‑up Scotland, and the leadership focus at Blair House. Plus, Sir Tom shares his candid views on Ayrshire’s future — including why he believes the region should have one council instead of three.

A sharp, inspiring episode packed with insight, straight from one of Scotland’s most influential business leaders.

This week on Ayrshire Insights with Elliot Boyce, we went live from the relaunch of Revitalize Fitness & Spa in Kilmarnock. Elliot sat down with co-owners Kris Steven and Steven Freeburn, who shared the inspiring story behind their journey—transforming passion and perseverance into one of Ayrshire’s leading fitness and spa centres. From humble beginnings to building a thriving hub for health and wellbeing, Kris and Steven open up about the challenges, milestones, and vision that brought Revitalize to where it is today.

This week on Ayrshire Insights, host Elliot Boyce sits down with Claire Baird, CEO of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce. Together they explore the evolving business landscape across Ayrshire, the Chamber’s role in supporting local enterprises, and Claire’s vision for fostering collaboration and innovation within the community. From championing small businesses to driving regional growth, this conversation offers a candid look at the challenges and opportunities shaping Ayrshire’s future.