Pathways to Success: DYW Ayrshire Unites Business Leaders to Inspire Future Talent 

On Thursday 3rd October 2024, DYW Ayrshire welcomed 104 guests to the Lochside House Hotel for an inspiring afternoon and a first of its kind event to shape part of the Ayrshire Business Week programme. 

The “Audience With” brought together an audience of businesses who are committed to shaping and supporting the next wave of leadership. Featuring a diverse line up of guest speakers who have walked the path of success, each leader shared stories from their journey—both the highs and the challenges they faced along the way. 

The event, forming part of the Ayrshire Business Week programme, welcomed apprentices, employers, employees and pupils of the senior phase to follow the inspiring journeys. 

Featuring a panel of local entrepreneurs and leaders, Angela Cox (Ayrshire College), Derek Pierce (J&D Pierce), Linda Johnstone (Auchrannie Resort) and Billy Bowie (Billy Bowie Ltd) shared their journeys including the successes and the struggles. Each leader highlighted the importance of following your dreams to feel happy and successful. 

-Angela Cox, Principal & Chief Executive of Ayrshire College, shared her journey from studying Beauty Therapy Sciences to nearly 30 years in further and higher education. Angela spoke passionately about her commitment to transforming lives through education, despite starting her career without a clear path. 

-Derek Pierce, Managing Director of J&D Pierce Contracts, took us through the company’s growth and the challenges faced, including the 2008 recession and the pandemic. He emphasised resilience during tough times, noting the company now employs over 500 staff, including 56 apprentices, with an impressive £165/170M turnover. 

-Linda Johnstone, Co-founder & Executive Chairperson of Auchrannie Resort, began her hospitality career at 14 and opened Auchrannie in 1988 with no business experience. Last year, the resort hosted over 47,000 guests—and 3,017 dogs. 

Billy Bowie, from Billy Bowie Special Projects Ltd, joined our Q&A session and gave insight into his business journey, which started with one truck in 1991 and has grown into a major operation with a larger HQ, awards, and exciting future plans. 

Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch and dessert between the speeches before ending the day with a Q&A. 

Empowering young people provides not only inspiration, but builds resilience, confidence and gives guidance to our leaders of the future. Through stories told at this event, we continue to encourage employers to engage with our local young people and encourage them to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in their potential.