The HALO Kilmarnock is continuing its support of local entrepreneurs and businesses across Ayrshire by rewarding 15 competition winners with access to The HALO Enterprise and Innovation Centre (HEIC).

The HEIC is a state-of-the-art building home to a Barclays Eagle Lab which is supporting start-up and scale-up businesses from across Ayrshire who are building and growing specialised digital and cyber businesses.

As part of the HALO’s ’12 Days of Christmas’ initiative in December, the successful businesses will now receive a three-month HALO #RockMe Hybrid package which includes access to the HALO Trading Floor three days per week, desk space, locker facilities, superfast Wi-Fi, and access to support from partner businesses including Barclays Eagle Labs, Anderson Strathern and AAB Accountants.

The HALO’s #RockMe Trading Floor is home to some of Ayrshire’s most exciting businesses with shared working spaces where tenants can meet, work and network while on site at the HALO. The #RockMe Trading Floor will also be home to a Green Growth Accelerator Unit at the HEIC, backed by a green investment fund, designed to attract not only Scottish businesses but companies from outside Scotland, with the intention of creating investment opportunities both for The HALO and its partners and tenants.

Dr.Marie Macklin CBE, Founder and Executive Chair of HALO Urban Regeneration Company, said: “At the HALO, we are as committed and passionate as ever to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovative businesses in Ayrshire and beyond, especially during these difficult times with economic uncertainty at the forefront of people’s minds.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our 15 competition winners as new tenants and we hope they take advantage of all the HALO Kilmarnock campus has to offer as they continue their exciting entrepreneurial journey.”

With rising costs and economic uncertainty at the forefront of the national conversation, the HALO is committed to supporting local businesses during these difficult times.

The HALO recently welcomed the lucky 15 businesses, with extra spaces being rewarded due to the high number of quality applications, to explore their new surroundings, meet their fellow tenants and hear from the HALO’s extensive portfolio of business partners, highlighting the guidance and support available to the new HALO tenants.

There is a wide range of sectors covered in the new tenants with two of the businesses, The Gifted Kind and DH Eco Solutions, highlighting the diverse set of businesses moving into the HEIC.

Genna Masterton from The Gifted Kind said: “I am delighted to be part of HALO at such an exciting time in its development. 2023 is the year to drive momentum behind business growth, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. With the HALO’s support I know The Gifted Kind can seek investment and unlock its international potential in tomorrow’s world.”

Darren Hicks from DH Eco Solutions added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for my business to grow, the experience and knowledge of all the partners within this amazing facility will be sure to educate me on moving forward as I grow my business, I thank HALO for these exciting times ahead.”

The Ayrshire Growth Deal is a partnership being driven forward by the Scottish Government, the UK Government and East, North and South Ayrshire Councils. The Deal presents a major opportunity to strengthen the Ayrshire, Scottish and UK economies, with £251.5 million of funding available to help Ayrshire to realise its potential as a world-class business region, including supporting the HALO Kilmarnock in its journey so far.