A TEAM of leading experts have been announced to help guide North Ayrshire Council’s new and “ambitious” economic model.

The council recently launched its Community Wealth Building (CWB) strategy which sets out how the council and other ‘anchor’ organisations – including NHS Ayrshire & Arran, Ayrshire College and wider partners – will work in partnership with communities and businesses to build a strong economy which supports fair work, encourages local spend and uses land and property for the common good.

Leading the panel will be Sarah Deas who is a trustee of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (Scotland).

She said: “The vital work that North Ayrshire is doing in pioneering local economic development is even more important in these challenging times.

“I’m delighted to chair this expert advisory panel which will act as a critical friend in developing a model that spreads wealth within the community.”

Joining Sarah on the panel are: Miriam Brett (Common Wealth think tank), Joe Guinan, (The Democracy Collaborative), Laurie Macfarlane (openDemocracy), Ian Mitchell (Community Enterprise in Scotland), Jess Thomas (Co-operatives UK), Roz Foyer (Scottish Trade Union Council), Sarah McKinley (Democracy Collaborative) and Neil McInroy, (Centre for Local Economic Strategies).

Councillor Joe Cullinane, leader of North Ayrshire Council, (pictured) said: “Our CWB Strategy is very ambitious.

“Given we are the first in Scotland to implement this approach, I have invited a group of highly experienced individuals who bring a range of perspectives on CWB, wellbeing economy and climate change to help guide the next steps of our journey.”