ONE of Ayrshire’s most innovative companies continued their impressive growth with a nine per cent increase in turnover to over £16million.

Buzzworks, who have 11 well-respected venues across Ayrshire and the east of Scotland, including the Tree House in Ayr, the soon to be re-opened Vic’s and the Vine in Prestwick, Lido in Troon and Prestwick and the Corner House in Kilwinning, and are committed to the local area.

The award-winning family business continues to be one of Scotland’s fastest growing independent restaurant and bar operators and they have also increased their employee numbers by six per cent, which is 466 staff.

Kenny Blair, Managing Director at Buzzworks Holdings, said: “2018 has seen the business grow further, as we opened our first venue outside of Ayrshire in Bridge of Weir. Now with two sites in the East and further negotiations on sites 13, 14 and 15, we are forging on with our planned growth strategy for the future and the focus is on making 2019 even more successful.”

Even with Brexit looming, the company are still looking positively at the future and Kenny added: “Even with industry wide challenges including rising supplier costs, alongside the uncertainty of Brexit, we have continued to not only increase our turnover, but invest heavily in both the portfolio and our people.

“Our staff are what define us and are integral in creating the foundations of a long term, successful hospitality business. So much so, we have spent more than £100k in the last year alone to introduce industry leading work life balance initiatives for our people, including decreasing the working week without decreasing pay and paying overtime for every hour worked or time in lieu. We have also increased our training initiatives to encourage personal growth and development for everyone within the company.”

For the last three years Buzzworks have also been named on the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work for in the UK list.

Other venues they operate include The Mill House in Stewarton, The Coach House in Bridge of Weir and The Long House in Kilmarnock.