Now Ayrshire Radio- Ayrshire Insights with Elliot Boyce

This week, Elliot sits down with Lee Simpson — one half of the next-gen leadership at SimpsInns, a proudly family-owned hospitality group with deep Ayrshire roots. Alongside his brother, their parents and management team Lee helps steer a portfolio of hotels, restaurants, and leisure venues that blend local charm with modern ambition.

Expect candid insights into running a family business, adapting to shifting guest expectations, and building a brand that lasts.

This week, Elliot sits down with Alan Crookston and Jamie Stewart — the duo behind Elmwood Property Group — to unpack the business of property from the inside out. From estate agency and lettings to management and financial services, they reveal what it takes to thrive in Ayrshire’s ever-evolving housing market.

This week, Elliot sits down with Jamie Burns — the mind behind Ailsa Reliability Solutions — to decode how predictive maintenance is saving industries serious money. From oil rigs to wind farms, Jamie shares how his team spots equipment failures before they strike, and why Ayrshire is quietly becoming a hub for reliability tech.

This week on Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce sits down with Ross Gilmour, the man behind Thistle Cabs in Ayrshire. From navigating council red tape to championing smarter recruitment in the taxi industry, Ross shares his candid views on what’s holding Ayrshire back—and what needs to change. We dive into the challenges of running a modern cab firm, the future of local transport, and why Ross believes the current licensing system is driving potential drivers away. 

This week, Elliot Boyce sits down with Anthony Cecchini, the second-generation owner of the beloved Cecchini’s Italian Restaurants in Ayr and Ardrossan. Anthony shares the rich history of his family’s journey from Barga in Tuscany to the west coast of Scotland, bringing with them generations of authentic recipes and a passion for hospitality. We explore how Cecchini’s has become a staple of Ayrshire dining since its founding in 1985, blending traditional Tuscan flavours with local Scottish charm. From the scenic views at Ardrossan Harbour to the vibrant atmosphere of Wellington Square in Ayr, Anthony reflects on the evolution of the business, the importance of family, and what it means to serve the community through food. Whether you're a foodie, a fan of local entrepreneurship, or just love a good story, this episode is a delicious slice of Ayrshire life.

This week, Elliot sits down with Morean Hamilton, a powerhouse in Ayrshire’s business and equestrian scenes. As her & her husband are the driving force behind Hamilton Tarmac, the Cobble Shop, and the iconic Thistle Pub in Hurlford, Morean has built more than just businesses—she’s built community.

But beyond the boardroom and bar, Morean’s heart belongs to the equestrian world. A lifelong horsewoman, she’s not only produced and shown top-level horses, but also judged at elite events including the Royal International Horse Show and Horse of the Year Show.

In this episode of Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce is joined by Gavin Wallace, Managing Director of EVT Scotland, to uncover what it takes to run one of the UK’s leading vehicle movement specialists. From transporting fire engines to coordinating high-end chauffeur services, Gavin shares the behind-the-scenes challenges of managing complex logistics across the country.

It’s a deep dive into the fast-paced world of fleet coordination, operational strategy, and the human stories behind the vehicles that keep Britain moving.

Elliot chats with Tom Yorke about what really goes on behind the scenes in the insurance world. From protecting local businesses to building trust with clients, Tom shares how Blue Rock does things differently.

It’s a relaxed, insightful convo with plenty of laughs—and a few surprises along the way.

Perfect for business owners, curious minds, or anyone who’s ever wondered what an insurance broker actually does.

In this episode of Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce sits down with Eddie Fraser, Chief Executive of East Ayrshire Council, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, community priorities, and the future of the region. Eddie shares his personal journey to becoming Chief Executive, offering insights into the experiences and values that have shaped his approach to public service.

Whether you're interested in local government, community development, or leadership in action, this episode provides a valuable look behind the scenes of East Ayrshire Council.

This week on Ayrshire Insights, Elliot Boyce sits down for a raw and powerful conversation with tattoo artist Niky Brown, owner of Hard Luck Tattoo—whose shop was tragically lost in the recent Kilmarnock fire. From the inked beginnings of his career to the ashes of heartbreak, Niky shares the emotional story of losing his business, and how the Ayrshire community rallied behind him, raising over £28,000.