Ayr United’s latest off field investment is proof they are serious about an ambitious future for the club.
That’s according to vice chairman, Fraser MacIntyre, who says the recruitment of two top hospitality figures will be a vital further boost to revenue streams at Somerset Park.
Ayr are to appoint a Conference and Events Manager and Food and Beverage boss at a cost of around £70,000 per year. The move comes as United prepare to cut the ribbon on their North Stand development, which will open in time for the new 2024/25 season.
According to MacIntyre, the club’s attitude has changed significantly as a result of the large financial infusion into non-football jobs as it gets ready for a major campaign led by first team manager Scott Brown.
In an interview with the Ayrshire Post, MacIntyre stated: “We have to take running a business seriously, and a sustainable one at that. The club now has the North Stand in addition to the Hub thanks to the generosity of our chairman, who reached into his own wallet. But if we subsequently do nothing, then all of that is useless. These aren’t pet projects.
“We must realize the full potential of the North Stand, which is an immensely exciting development in the club’s history. It is intended to bring in money for many years to come, so we need to make sure everything is in working order both inside and out. These kinds of facilities have to match the team we want on the field as well as the growing fan base.
Therefore, we demand a team off the field that meets the necessary standards. This is an ambitious and exciting time for our club, and if you are serious about taking your business to the next level, you need to implement that culture shift. Yes, this does indicate a
The number of guests in United’s new hospitality suite will nearly treble from the previous suite, and the club is eager to grow into other areas including events and conferences. With Macintyre confirming that “a number” of new faces will also be sought for kitchen, waiting staff, and bar duties, the two new appointments will usher in a new age.
Leading bars and event venues in Ayr, including Mulligans, Harleys, and Notion, MacIntyre continued: “I’ve always been good at hospitality. That was my main motivation for joining the board, and I think I can really help the club there. This summer offers a fantastic chance to transform an excellent facility into something truly significant for the club’s long-term viability. Therefore, this is about placing the proper individuals in positions where they can concentrate on a business side that is expanding and that we have now been able to open up.”
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