Bus company gets on board with Net Zero programme

A transport company is geared up for positive change after joining a Council-backed programme that helps businesses work towards net zero targets together.

North Ayrshire companies have been, collectively, putting the environment at the heart of what they do through a programme called Net Zero Accelerator.

The funded two-month programme is specifically designed to help Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) start their net zero journey – working towards eliminating the amount of greenhouse gases they produce - in an efficient, cost-effective and collaborative way.

It offers companies the opportunity to learn alongside other businesses to establish clear understanding of their carbon footprint and develop projects to help reduce their emissions by boosting sustainability and changing some of their working practices.

It also future-proofs businesses by preparing them for changing regulations and emerging green market opportunities.

Business Growth Managers from North Ayrshire Council’s Business Support and Development team have been providing additional support in conjunction with the Accelerator by helping participants turn their ideas into actions.

Kilwinning-based coach operator Shuttle Buses got involved through contact with the Council’s Business team.

Graham Kidd, Compliance and Special Projects Manager, explained: “We decided to get involved as part of our wider commitment to sustainability and to strengthen our net zero credentials. “The programme offered a structured way to set realistic carbon reduction targets, assess our current environmental impact and start shaping a more sustainable business model for the future.

“It felt like a valuable opportunity to align our operations with the climate goals that matter to our customers, community and staff.

Graham said collaborative working has been fruitful, adding: “The support from the Council’s Business team has been excellent, with proactive and knowledgeable staff. The team is always ready to help.

“Being part of a cohort with other local businesses has also been hugely beneficial. It created a great forum for networking and the open exchange of ideas, challenges and solutions. The sense of shared purpose made the process even more rewarding.”

He says the three main three benefits have been: building stronger relationships with local suppliers and businesses who share similar sustainability goals; getting a clear framework for setting meaningful environmental targets and raising internal awareness about practical steps they can take to reduce our carbon footprint.

Shuttle Buses launched its electric car scheme during the programme, seeing three staff switch from petrol cars to electric vehicles.

“This was a practical step that reflects our wider commitment to sustainability and shows how business initiatives can directly benefit staff while supporting our environmental goals.

“The programme offers a practical and collaborative way to begin or accelerate your sustainability journey. It connects you with valuable support, opens up new partnerships, and helps embed long-term environmental thinking into your business. I’d encourage any North Ayrshire business - large or small - to get involved,” added Graham.

The programme is being delivered through a partnership between the Council and Net Zero Nation, which is a social enterprise that was set up to help businesses accelerate their transition to Net Zero.

Other support included is carbon-accounting software being provided so members of the cohort can create their own carbon accounts and carbon reduction plan.

And through a series of workshops, participants learn how to reduce energy use and implement renewable energy sources, reduce waste, improve efficiency and maximise reuse opportunities.

Alongside the work of the Accelerator, the Business Support and Development team has offered the companies involved tailored support. For Shuttle Buses, this included assisting them to secure Scottish Enterprise funding to aid their transition to greener transport by installing solar panels to power their electric fleet charging facility.

The company was also supported with investment in machinery upgrades, staff upskilling and consultancy around health and safety and ISO compliance in line with regulatory changes.

Published: 03 November 2025