Net Zero group boosts businesses

Businesses across North Ayrshire are continuing to help each other – and the environment – by working 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 12-month programme is specifically designed to help Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) start their net zero journey – working towards reducing 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 a clear understanding of their carbon footprint and develop projects to help reduce their emissions by changing some of their working practices.

The programme helps to future-proof 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.

This has been implemented through actions including bringing in external technical and environmental expertise, identifying funding opportunities and supporting the implementation of green initiatives.

Ailsa Reliability Solutions, Kilwinning, was involved in the first pilot cohort and Managing Director Jamie Burns has since used his experience to support other Accelerator groups. Jamie would highly recommend the programme to other companies, explaining: “We were part of the first cohort of the programme, so we have been involved since the inception of the idea.

“Support from the Council has been instrumental in our development to becoming the delivery partner for the programme across Ayrshire.

“We now have great relationships with local businesses that we would not normally work alongside as we are in completely different sectors. We have gained great value from these relationships. “I would say the main benefits for us have been improved brand awareness, an increased attraction of talent and a reduction in carbon – which has, in turn, saved us money.”

One highlight for Jamie, personally, has been the Community Wealth Building aspect of the initiative.

The Community Wealth Building economic model – which sees wealth being retained in North Ayrshire thanks to the Council and partners increasing employment and using local produce and resources – is at the heart of the continuing drive to improve life for residents.

“Businesses that would not normally work together are now helping each other as they have similar challenges,” added Jamie.

The programme is being run in partnership with the Council and Net Zero Nation, which is a social enterprise that was set up to help businesses accelerate their transition to net zero.

The main goal of the programme is to teach participants how to create their own carbon accounts and carbon reduction plan. Businesses receive access to Notch carbon accounting software as part of the programme to help them record, monitor and control their carbon data.

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.

Auchrannie Resort, Arran, is also involved in the islands’ cohort, which is part funded by Zero Waste Scotland. David Johnston, Projects Director, said there have been great benefit for the Brodick hotel and spa.

David was told about the programme by the Council’s Business Support and Development team, and he said: “They were aware that - like most businesses - we are working towards meeting our net-zero targets but need a helping hand.

“The conversations we have in the sessions always bring up the need for support, and the Council team is quick to offer whatever guidance they can in terms of specialist advice or funding.

“As the Accelerator is fully funded, businesses have found it easier to commit staff time and resources to the programme.

“The main benefits for us have been the opportunity to meet with other businesses going through the same process and being able to share ideas and best practice.

“Being able to delve into specific topics and speak directly to experts on these areas has been great as has the access to carbon reporting software and being able to use this ourselves going forward.

“Just being able to sit in the same room with other island businesses, many of whom are facing similar challenges, has been really beneficial.”

He would encourage others to get involved in future, adding: “Many businesses still don’t know where to start on net zero, and being able to have a forum such as this is a great way to move forward.”

Alongside the work of the Accelerator, the Business Support and Development team has offered the companies involved tailored support, including:

• Accessing specialist support for feasibility studies on matters like water reuse, hydro power and sustainable manufacturing processes
• In-depth advice developing specific projects
• Signposting to funding and
• Introductions to other local businesses to develop supply chains.

Published: 29 September 2025