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Dry Ice by Eco Newsletters

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:26:09 GMT

Click on the link to open a PDF of each newsletter

Dry Ice by Eco November 2025 Newsletter

Dry Ice by Eco December 2025 Newsletter

Dry Ice by Eco January 2026 Newsletter

Dry Ice by Eco February 2026 Newsletter

Dry Ice by Eco March 2026 Newsletter

Dry Ice by Eco April 2026 Newsletter

We're hiring a Dry Ice Blasting Trainee Operator for Dry Ice by Eco

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:08:34 GMT

We are seeking a Dry Ice Cleaning Trainee to join our team and support our Dry Ice Operation; this job is the starting point on an interesting career using a type of cleaning process and material that is environmentally friendly and very innovative; you will go to different places and see different businesses and will have the opportunity to develop new skills.

Duties

Blast cleaning surfaces using dry ice
Engaging with customers politely when on site
Cleaning and servicing the dry ice machines
Setting up the equipment to go to jobs in external customers
Cleaning the equipment after a job
Monitoring the vans, ensuring it is clean, all levels are good
Driving to and from external customer’s sites when required
Completing the servicing and maintenance documentation

Skills

Ability to use hand tools and machinery effectively
Driving licence would be beneficial
Having a licence to drive a trailer would be beneficial
Basic excel, word and computer skills

If you are interested, apply here .

We're hiring an IT Apprentice for Integrity by Eco

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:22:28 GMT

Are you looking to get involved in the ever changing world of IT?

About the Role

As an IT Apprentice, you will support the team by assisting customers with IT issues, learn to troubleshoot and resolve common problems, and gain hands on experience across different technologies. You’ll be trained to provide professional support via phone, email, and our ticketing system, help with user onboarding, device setup, and contribute to maintaining high service standards.

The role is full-time.

Key Responsibilities

Act as the initial point of contact for customers via phone, email, and ticketing system to provide 1st line technical support, logging, managing, updating, and resolving tickets in line with SLAs and KPIs.
Troubleshoot common issues relating to Windows 10/11, Windows servers with active directory, desktop and laptop hardware, hosted telephony, printers, Microsoft 365, and standard business applications.
Support basic networking and connectivity issues including Wi-Fi, DNS, and DHCP.
Maintain accurate ticket notes and customer updates including escalating unresolved or complex issues to 2nd line or specialist teams with clear documentation of steps taken.
Complete training for existing and newly introduced IT and Cybersecurity services as required.
Assist with onboarding of new users, including laptop builds, account creation and peripheral setup.
Assist the Field and 2nd line technicians to attend customer sites to carry out investigations and complete project installations where required.

If you have a passion for technology and problem-solving, apply here .

We're hiring for Integrity by Eco

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:12:34 GMT

Are you looking to get involved in the ever changing world of IT?

About the Role

Here at Integrity by Eco, we are seeking an IT Support Technician who is eager to tackle challenges and provide exceptional support. You will be responsible for delivering remote and onsite support across a wide range of technologies, acting as both a first point of contact and an escalation point for more complex issues. A key part of the role will be supporting, configuring, and optimising Microsoft 365 environments and cloud-hosted phone systems. You will also assist with infrastructure troubleshooting, networking, and service improvement, working closely with our wider technical team.

Key Responsibilities

Provide 1st and 2nd line support, managing, updating and resolving tickets in a timely manner.
Act as an escalation point for complex support tickets.
Configure, support, and deploy cloud phone/VoIP systems including training.
Support Microsoft 365 services including Exchange Online, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint and Entra ID.
Assist with security and compliance configuration (MFA, Conditional Access, Defender).
Troubleshoot networking and connectivity issues (DNS, DHCP, VPN, Wi-Fi).
Deliver excellent customer service remotely and onsite.
Assist with migrations, onboarding, and infrastructure improvements.
Produce clear technical notes and documentation.

If you have a passion for technology and problem-solving, apply here .

Annan’s ECO ‘Explorers’ - DG Climate Hub Newsletter October 2025

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:00:52 GMT

Gaining his captain’s license at just 24 years of age, former deep-sea trawlerman, Eco Group Co-Founder and CEO Eddie Black, knows what it’s like to lead a team through rough seas and waves that can appear insurmountable.

Bringing to dry land all the problem-solving skills and tenacious survival instincts he honed out at sea, Eddie has become a respected visionary entrepreneur.

He established Eco as a dry ice company back in 2009 and has built it into the multi-solution providing Eco Group of companies that it is today.

Being a proud father and grandfather inspires Eddie’s vision for Eco in two different ways.

Believing that a business should embody the founder's vision and ethics, Eddie wants to build a legacy business in Annan that will last 150 years.

And with his family in mind, he is also in a hurry to find solutions that can help mitigate the climate crisis. A recent call-to-action post on his Linkedin account to fellow entrepreneurs and the construction industry certainly pulls no punches.

The construction industry needs a wake-up call, and lobbyists need to stop recycling the same tired messages—because the same thinking only ever delivers the same results. What we’re doing is bigger than money or economics. This is about our children, our grandchildren, and generations beyond. Sitting on the fence and protecting your own interests doesn’t change a thing. Social media is full of opinions that mean nothing—what’s missing are real solutions. Get after it, Make change and get off the fence.

I have known Eddie and Group Opportunity Strategist Gary Robertson for a while now and I’ve seen and heard the term ‘explorers’ being used as a kind of unofficial title for Eco staff. Suspecting that it might have something to do with searching far and wide for solutions I asked Gary and VASO Chief Technical Officer Simon Parrish to confirm or deny my suspicions.

The resolute determination to explore new innovations has created a real sense of mission. The suggestion of impatience in Eddie’s recent Linkedin post (fragment above) was perhaps prompted by the team’s untiring and dogged lobbying to have their VASO construction technology and methodology more widely recognised by the industry here.

An Eco Group webpage describes VASO as an innovation that...

Helps the build environment deliver structures rapidly, responsibly and sustainably by precision manufacturing and innovative technology unlike anything else.

So VASO is made from panels and other shapes that resemble steel girders which are actually recycled glass! Moreover a scalable fabrication method has been developed that can be replicated in situ to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of materials transportation. And to top it off buildings can be constructed in a matter of days; buildings that are incredibly resistant to temperature change outside keeping them warm in winter and cool in summer.

There are several examples of VASO buildings and one of the first was a school in Norfolk. In readiness for its 10th anniversary, the team placed sensors all over the building. Eddie told me that it is the most efficient building far out-performing passive house standards. The live data being recorded and sent to the government shows that its interior temperature has never fluctuated by more than one degree.

And right now there are plans underway for a small development of VASO houses in Closeburn collaborating with Mike Steel from Nith Valley Leaf Trust.

Collaboration is a central tenet of Eco’s work ethos, and as explorers the Eco team reaches out around the world from their Annan base to find solutions and partners.

As a trawler captain, Eddie used to navigate rough seas and seemingly insurmountable waves. In seeking to bring changes to an industry like construction with its deeply embedded traditional methods he is indeed trying to surmount yet another massive wave. But as he tells me; ‘It’s a simpler task when you’re simply bringing the truth to people.’

And as if that challenge isn’t enough, straight after our interview, Eddie, Gary and Simon travelled by train to London to sign a deal that really highlights the ruggedness of the VASO recycled glass construction method and its incredible ability to sustain near constant ambient temperatures. They are researching how to construct buildings on the moon ?!

Team Eco are now exploring off-planet opportunities and whilst doing so the Annan ‘explorers’ are just waiting for that watershed breakthrough moment back here at home. I wish them all the luck this planet can offer.

Read the full newsletter here

Forging the Future: Celebrating Circular Innovation Aboard Clipper Stad Amsterdam

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 08:21:07 GMT

It was our privilege to be asked to join the esteemed guests on the Clipper Stad Amsterdam at Tower Bridge, London last night hosted by Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the United Kingdom , City of Amsterdam & Ministry of Economic Affairs .

We were delighted to sign our collaboration agreement with Omid Hajishirmohammadi and join other partners on the EIC Pathfinder Challenge. Our circular innovation is viewed as a vital element of the collaboration and we are thrilled to be part of an exciting journey which looks to provide up to 13 million new homes and explore the opportunities to create buildings on the moon and beyond.

Scottish Innovation poised to tackle housing crisis

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 12:04:06 GMT

Innovation developed in Scotland is ready to be deployed to help solve the nation's housing crisis, following the Scottish Government's new Housing Emergency Action Plan.

VASO by Eco, a company based in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, is promoting its industrialised construction method as a key solution to the housing shortage.

The company's modular build system can erect a four-bedroom house superstructure in just four days, with panels manufactured in under four hours, providing a 20-week time saving compared with traditional construction. The panels are made from recycled glass and offer superior thermal performance, fire resistance, and durability.

Eddie Black, Managing Director of Eco Group, which developed the product, said the government should "embrace homegrown innovation" to "rapidly deliver affordable and sustainable housing." He called the product a "complete game-changer" for the Scottish, UK, and worldwide construction industries.

The company states that its solution aligns with all three pillars of the government's Housing Emergency Action Plan, including rapidly rehousing families from unsuitable accommodation, supporting vulnerable communities with low-energy homes, and boosting growth and investment in housing delivery.

The Scottish Government has pledged £4.9 billion over four years to deliver 36,000 affordable homes by 2029–30. The government's plan recognises that Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are essential to accelerating housing delivery and meeting its target of increasing housing output by 10% annually.

Garry Legg, Head of Strategy, Planning and Partnerships at South of Scotland Enterprise, said the region is "ideally placed to be, Scotland’s testbed for doing housing differently." VASO by Eco has recently commissioned a feasibility report for a brownfield site in Dumfries and Galloway, with construction planned to use its innovative system.

Why homegrown innovation can supercharge bid to solve Scottish housing crisis

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:45:55 GMT

Innovation developed in Scotland is ready to be deployed to speed up the response to solve the nation’s housing crisis.

In the wake of this week’s Ministerial Statement by Cabinet Secretary for Housing, Màiri McAllan, unveiling the Housing Emergency Action Plan—a comprehensive response to Scotland’s deepening housing crisis – and the Scottish Parliament debate which followed, embracing innovation is seen by many commentators as the key to unlocking the country’s housing slowdown.

Recent reports have highlighted the need for different thinking and solutions such as modular construction, circular manufacturing, and innovative offsite housing models.

Industrialised construction methods have the capability to supercharge new housing, also creating manufacturing opportunities and jobs.

Innovation in build systems—particularly industrialised construction methods such as Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and modular/offsite building—is increasingly recognised as a strategic enabler within the Scottish Government’s Housing Emergency Action Plan, and is embedded across all three pillars of its strategy.

VASO by Eco is ideally placed to support the Housing Emergency Action Plan by offering a solution to the housebuilding shortage across Scotland with its innovative recycled glass product.

Aligning with national strategies like Housing to 2040, VASO recognises the need for collaborative action to address housing pressures.

Eddie Black, Eco Group Managing Director, hopes the Government announcement will pave the way for many more schemes which embrace innovation.

Eddie said: “The urgency of the situation is clear for all to see. We would urge the Scottish Government to embrace homegrown innovation which can significantly speed up the solutions, and rapidly deliver affordable and sustainable housing.

“VASO By Eco’s speed and efficiency can provide a systematic solution to the housing shortage. It will allow Scotland to be at the forefront of a building solution which will help solve the housing crisis here and in other places around the world.

“With VASO by Eco we have a solution which is going to prove a complete game-changer for the Scottish, UK, and worldwide construction industry.

“VASO’s modular build system can erect a four-bedroom house super structure in just four days, with panels manufactured in under four hours. This rapid deployment capability directly supports the strategy’s priority to increase housing supply to meet urgent demand and economic growth targets.

“VASO panels are made from recycled glass and offer superior thermal performance, fire resistance, and durability. They are backed by a 60-year Lloyds of London warranty. This supports plan’s ambitions to achieve affordable warmth, energy efficiency and reducing fuel poverty.”

McAllan’s statement outlined a three-pillar strategy:

Ending Children Living in Unsuitable Accommodation

£80 million investment this year (doubling the previous fund) to acquire homes and move 600–800 children out of temporary housing;
Councils are expected to “flip” good-quality temporary accommodation into permanent homes for families;
Awaab’s Law to be implemented from March 2026, targeting damp and mould in rented homes.

VASO support these ambitions with:

Speed of deployment means VASO homes can help councils quickly rehouse families from temporary or unsuitable accommodation;
Durability and energy efficiency ensure these homes are not just fast, but fit for long-term family living, supporting child wellbeing and stability.

2. Supporting Vulnerable Communities

£1 million “Fund to Leave” to help 1,200 women and children escape domestic abuse;
£4 million to expand Housing First tenancies for people with complex needs;
Extension of Rapid Rehousing Transition Plans funding to 2026–27;
£2 million in discretionary housing payments to help households in temporary accommodation transition to private rentals.

VASO supports these ambitions with:

Low energy costs and high thermal performance reduce fuel poverty risks for vulnerable households;
Minimal skilled labour requirements make it easier to deploy homes in rural or workforce-constrained areas, including for Housing First or domestic abuse survivors.

3. Boosting Growth and Investment in Housing

A commitment to increase housing delivery by 10% annually across all tenures for the first three years of the next Parliament;

Exemptions from rent controls for mid-market rent and build-to-rent properties to encourage investment;

Plans to unlock land for housing in rural areas and support developments like the 10,000 homes at Blindwells New Town;
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are seen as essential to accelerating housing delivery, especially to meet the target of increasing housing output by 10% annually across all tenures;
The Scottish Government has committed to supporting MMC through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, with around 90% of new homes already using some form of MMC (e.g., timber frame, modular, panelised systems);
Cost efficiencies of up to 8% have been identified when using standardised designs and larger developments (40–50 units), making industrialised construction attractive for scaling;
Local authorities are encouraged to include MMC in their Strategic Housing Investment Plans (SHIPs), with emphasis on mass customisation, collaborative procurement, and design standardisation;
The government is running pilot MMC initiatives in Edinburgh and South East Scotland, combining R&D with procurement and design innovation. Private sector organisations like Ardbeg Modular are advocating modular construction as a scalable, cost-effective solution to meet the 110,000 affordable homes target by 2032.

VASO supports these ambitions with:

Rapid, scalable housing delivery: Homes are manufactured offsite in hours and assembled onsite in days, significantly accelerating build timelines;
Industrialised construction: The system uses precision-engineered composite panels made from recycled glass, aligning with the government's push for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC);
Investment-ready innovation: Recognised in the Housing Supply for a Growing Economy report, VASO is seen as a model for attracting both public and private investment into housing innovation.

VASO also offers additional strategic benefits including:

Circular economy leadership: VASO homes are made from recycled glass, supporting Scotland’s net zero and sustainability goals.
Skills and jobs: The system supports green job creation, apprenticeships, and reskilling—especially important in regions like VASO by Eco’s home region of Dumfries & Galloway.
Export potential: With international interest (such as a forthcoming trade mission to Barbados), VASO could position Scotland as a global leader in sustainable housing innovation.

In terms of financial commitment, The Scottish Government pledged £4.9 billion over four years to deliver 36,000 affordable homes by 2029–30, aiming to house up to 24,000 children. This includes both public and private investment, with further details expected in the upcoming Scottish Budget.

Prosper’s recent “Housing Supply For A Growing Economy” report highlighted the need to accelerate the adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and invest in offsite manufacturing and innovation.

Garry Legg, Head of Strategy, Planning and Partnerships, at South of Scotland Enterprise, earlier this year said: “There is a unanimous consensus that we must do things differently to address the housing challenge, with partners in the South of Scotland already coming together to take the action they know is required.

“The South of Scotland is up for, and ideally placed to be, Scotland’s testbed for doing housing differently.”

VASO by Eco has been developed by Eco Group at its base in Annan in Dumfries and Galloway.

As a partnership, VASO by Eco, Nith Valley Leaf Trust (NVLT), South of Scotland Community Housing, and South of Scotland Enterprise recently commissioned a feasibility report for development of a brownfield site in Dumfries and Galloway with construction utilising the VASO by Eco system.

The VASO Build solution would represent a 20-week timesaving compared with traditional construction.

www.vasobuild.eco www.teameco.co.uk

Memorial to RAF’s unsung reconnaissance heroes announced

Wed, 07 May 2025 11:14:45 GMT

Plans to recognise the unsung heroes of the RAF’s Photographic Reconnaissance Units have successfully moved to the next stage - the Veterans Minister, Al Carns MP, announced in the House of Commons last night (Tuesday).

More than 200 MPs from eight different parties have supported the campaign for a memorial in London, outside the Treasury, close to the entrance of the Imperial War Museum’s Churchill War Rooms, facing St James’ Park.

Speaking during a parliamentary debate ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a debate in which MPs Amanda Hack, Alison Bennett, and Adam Jogee also mentioned the contribution of the PRU in the Allied victory, Al Carns announced that the campaign for the memorial had successfully moved to the planning stage.

Eco Group, based in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, is one of the businesses which has provided its expertise to help create the memorial.

The centrepiece of the memorial is set to be a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine from an RAF Mosquito asssigned to 540 Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron at RAF Benson, which crashed into a Welsh mountainside in 1944, which Eco’s specialist Eco Dry Ice cleaning team have recently helped to restore.

Photo Reconnaissance Units

The RAF Photographic Reconnaissance Units (PRU) were formed on the 24th of September 1939 and throughout the Second World War they operated highly dangerous, clandestine photographic reconnaissance operations over all theatres of operation, and captured more than 26 million images of enemy operations and installations during the war.

The purpose of the PRU was to provide up-to-date intelligence to strategically plan the Allied actions in the war. Flying Spitfires and Mosquitos, the intelligence it gathered was used by all the armed forces, giving same day intelligence on enemy activity.

The intelligence provided by the PRU was used in the Cabinet War Rooms – now the ‘Churchill War Rooms’ located underneath the Treasury – and was instrumental in the planning of major operations; D-Day and the Dambusters Raid, the monitoring of major shipping movements such as the Bismarck and Tirpitz, and the locating of the site of the V1 and V2 rocket launching site at Peenemünde, as well as many other intelligence successes.

Due to the clandestine nature of their operations – they flew solo operations, unarmed and unarmoured – the death rate was nearly fifty percent. However, despite having one of the lowest survival rates of the war – life expectancy in the PRU was around two and a half months – there is no national memorial to the PRU.

Therefore, since 2021, the Spitfire AA810 Project has campaigned to establish such a memorial to the 1,746 PRU pilots and navigators, with a major breakthrough in the campaign coming this week with the Government’s announcement on Tuesday*.

Photographic Interpreters

It is also intended that the memorial will recognise the Photographic Interpreters, who were based at RAF Medmenham, in Buckinghamshire. Using stereoscopy, they analysed the photographs for intelligence, with the intelligence report arriving at the Cabinet War Rooms within 24 hours of the plane landing.

The 635 Photographic Interpreters – a third of whom were women - included the likes of post-war actor, Dirk Bogarde, and Sarah Churchill, the wartime Prime Minister’s daughter. Their role was crucially important to the entire operation, as without their skill and analysis, the 26 million photographs would not have produced the war winning intelligence that it did, ensuring that the pilots sacrifice was not in vain.

International Effort

The memorial also intends to recognise the internationalism of the PRU, with 23 different nationalities confirmed to date as having served in photo reconnaissance, with countries from every continent represented.

These include the USA, Brazil, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Fiji, among many others, including most of the occupied countries of Europe as well. Indeed, with such a widespread representation, the PRU arguably provides the greatest example of the international effort to defeat Fascism of the entire Second World War.

Location

The intended location for the memorial would be outside the Treasury, close to the entrance of the Imperial War Museum’s Churchill War Rooms, facing St James’ Park. The location has received approval in principle from the Royal Parks and Department for Culture, Media and Sport to proceed to the next stage, which includes ground surveys, design, and planning.

Welcoming the announcement, Spitfire AA810 Project Director, Tony Hoskins, said: “Since as a project we first looked at commemorating the highly clandestine and near suicidal work of the RAF unarmed Reconnaissance Squadrons, we have uncovered some incredible stories of the work these young men and women carried out, their actions unknown yet so vital to millions of people impacted by the conflict. Now on the 80th anniversary of VE Day it is so fitting to have the Government support this major step forward in recognising their work and sacrifice.

“More than any conflict to date, the Second World War had seen intelligence gathering play a vital role. The exacting nature of the work, and the performance required to fulfill it, meant there were few aircraft and even fewer pilots capable of rising to the challenge. RAF Photo Reconnaissance using high-speed, high-altitude aircraft had started as an experiment pursued by a free-thinking maverick with a single aircraft, but with the backing of a few far-sighted leaders, once the principle was established the work of these young men and women became a vital component of every Allied campaign with the intelligence gained considered necessary for the planning of any operation.”

Reconnaissance Spitfires and Mosquitos were responsible for some of the most significant intelligence finds of the Second World War. The work of the RAF PRU enabled Allied leaders to monitor almost every aspect of the enemy’s activity and act accordingly, and it is a tribute in particular to the Spitfire that it was the only aircraft capable of fulfilling this role throughout the whole conflict. To see this work commemorated in the very heart of London so close to where that intelligence was used so critically, has been an ambitious aim and we are so very pleased that we can now proceed with supportive stakeholders”.

Eco Group is one of many businesses which has helped the campaign. Steven McCreadie, Head of Dry Ice at Eco Group, and colleague Gordon Keenan, travelled to the Classic Collective in Bicester, where they carried out the Mosquito engine clean in the base’s workshop using their specialist dry ice equipment.

Steven said: “We are delighted to have played our part in restoring a piece of equipment which is so historic and significant to so many people. Well done to Tony, everyone at the Spitfire AA810 Project, and all those who have supported this campaign. We look forward to seeing the memorial in situ and to paying our respects along with so many others.”

If there is anyone related to or knew someone who served in the PRU during the war, or who wants to know more about the monument campaign, please go the Spitfire AA810 Project website ( www.spitfireaa810.co.uk ), or get in touch with Tony Hoskins, Tony@spitfireaa810.co.uk .

Eco hosts Powering Futures students as nationwide skills programme hits the road

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:44:03 GMT

A diverse manufacturing business which is leading the way in sustainable industrialised construction to meet the UK’s housing needs hosted more than 60 secondary school students who presented their ideas on how to tackle society’s key challenges.

Eco Group, led by founder and MD Eddie Black, specialises in Contract Manufacturing, Organic Brand Manufacturing, and Services to Manufacturing in a range of industries across the UK from its base in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway.

Eco’s VASO Build Solutions, construction panels made from mostly recycled glass, is one of a range of world-first decarbonisation technologies and carbon mitigation strategies developed by the pioneering business.

On Monday (March 17), Eddie and Eco Group Opportunity Strategist Gary Robertson, and Eco colleagues, hosted S5 students from Annan Academy as part of the forward-thinking Powering Futures programme involving 1,300 pupils in 86 schools across Scotland.

Powering Futures, which is supported by 47 Scottish businesses and organisations, “prepares the workforce of the future for the jobs of the future, educating the workforce of the future” in over 100 Scottish secondary schools, and trains the workforce of the future in large employers across the country.

The SCQF level 6 accredited programme equips learners with critical meta-skills that employers are looking for while gaining an understanding of sustainability knowledge.

The event at Eco on Monday kicked off a programme throughout Scotland over the next two weeks where students will be making their final presentations to businesses in boardrooms, from the Borders to Inverness, to mark the culmination of their 30-week challenge.

Eddie Black, who was one of the judges at Monday’s event, said: “Investing our time, energy and expertise in the next generation is something I have been passionate about ever since the day we set up our business more than 15 years ago.

“With the way Eco has grown and diversified, we were delighted to host the Annan Academy students at our headquarters and hopefully give them a taste of what a sustainable business environment looks and feels like.

“It was fabulous to see and listen to their challenge presentations. It was a privilege to be in the room with group of young people with such inquiring minds.

“We were genuinely blown away by the thinking and research they had done to come up with their solutions to some of society’s major challenges.

“All the students showed impressive problem-solving skills. We know all too well how much adaptability, collaboration and resilience they will have had to show to get to this presentation stage – we have even named one of our businesses Resilience because we know what an important quality that is in today’s fast-changing society. Congratulations to all the students – you were amazing.

“Big thanks must also go to all the teachers and staff at Annan Academy for giving our young people the support and opportunity to take part, and to the team at Powering Futures for making these experiences happen which will stand the students in such good stead today for embarking on the careers of tomorrow.”

Participants in the Powering Futures Schools Programme engage in hands-on learning as they collaborate to find a solution to real-life sustainability challenges that have been set for this 2024-2025 academic year.

Industry partners are embedded in the delivery of the curriculum programme, which is designed to systematically create a pipeline of talent to businesses involved in delivering the transition to net zero.

Annan Academy is one of only four schools nationally to have enrolled an entire year group in the SCQF level 6 programme, the same level of Higher or modern and foundation apprenticeships.

Annan Academy Headteacher Ewan Murray said: “By integrating the Powering Futures Challenge into the whole year group instead of as an optional course, we ensured that all our students could benefit from learning these essential meta-skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, and organisation.”

Powering Futures Co-Founder David Reid said: "The teams demonstrated that the new skills that they have developed over the past 30 weeks around team building, collaboration, problem solving and now presentation skills, all attributes that they need for a great career and a job in the future. So much so that Eco, our hosts, have already identified two or three individuals that they would like to speak more to about vacancies that they have, because they were so impressed.

“By fostering essential meta-skills that are highly valued by employers, the Powering Futures Schools Programme not only prepares students for their careers but also empowers them to navigate all aspects of life beyond education.

“They have helped the students gain the experience and confidence needed to navigate an evolving job market and contribute meaningfully to their industries. As a result, the students are not just preparing for the future - they are actively shaping it.

“Thank you also to all the team at Annan Academy for their support. We’re excited to continue collaborating with the academy to guide young people toward a brighter, more prosperous future.”

Scottish businesses warned to wake up to rising cyber threat

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 14:16:18 GMT

Scottish companies could be put out of business if they don’t take the rising threat of cybercrime seriously.

That was the stark message to business bosses when Resilience, part of Annan-based Eco Group, marked Cyber Scotland Week by hosting a cyber security event for Scottish businesses and organisations.

There have been high profile cyber attacks in recent years on Scottish organisations such as on the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) in 2020, and on the NHS Dumfries and Galloway last year.

The number of attacks on public bodies in Scotland is also on the increase with 16 attacks in 2024, up more than 50 per cent on previous years, according to Scottish Government figures.

Resilience, which operates with an in-house team of cyber experts, pledges to bring a new approach to protect businesses and organisations from the fast-changing techniques used by criminals.

Without the latest protection businesses who fall prey to cyber criminals can at best have their operations suspended, costing them thousands and sometimes millions of pounds, at worst they can be shut down and put out of business completely.

SMEs are soft targets because their security is often weaker and they offer an easy way in to their supply chain for those seeking to disrupt operations and demand payments.

Those who attended the event at Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton Campus, Dumfries, heard that there are 2,300 substantial cyber attacks every day in the UK, with each breach having an average cost to business of £4.3m.

In the last 12 months, 39 per cent of UK companies have suffered a major cyber breach, and that number is rising fast.

Manufacturing companies, which often use legacy systems, are the businesses most frequently hit, accounting for 25.7 per cent of all sectors to be the victim of a cyber breach, followed by Finance (18.2 per cent); Energy (11.1 per cent); Retail (10.7 per cent); Health (6.3 per cent), Public Administration (4.3 per cent) and Education (2.8 per cent).

Hacking has now grown to a $12 trillion a year industry. Some hacking operations employ as many as 200 people with managers, developers, negotiators and even HR departments, operating like a legitimate business complete with targets and KPIs.

Ryan Moffat, head of Resilience, is a leading expert in his field. He has worked with Police Scotland as an ethical hacker, is a Cyber Essentials Ace Practitioner and has five years hands-on experience of working in the industry.

As a graduate of one of the UK’s leading cyber security courses at Abertay University in Dundee, Ryan keeps up to date with all there is to know about the fast-evolving world of cybercrime from every angle - the criminal, the police, the business owner - and knows how best to defend businesses against it.

Ryan said: “State-sponsored cybercriminals from a range of countries want to disrupt operations in the UK. They will target any business with thousands of automated attacks in the hope of one getting through and giving them access into an organisation and all their data.

“I know of cases where businesses are receiving 10,000 phishing attacks every day.

“We are not talking big corporate organisations. We are talking small and medium sized operations because cyber criminals know these organisations are likely to have more weak spots in their defences.

“The criminals want to access as much information about you and your business as possible - who your customers are, who your suppliers are, they want to disrupt your entire operations.

“It only takes one person to click on a link and they are into your data and your systems with access to information on all your people and all your business connections.”

The absolute key for businesses is to not let the cyber criminals into their systems in the first place. To achieve that, not only must an organisation’s cyber security be watertight, but every person who works there must be trained to know when an email, a text, a social media message is safe, and when it’s a fraud.

That involves training every member of a team about the threats, what damage they can do, and crucially how to spot and prepare for AI, phishing and Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) attacks and prevent the cyber criminals from winning, which is where Resilience come in.

“Every single person has a part to play in maintaining cyber security. It’s vital that everyone in an organisation knows what is safe and what isn’t,” said Ryan who brings the latest thinking and research to his role to help ensure businesses have the latest, most effective protection.

Helen Templeton, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the IT industry and is a lecturer at Dumfries and Galloway College, also brings her expertise to the Resilience team and was able to share her own experience with those at the event.

Drena Thomson, of Armstrong Group, speaking after the event, said: “I have attended four cyber events from different companies, but this one was very informative. It brought awareness of the new rules coming into place and information about AI. It wasn’t what I expected, it was engaging and different.”

Resilience is part of Eco Group which, led by founder and MD Eddie Black, specialises in Contract Manufacturing, Organic Brand Manufacturing, and Services to Manufacturing across a diverse range of industries.

From its impressive, self-built, 3,000-square-metre HQ in Annan, Eco companies offer an array of innovative products and services tailored to meet the needs of commercial, industrial, public sector, and residential customers throughout the UK.

To contact Resilience call 01228 594682 , email resilience@integrityoffice.co.uk or visit https://www.integrityoffice.co.uk/resillence

Cumbrian businesses warned to wake up to rising cyber threat

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 15:28:02 GMT

Cumbrian companies could be put out of business if they don’t take the rising threat of cybercrime seriously.

That was the stark message to business bosses when Resilience, part of Eco Group, was officially launched at a special event held at Carlisle United Football Club.

Resilience, which operates with an in-house team of cyber experts, pledges to bring a new approach to protect businesses and organisations from the fast-changing techniques used by criminals.

SMEs are soft targets because their security is often weaker and they offer an easy way in to their supply chain for those seeking to disrupt operations and demand payments.

Those who attended the launch event heard that there are 2,300 substantial cyber attacks every day in the UK, with each breach having an average cost to business of £4.3m.

In the last 12 months, 39 per cent of UK companies have suffered a major cyber breach, and that number is rising fast.

“I know of cases where businesses are receiving 10,000 phishing attacks every day.

“The criminals want to access as much information about you and your business as possible - who your customers are, who your suppliers are, they want to disrupt your entire operations.

“It only takes one person to click on a link and they are into your data and your systems with access to information on all your people and all your business connections.”

Kieron Peacock, Managing Director of Peacock Precision, who was among more than 30 business leaders who attended the event, said: “Seeing first-hand how hackers can steal data in seconds was both shocking and eye-opening.

“Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Protecting our company and clients has never been more important, and Resilience is a game-changer in safeguarding against cyber threats.”

To contact Resilience call 01228 594682, email resilience@integrityoffice.co.uk or visit https://www.integrityoffice.co.uk/resillence

Cyber security business launches to help organisations combat rising threat

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:38:20 GMT

A NEW cyber security business is launching this week to help organisations in Cumbria and south-west Scotland combat the rising threat of cybercrime.

Resilience, part of Eco Group, launches in Carlisle on Friday and pledges to bring a new approach to protect businesses and organisations from the fast-changing and ever more complex techniques used by cyber criminals.

Without the latest protection businesses who fall prey to cyber criminals can at best have their operations suspended costing them thousands, and sometimes millions of pounds. At worst they can be shut down and put out of business completely.

Resilience is also keen to highlight that it’s SMEs who are among the most vulnerable, and it stresses how important it is for those businesses to get up to speed with the latest protection before it’s too late.

Cyber criminals launch thousands of phishing attacks on a single organisation every day. They are looking for one weak spot, one person in an organisation who falls for their scam.

Ryan Moffat, head of Resilience, said: “State-sponsored cybercriminals from a range of countries want to disrupt operations in the UK. They will target any business with thousands of automated attacks in the hope of one getting through and giving them access into an organisation and all their data.

“I know of cases where businesses are receiving 10,000 phishing attacks every day.

“The criminals want to access as much information about you and your business as possible. Who your customers are, who your suppliers are, they want to disrupt your entire operations.

“It only takes one person to click on a link and they are into your data and your systems with access to information on all your people and all your business connections.”

A graduate of one of the UK’s leading cyber security courses at Abertay University in Dundee - Ryan keeps up to date with all there is to know about the fast-evolving world of cybercrime from every angle - the criminal, the police, the business owner - and knows how best to defend businesses against it.

Resilience is already supporting clients against cyber criminals in a range of sectors including healthcare, professional services, travel and logistics.

Resilience’s official launch takes place at Carlisle United Football Club on Friday (February 21), at 7pm when guests will have the opportunity to take part in three dynamic activities relating to cyber security as well learn from insightful demonstrations.

The launch was due to take place last month but was postponed to ensure the safety of attendees and staff in light of Storm Éowyn.

Historic RAF wartime engine set for national memorial after restoration

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:57:33 GMT

A HISTORIC engine from an RAF reconnaissance plane heralded for its role in helping to defeat the Nazis in the Second World War is undergoing restoration ahead of featuring in a new national memorial.

The Rolls-Royce Merlin engine from an RAF Mosquito which crashed into a Welsh mountainside in 1944, killing both crew members, is destined to be a centrepiece of a memorial in London in honour of the RAF’s Photo Reconnaissance Unit.

More than 80 years since it last flew, the engine is being cleaned and treated at a base in Bicester, Oxfordshire, after being recovered by members of the local community, and with thanks in part to the assistance of INEOS Automotive.

When those leading the restoration project needed a specialist solution to clean the engine, they turned to a Scottish-based company who are experts in their field.

Eco Group, which operates all over the UK from its base in Annan, specialises in Contract Manufacturing, Organic Brand Manufacturing, and Services to Manufacturing across a diverse range of industries.

Eco first started out 15 years ago as a Dry Ice cleaning business and while it has diversified into the multi-disciplined company it is today, it has also continued to develop and hone its dry ice expertise, retaining its status as one of the UK’s leading experts.

So, when Spitfire AA810 Restoration Ltd, which is heading the campaign with the Mosquito engine, needed a specialist company to help with the project, they knew they could trust Eco Dry Ice to achieve outstanding results.

Steven McCreadie, Dry Ice Team Leader at Eco Group, and colleague Gordon Keen, travelled to the Classic Collective in Bicester, where they carried out the engine clean in the base’s workshop using their specialist dry ice equipment.

Steven said: “Obviously when you are dealing with a piece of equipment which is so historic and significant you want the result to turn out exactly as the restorers hoped for. Thankfully all went smoothly, and they were delighted with the outcome.”

Tony Hoskins, Director of Spitfire AA810 Restoration Ltd, explained the history of the plane and its restoration.

Built of lightweight wood, powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, the de Havilland Mosquito was a versatile warplane which excelled as a spyplane.

This particular plane - Havilland Mosquito PR.IX LR412 - was constructed at Hatfield in early 1943 utilising parts produced by over 225 smaller dispersed sub-contractors, and flew for the first time on the June 11, 1943 at the hands of factory test pilot John de Havilland.

Tony said: “This wooden wonder was so called as its construction was largely of plywood and balsa, non-critical materials to the war effort and able to be mass constructed in carpenter and furniture shops around the UK.”

Assigned to 540 Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron at RAF Benson, from logbook evidence LR412 flew a minimum of 51 flights which totalled 19 operational sorties, 14 of which were successful in completing the sortie objectives.

Being a pure reconnaissance aircraft, LR412 flew these unarmed operations all over occupied Europe including France, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Poland.

Attacked by enemy fighters on five occasions, and returning to the UK twice with one engine shut down, in November 1943 the aircraft was photographed over the German heavy water plant in Norway, made famous in the 1965 film The Heroes of Telemark.

The aircraft crashed on Aran Fawddwy Mountain, Dolgellau, Merionethshire, Wales on Wednesday February 9, 1944 during daylight hours whilst undertaking a test flight from RAF Benson.

There were no eyewitnesses to the crash. Search flights were carried out from RAF Benson on February 10, 1944 in an attempt to locate LR412, however these flights were not successful.

The wreckage was located by local farmer Mr Griffiths of Esgairgawr Farm, Rhydymain during a routine check of his farmland in the afternoon of February 14, 1944 and he alerted the Merioneth Constabulary in nearby Dolgellau.

Council archives recorded that two policemen attended the scene and “located the aircraft together with the remains of two bodies. The plane was a total wreck strewn over a wide area. A letter was found in a tunic pocket of one of the bodies.”

The dead men were identified as Marek Slonski-Ostoja and navigator Paul Riches. Both crewmen are buried together in St Mary’s Churchyard, Chessington.

The RAF Recovery Team subsequently returned to the wreck site, recovered any relevant material of interest and burnt the rest of the aircraft remains in a small, sheltered ravine to the south of the site.

The Spitfire AA810 project is campaigning to see those that flew these highly clandestine spy operations commemorated for the first time on a National Photographic Reconnaissance Monument situated in Whitehall close to where the vital intelligence gleaned from the aerial photographs was used to most effect.

With some 80% of the intelligence used for the tactical planning of the Allied strategic campaign coming from Photographic Reconnaissance, the team behind the monument wanted an impactful centrepiece for that monument and felt that incorporating the remaining wreckage of LR412 into this prominent monument was a fitting way of not only recognising the loss of the last crew of LR412, but also all those crews lost flying these vital intelligence missions.

Through considerable local research it became apparent that the vast majority of the remains of the aircraft, including both engines had been recovered in the late 1970s through into the 1980s with much being held locally in private hands.

From late 2023 through 2024, the team negotiated the acquisition of these remains which included one of the engines and with the support of the Ministry of Defence the recovery of the remaining wreckage on the mountain was carried out in September 2024. One engine remains near the crash site as a permanent local memorial to the crew.

With the need to preserve and conserve the engine for inclusion in the monument, the Spitfire AA810 project reached out to the Eco Group for help.

Eco Dry Ice’s technology and capabilities meant their solution was ideal to clean the plane’s engine.

Tony said: “We’re so absolutely delighted at the results of the dry-ice blasting carried out by Steven and his team. The condition it brought the engine back to after sitting exposed to the elements for nearly 40 years, and then stored for another 40 years was beyond belief. To have removed so much of the biological accumulation whilst leaving the core material fresh as the day it was made was incredibly impressive. This was just what we needed to start the engine on its journey of conservation."

Eco uses the same technology in cleaning historic aircraft, classic cars and other transport as it does cleaning and maintaining factories and plants for major industries including those in the food and drink, pharmaceutical, printing and packaging sectors, as well as fire restoration.

Dry Ice cleans all types of surfaces and machinery. It is:

• environmentally friendly;

• increases productivity, reduces downtime and costs;

• prolongs lifespan of assets

• non-abrasive, no damage

• moisture-free cleaning

• faster and more efficient cleaning

• no secondary waste / residue

• safe around electrical components

The dry ice process can reduce overall carbon emissions by capturing carbon dioxide which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, making it a sustainable, eco-friendly solution. The carbon dioxide used to make dry ice is often captured as a by-product of industrial processes (such as from fermentation, chemical production, or natural gas processing).

Eco Dry Ice is part of multi award-winning Eco Group, a fully qualified and SQA accredited company offering the highest level of dry ice cleaning service.

For more information on the National Photographic Reconnaissance Monument Campaign please visit: https://www.spitfireaa810.co.uk/national-memorial

Why you need a White Hat Hacker on your side - to keep your business safe

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:51:05 GMT

IF you are a business owner, stop and think for a second.

Who do you want by your side to protect you and your business from the ever growing menace of cyber crime which can destroy all you have worked for at the click of a button?

Think outside the box for a minute, like you ask your teams to do. You might just come up with the answer.

Someone who knows all the ins and outs, all the tricks of this malicious trade, but is also, most definitely, one of the good guys.

Step forward Ryan Moffat.

A White Hat Hacker, Ryan’s sole role is to keep your business safe.

He’s one of only a handful of graduates each year from a leading UK Ethical Hacking programme.

Ryan, who is leading Eco Group’s new Resilience division, keeps bang-up-to-date with all there is to know about the fast evolving world of cyber crime from every angle - the criminal, the police, the business owner - and knows how best to defend your business against it.

The even better news is - you can hire him, which is where the Resilience name comes from as by utilising Ryan’s expertise businesses can ensure they combat any cyber crime threat and maintain continuous operations.

When you think about cyber crime, if your attitude is: “it will never happen to me, it only happens to big businesses” you would be burying your head in the sand. You couldn’t be more wrong.

The big cyber crimes hit the headlines - and we’re all shocked when we read and hear about them.

But smaller businesses are being successfully targeted every day. You just don’t get to hear about it.

Ryan said: “It is estimated that there are approximately 10,000 attacks on UK small businesses every week.

“For every attack on big business you hear about there are thousands of attacks on smaller businesses.”

Security systems are notoriously weaker in smaller businesses so cyber criminals know there are easy, and potentially rich, pickings.

Once malicious hackers are into your system they can reach bigger targets through your data and communication trails.

They can shut your entire business down in a matter of seconds.

Imagine for a minute trying to run your business without any access to technology.

Exactly.

You can’t.

That’s why you need the very best expert young minds on your side - so you don’t even have to worry about it.

Ryan said: “As part of cybersecurity education, I have delved deep into the realms of offensive security, learning the intricacies of vulnerability and penetration testing, and digital forensics.

“This education was’t just about acquiring knowledge; it was about understanding the mindset of cybercriminals to better defend against their tactics.

“Students like myself, studying ethical hacking, gain practical skills in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities, ensuring the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information and systems.

“This field requires a continuous learning mindset due to the ever-evolving nature of security threats and the technologies designed to counteract them.”

Now Ryan has finished his final year exams at Abertay University in Dundee he is available to utilise the very latest learning in how to combat cyber criminals to help keep your business safe.

Ryan is working for Eco Group which supports businesses throughout the UK in the public, private and third sectors from its bases in Carlisle, Cumbria and Annan in Dumfries and Galloway.

Heading up Eco’s Resilience division he advises businesses and organisations on the best way to avoid a cyber attack.

He will consult with you, agree the range of his scope, and then put your security systems to the test, and report back on his findings.

Follow-up advice will include steps you and your business can take to ensure any issues are tackled head-on and your business is kept safe.

Ryan said: “Once business owners have put themselves through this testing and fixed any weaknesses I hope they will be able to rest a lot easier.

“As a business owner it’s an investment to test your systems and, if there are any weaknesses, to put fixes in place.

“But it’s a drop in the ocean compared to the money you will lose if you have to put all your operations on hold or, worse still, lose your entire business at the click of a button.”

What Is White Hat Hacking?

White Hat Hacking, also often referred to as ethical hacking or penetration testing, involves the legal utilisation of hacking skills to identify vulnerabilities in a computer system. The primary aim of ethical hacking is to improve the security posture of an organisation by proactively discovering and addressing security weaknesses before malicious hackers (black-hat hackers) can exploit them.

White Hat Hackers employ the same techniques and tools used by malicious hackers but with the permission of the authorised entity to improve or protect the system. These activities are conducted within legal boundaries and ethical standards. The process typically involves stages such as planning, reconnaissance, scanning, gaining access, maintaining access, and covering tracks, all aimed at identifying potential data breaches and weaknesses in the system's security infrastructure.

White Hat Hacking is a critical component in cybersecurity as it provides insights into possible security flaws from an attacker's perspective. Individuals in this field are expected to adhere to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring that their activities do not harm the system or its users. White Hat Hackers report back to the organisation with their findings and provide recommendations for mitmitigating the risks identified during their testing.

Elkie embraces green future with pioneering EcoMetrix platform

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 09:42:06 GMT

Always leading the way in developing innovations, Eco Group has appointed 19-year-old Elkie Black to head up its EcoMetrix carbon accountancy data department.

“It’s really exciting to be working with technologies which are shaping the future and in a sector which is so important to all of us and is growing so fast."

- Elkie Black, EcoMetrix carbon accountancy data department lead

Elkie, a former student at Lockerbie High School, has spent three years in Eco’s business, gaining vital experience across its industry solutions and projects divisions. Having focused on finance, Elkie is taking ownership for capturing Eco’s carbon footprint.

Elkie said: “It’s really exciting to be working with technologies which are shaping the future and in a sector which is so important to all of us and is growing so fast. I am so glad the company has chosen me to perform this role and to help lead the way on this initiative. I have got some great people around me who I learn from every day. ”

Elkie has helped Eco commence its own carbon accountancy, capturing 18-months of data from across the business, including fuel, energy, and travel to work impact. Thanks to the simplicity of the EcoMetrix software Elkie has been able to retrospectively set Eco’s benchmark year as 2021/22.

She said: “Now we have completed the benchmarking, it is as simple as inputting our data on a monthly basis. The ease at which we can upload data allows us to ensure that we are constantly up to date with our carbon footprint. I can’t wait to see the positive difference we are able to achieve on our own journey. Having gone through this process with our own business we are perfectly placed to help other businesses all over the UK. The EcoMetrix software makes the whole process so much easier,“ said Elkie who is the latest family member to help drive the company forward, as the youngest daughter of company founders Eddie and Nicola.

EcoMetrix offers a solution to businesses who are fast realising they need to be measuring their own journeys to net zero in order to continue working in a responsible, successful manner. Carbon accountancy provides not only a clear financial benefit to businesses adopting this technology but also assurances in knowing they are doing the right thing by the planet for this and future generations.

Gary Robertson, Eco’s Group Opportunity Strategist, said: “Pressure is growing within the business community for companies to provide their carbon number. More and more people are approaching us due to the increasing demand for carbon accountancy.

“Many businesses are experiencing pressure from clients and their supply chain to reduce their carbon footprint.

“We don’t want our partners and suppliers to have a situation where they don’t win an important contract because they have not got a carbon number.”

EcoMetrix offers businesses an easy-to-understand solution thanks to its innovative platform, which measures a business’ environmental impact and is then used as a benchmark to implement carbon reduction measures.

“In the future the carbon audit of a business will be just as crucial to the credibility and performance of that organisation as a financial audit is today. It is prudent that companies begin their journey today rather than waiting until legislation forces their hand ”

- Gary Robertson, Eco's Group Opportunity Strategist

Gary said: “It can be difficult to get to grips with the practicalities of where and how to start measuring your emissions.

“We work with businesses right from the start. We help them to benchmark where they are now, set targets for the future and then help them get there. By setting their benchmark year we are able to help them begin their journey, assist them with regular data inputting and ultimately guide them on how and where they can reduce their footprint

“Ultimately, carbon accounting should be treated in the same way as financial accounting, the only difference is it keeps track of emissions rather than money.

EcoGoZero works alongside businesses and organisations across the UK to help them meet their net zero ambitions through finding the right accessible and affordable solutions. These include EV charging solutions, off-grid lighting, energy decentralisation as well as the EcoMetrix carbon accounting software package.

For more information see www.teameco.co.uk , email hello@teameco.co.uk , or to find out more about EcoMetrix email getcounting@metrix.eco.

Businesses given vital support to reduce carbon footprint in 2024

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 14:28:03 GMT

2024 is going to be a more important year than ever for industry CEOs and business owners to measure their carbon footprint and implement carbon mitigation strategies. The message to owners of all sizes of business, whatever sector they operate in, is to make this the year they start their journeys to net zero.

“There was a striking message from COP28 which highlighted how all businesses and organisations across the world need to make immediate action to reduce their carbon emissions output. We here in the UK all have a big part in lowering climate emissions."

- Gary Robertson, Eco’s Group Opportunity Strategist

Pressure on businesses to prove their carbon footprint credentials has been ramped up after the recent COP28 conference, held in the United Arab Emirates, reiterated the need for the world to urgently start transitioning away from using fossil fuels. Organisations are at risk of being left behind if they don't take the first steps to reduce their footprint soon.

That’s the message from Gary Robertson, Eco’s Group Opportunity Strategist who says that governments, local authorities, corporations and big companies will soon get to a time when they won’t award contracts without businesses being able to provide their carbon number.

Gary said: “There was a striking message from COP28 which highlighted how all businesses and organisations across the world need to make immediate action to reduce their carbon emissions output. We here in the UK all have a big part to play in lowering climate emissions.”

Eco Group offers businesses an easy-to-understand solution thanks to its innovative EcoMetrix platform, which measures a business’ environmental impact and is then used as a benchmark to implement carbon reduction measures.

Gary said: “Many businesses are experiencing pressure from clients and their supply chain to reduce their carbon footprint but it can be difficult to get to grips with the practicalities of where and how to start measuring your emissions. We help businesses access affordable carbon mitigation solutions to future-proof their organisations and give them a competitive advantage in the marketplace. We don’t want our partners and suppliers to have a situation where they don’t win an important contract which could have a significantly damaging effect on their business, because they have not got a carbon number.

“We work with business right from the start. We help them to benchmark where they are now, set targets for the future and then help them get there. Ultimately, carbon accounting should be treated in the same way as financial accounting: it keeps track of emissions rather than money. One day the carbon audit of a business will be just as crucial to the credibility and performance of that organisation as a financial audit is today.”

“As demands on organisations to reduce their carbon footprint increase, carbon accounting will help them understand what is required and where they can make changes. The platform has been designed to be simple and easy-to-use, and to ensure that it brings added value to a business."

- James Napier, founder of CBN Expert
which developed the EcoMetrix software with Eco

The EcoMetrix platform is compliant with the UK Government’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulations, and international carbon accounting standard, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. The GHG Protocol categorises carbon emissions into three groups or ‘scopes’, with scope one generated by the business; scope two from indirect sources via energy use; and scope three from indirect emissions generated by the supply chain.

EcoGoZero works alongside businesses and organisations across the UK to help them meet their net zero ambitions through finding the right accessible and affordable solutions. They include EV charging solutions, off-grid lighting, energy decentralisation as well as the EcoMetrix carbon accounting software package.

For more information see www.teameco.co.uk , email hello@teameco.co.uk , or follow Team Eco on social media.

Businesses stay ahead of the curve thanks to tech event

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:31:06 GMT

Businesses were given invaluable insight and advice to help them stay ahead of the technology curve at an event held by a leading solutions business.

Integrity IT Solutions, part of Eco Group, organised a ‘Future Proofing Your Business’ event attended by 20 different businesses from across Scotland and northern England on Thursday (November 23).

Experts from Integrity IT and some of its industry-leading tech partners shared top tech tips designed to help companies plan ahead.

Adam Shaw of Giacom talked about the advantages of businesses having Fibre to the premises (FTTP) connections.

In the UK, 12.3million premises have access to FTTP at the moment, with plans to increase that to 25million by the end of 2026 and 30million by the end of 2027.

Chris Jewitt of Giacom also talked to businesses about the importance of migrating to all-Internet Protocol (all-IP) systems.

He gave businesses the inside track on what solutions are available so they can make sure their companies move to alternatives long before the UK’s analogue phone network switch-off in December 2025.

Chris said: “When you make the switch to digital, you will start getting access to a lot more data, more analytics, a lot more insight into your business performance.”

When it comes to AI and Machine Learning, Kyle Torres of Sophos had two crucial takeaways for businesses:

If you are considering using Generative AI in your business, then make sure that first you build an “Acceptabe Use Policy” because if someone in your business is using AI you need to know what is happening to your company data and the data of your partners;
Do you have security tools in place to monitor the Generative AI traffic you are receiving as a business?

Businesses were also given practical Cyber Essentials advice by Ryan Moffat of Integrity IT.

Ryan described how having Cyber Essentials helps businesses build trust with their customers. He said: “Everyone wants to know that their data is safe in your hands.”

Gary Robertson, Eco’s Group Opportunity Strategist, took the opportunity to share with businesses how being able to measure their carbon footprint and implement carbon mitigation strategies are also becoming increasingly important.

Gary said: "One day an audit on the carbon reporting of your company will be considered as important as a financial audit - we don’t know when that will be, but that day will come - and your carbon audit will be just as crucial to the credibility and performance of your company as your financial audit is today.

“We will help businesses to benchmark where they are now, set targets for the future and then help them get there. "

Gary also said that governments, local authorities and big companies will get to a time when they won’t award contracts without businesses being able to provide their carbon number which is where Eco can support businesses with its EcoMetrix carbon accountancy software.

He said:“We don’t want our partners and suppliers to have a situation where they don’t win an important contract which could have a significantly damaging effect on their business, because they have not got a carbon number."

Jill Lockwood, Support Services Manager for Cochran, industrial boiler specialists based in Annan employing 215 people, said: “I found the event really interesting. We have already been considering what we need to do with our phone system. It’s a big project, and what we have heard raises a lot of questions for us as a business. But it helps us to plan to do it next year, so it has been really useful.”

Jamie Shovelin, Member Services Manager of Dumfries and Galloway Chamber of Commerce, which has 145 members across the region, said of the event: “It has been really informative. It’s really good to know what technology changes are coming and what businesses and communities need to do to prepare for that.

“We are a rural region with an elderly population so it’s crucial to get the message across, especially about the 2025 switch-off, and be able to inform people. It's important we make sure all businesses in the region, including the agriculture sector, are aware of what’s ahead.”

Businesses given opportunity to gain top tech tips on IT security

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 10:34:35 GMT

BUSINESSES are being given an opportunity to learn from industry experts on the best way to future proof their companies at a special event this month.

Eco is throwing open the doors of its state-of-the-art, self-built HQ in Annan on November 23 for an IT day packed with expert advice and networking opportunities.

Integrity IT, part of the Eco Group of companies, is hosting the free ‘Future-proofing your Business’ event to help businesses be best-placed to meet a range of cyber challenges and opportunities.

Experts from Sophos and Giacom will join Integrity IT and Eco speciali sts to discuss a range of hot topics including cyber security, digital switchover, and carbon accountancy.

At the event, which runs from 10am to 2pm, attendees will also find out what the 2025 analogue phone network switch-off means for them and, with Integrity and its partner Giacom, how they can be supported to navigate this change now.

Those attending will also be able to discover how EcoMetrix carbon accounting can help their business understand their environmental impact with a presentation from Eco’s Group Opportunity Strategist Gary Robertson.

Ryan Moffat from Integrity will also be sharing information about how businesses attain their all-important Cyber Essentials certification.

Michael Quinn, Integrity IT’s Head of Operations, said: “This is the ideal chance for businesses in Scotland and the north of England to get up to speed on all aspects of IT w hich are going to affect them in the short and medium term.

“It’s also a great opportunity to network with like-minded business people and find out more about how Integrity IT and Eco Group can help support businesses across the region with a whole range of services and capabilities.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone here to Eco’s impressive self-built headquarters for what promises to be an insightful and enjoyable day.”

To book your place for the event on November 23 at Eco HQ, Annan Business Park Way, Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, which includes lunch and refreshments, visit https://www.integrityoffice.co.uk/rsvp

Eco’s green build solution to help solve nation’s housing crisis showcased at UK’s biggest zero carbon built environment festival

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 21:18:04 GMT

A green build solution by Scottish-based innovators Eco which uses recycled glass to help tackle the nation’s housing crisis is set to be showcased at the UK’s biggest zero carbon built environment festival.

“ Given the massive problems that housing shortages across the UK are causing, it’s our duty to look at new sustainable solutions to these urgent challenges to meet both immediate and longer term needs.”

- Eddie Black, Eco's Managing Director

Eco’s VASO Build Solutions will create buildings from panels manufactured from recycled glass, providing affordable, low energy cost, low carbon dwellings for all stages of life and lifestyle.

Through the development and delivery of better materials and modern methods of off-site construction, Eco’s VASO product provides housing solutions for social landlords, social housing providers and private house builders, as well as being ideal for commercial buildings.

Eco’s innovation is one of only six initiatives to be selected for support on the Circular and Sustainable Materials Accelerator which is being established by Scotland’s construction innovation centre BE-ST.

Eco’s new build system and building modules, which use circular processes and advanced materials, aim to reduce the cost of living in new builds as well as being fast to deploy as a retro-fit solution in existing buildings.

The innovation will be showcased at BE-ST’s zero carbon build summit being held at Hamilton International Technology Park on November 1. https://be-stfest.org/the-summit

Eddie Black, Eco’s Managing Director, said: “This circular innovation will create a new build system and building modules with scalable manufacturing, providing large amounts of housing quickly and sustainably where it is most required.

“We are delighted this innovation has been chosen by BE-ST for this support and look forward to working with those on the accelerator to help make this yet another game-changing innovation from Scotland.

“It’s also a solution which will create green economy jobs - helping young people gain new skills, apprenticeships and reskilling others to create new career opportunities.”

“ We are committed to being at the forefront of the net zero revolution and, working in collaboration with businesses and other organisations, creating a legacy which will make a difference now and for generations to come.”

- Gary Robertson, Eco Group Opportunity Strategist

Eco Group Opportunity Strategist Gary Robertson has been invited to present the innovation at the BE-ST event which is looking at how businesses can break through barriers to accelerate society’s journey to zero carbon.

Gary said “Our ambition at Eco is to make a profound and positive difference in people’s lives and have a significant, sustainable global impact.”

From deploying world-first decarbonisation technology at its HQ at Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, to providing practical everyday solutions such as off-grid lighting, Eco’s partnerships with market-leading tech companies ensure that it can make innovative technologies accessible to businesses and organisations across the UK.

The BE-ST conference brings together different organisations who are focussed on the future of decarbonising the built environment.

To book your place visit:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/be-st-circular-and-sustainable-materials-accelerator-tickets-709267517237?aff=oddtdtcreator

Eco joins forces with globally-renowned business gurus

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:15:03 GMT

Eco has teamed up with Dr Ernesto and Martha Sirolli to join businesses in Italy, Switzerland and the USA in a network of companies working with the dynamic business leaders to bring innovations to market.

“We are delighted to be working with Eddie and the team at Eco. Innovation is now on the mind of every CEO of every company in the world. Technology is changing so fast that businesses must adapt or die.”

- Dr Ernesto Sirolli, founder of the Sirolli Institute

Eco’s mission is to make a profound and positive difference in people's lives and have a significant and sustainable global impact.

The link-up with the Sirollis was formalised after Eco’s founder and Managing Director Eddie Black and Eco’s Group Opportunity Strategist Gary Robertson met with the duo at an innovators conference they hosted in Italy this summer.

Eddie said: “As soon as we met Ernesto and Martha and heard more about their approach to business and innovation we were blown away by their way of thinking, their knowledge, their ethos and their connections. We knew immediately that we wanted to continue the association in some form and we are over the moon that they have chosen Eco as a business they want to collaborate with in the UK to help make innovations happen. It’s an exciting and potentially transformative partnership for our business. We are committed to being at the forefront of the net zero revolution - and working in collaboration with businesses so they can do the same, creating a legacy which will make a difference now and for generations to come. By harnessing our expertise, resources, and innovative spirit, we aim to spearhead transformative initiatives that address pressing environmental challenges, foster sustainability, and enhance the well-being of individuals and communities worldwide. Through our collective efforts and partnerships, we aspire to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, inspiring others to join us on this journey towards a better, greener, and more equitable world.”

Dr Sirolli, a highly-respected authority in the field of sustainable economic development, said: “We are delighted to be working with Eddie and the team at Eco. Innovation is now on the mind of every CEO of every company in the world. Technology is changing so fast that businesses must adapt or die.”

The Sirollis’ work with Eco will initially focus on bringing innovations even further to the forefront of the business through their Boundary Rider programme.

A Boundary Rider is an Australian term for a cattle station employee, like a cowboy, whose duty is to check the outer perimeter - ie the boundary of the property - and to report anything out of the ordinary back to management. They can work independently, are resilient and reliable.

The Sirollis apply this methodology to an organisation where it is the job of a person, or a group of people, within an organisation, to be scanning the business and society horizon for innovations which have the potential to positively change the world, as well as transform their business.

Dr Sirolli said: “We offer corporations a tool to search within teams, the people with emerging strong entrepreneurial spirit. We focus on ‘intrapreneurship’ making sure the smartest people on the team are listened to. We then create a safe space, what we can call an ‘innovation oasis”, and build a clear path to bring innovative ideas and practices to the attention of the senior management for evaluation and decisions. It offers businesses a risk-free, cost-effective, well-managed tool to empower action inside any organisation wanting an edge in competitive markets.”

“Through our collective efforts and partnerships, we aspire to leave a lasting legacy for future generations, inspiring others to join us on this journey towards a better, greener, and more equitable world.”

- Eddie Black, Managing Director of Eco

The programme helps ensure winning ideas aren’t shut down like happens in many companies because of tiers of management who might have contradictory agendas. It means instead that innovations are owned by those who are passionate about them, have ‘skin in the game’ and then the innovations go through a fast-track and structured process to help deliver business success.

Dr Sirolli, founder of the Sirolli Institute, an international non-profit organisation, is also an author and among his titles is: How to Start A Business and Ignite Your Life - A Simple Guide Combining Business Wisdom With Passion .

He gave a TEDx talk: Shut up and Listen which has been translated into 35 languages and downloaded more than three million times since he first delivered it in 2012.

The Sirrollis will be visiting Eco at its 3,000-square-metre self-built HQ at Annan, Dumfries and Galloway later this month to start the Boundary Rider programme.

Eco’s services include its EcoGoZero range of carbon mitigation strategies; dry ice cleaning; process solutions; design, build and fit out; IT and communications; and bespoke training systems.

Delkia and Eco sign memorandum of understanding to bring green technologies to the aerospace, clean energy and maritime sectors

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:04:15 GMT

Two pioneering businesses have signed a memorandum of understanding to bring game-changing innovations in sustainable technologies to aerospace, maritime, clean energy and other industries.

“This collaboration will bring the best of Eco and Levidian technology and expertise to offer solutions to our clients.”

- Mark Sisson, Director of Clean Energy at Delkia

Delkia, which specialises in offering safety-related and mission critical systems integration, engineering design and technical consultancy services, has signed a memorandum of understanding with sustainable solution innovators Eco.

Eco is one of the companies behind a world-first remote deployment of a LOOP system technology with fully integrated hydrogen separation which, in partnership with Cambridge-based climate tech company Levidian, is set to be launched in the UK in September.

Eco’s deployment in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, will be the first remote implementation of LOOP technology in the UK. It is also a world-first deployment of a LOOP system with fully integrated hydrogen separation. Eco is also a leader in dry ice cleaning, its multi-award winning operation delivers one of the most sustainable cleaning solutions available to a range of industries and provides a key component in the circular economy. By keeping plants and equipment expertly maintained through a dry ice cleaning programme, different industries are able to keep their facilities and environments working efficiently for longer, reducing costly downtime, increasing productivity and reducing the level of investment needed in new parts and equipment.

“The skillsets of Delkia and Eco are a great match. We have the tech and the deliverables, Delkia have got the technical knowledge and the relationships. It makes total sense to join forces to speed up the adoption of new innovative green technologies.”

- Eddie Black, Managing Director of Eco

Speaking about the memorandum of understanding with Eco, Delkia’s CEO Kurt Canfield, said: “Delkia is driven by values of continuous improvement, client focus and ensuring safe and secure operations. The Eco collaboration was an easy choice for Delkia as their know-how, innovation, can-do approach and net zero ambition technologies, mirrors well our own aspiration. Clean energy is synergistic with our specialist CE&I (Control, Electrical and Instrumentation) system integration capabilities.”

Dick Monaghan, Business Development Director at Delkia said: “Delkia is very excited to collaborate with, and represent, the Eco specialist cleaning and Levidian carbon mitigation technologies within the defence, nuclear and clean energy sectors. This is because we know the potential for process efficiencies, reduced plant down time, and methane feed gas conversion into clean hydrogen and valuable graphene commodities (enabling energy generation with zero carbon emission), could be game changing for our customers.”

Mark Sisson, Director of Clean Energy at Delkia said: “This collaboration will bring the best of Eco and Levidian technology and expertise to offer solutions to our clients.”

Eddie Black, Managing Director of Eco, said: “Working together with Delkia will give both businesses the speed and agility to help facilitate the uptake of technology inside heavily regulated industries. The skillsets of Delkia and Eco are a great match. We have the tech and the deliverables, Delkia have got the technical knowledge and the relationships. It makes total sense to join forces to speed up the adoption of new innovative green technologies. There’s a real synergy between the two businesses. We are both singing from the same hymn sheet with the same purpose, goals, objectives, and ethos. This is about two like-minded companies coming together to collaborate and get things done. Delkia have been really easy to speak to and set this up because we share common goals. When you have the same common objective it makes everything straightforward. We are very much looking forward to a really interesting collaboration which has the ability to make generational change and shape the jobs of the future that don’t even exist yet.”

Eco’s use of the LOOP system technology will produce graphene which will be quality and consistency controlled. The LOOP10 device decarbonises methane-rich gas to deliver hydrogen and graphene on site. Following the initial deployment of the LOOP10 system at Eco’s HQ at Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, Eco has committed to working with clients and partners to deploy more than 60 larger LOOP1000 units over the next five years. This will create decentralised hydrogen hubs to support industrial decarbonisation, enabling reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and creating products essential to net zero ambitions.

A single LOOP1000 reduces CO2 equivalent (CO2e) by approximately 2,400 tonnes per year.

“When you have the same common objective it makes everything straightforward. We are very much looking forward to a really interesting collaboration which has the ability to make generational change and shape the jobs of the future that don’t even exist yet.”

- Eddie Black, Managing Director of Eco

Inspirational ideas from the entrepreneurs of tomorrow

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:05:08 GMT

At Eco, we're all about ideas, innovation and thinking ahead - and it’s great to see that the next generation is just the same.

Our MD Eddie Black and Group Opportunity Strategist Gary Robertson were recently invited to St Andrew’s RC Primary School in Dumfries where P7 pupils presented their innovative ideas for a sustainable future to us.

The initiative was part of a class project focused on the circular economy where youngsters were challenged to come up with a sustainable solution to an existing environmental issue and market it as a potential business.

We were so impressed with the students’ out of the box thinking, detailed levels of research and the passion with which they presented their ideas.

A huge congratulations to all the pupils who took part in the project. We were proud to be asked to be involved - and inspired by your forward thinking ideas and vision.

Thinking ahead

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 13:12:21 GMT

Stephen Whelan, technical director at Carlisle-based Integrity IT Solutions, on why resolving IT issues will protect your business now and in the future.

Being unable to log on to an important Teams meeting or send an urgent email is frustrating to say the least. Multiply that feeling by dozens of team members working across the same business or organisation and it isn’t long before a company will take a productivity hit – as well as having to deal with some extremely unhappy employees.

Having the right IT system and solutions in place is essential to ensuring that your business can operate efficiently and effectively.

As with most things, prevention is better than cure and a complete review of your business’ IT system will help resolve everything from those annoying glitches and common frustrations to potentially catastrophic cyber security threats.

The way we work has changed dramatically over the past decade which has led to ever increasing demands on IT infrastructure. If a business has expanded rapidly over a short period of time or moved to remote working options, then its existing IT system may no longer be fit for purpose.

Every business is different, so it’s about considering what you need from your IT system and making it work for you. It could be as simple as providing more training for your team in order to maximise your current software package, or putting in place measures to make sure that data is stored safely, securely and backed up daily.

"Every business is different so it’s about considering what you need from your IT system and making it work for you."

- Stephen Whelan

If your IT system isn’t up to scratch, then you could be vulnerable to cyber attacks and threats which could potentially inflict lasting damage on your business.

Your IT provider will be able to work with you on a plan to tackle the most pressing problems, and follow up with regular maintenance and checks to deal with any future issues before they arise.

They will also advise you on how to keep ahead of the IT game and put in place measures to future-proof your business. Nothing stands still in IT and, as technology develops, so does the need to stay up-to-date.

The switch off of the UK’s landline phone network by 2025 will bring major changes for businesses which are reliant on the traditional analogue system.

The process of moving to an all-digital network has already begun in some parts of the country and making the switch now could save you time and expense in the long-term.

This article was first published in the June 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

Collaborate to innovate

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 12:55:10 GMT

With ever-increasing pressures on businesses to achieve net zero, Gary Robertson, from EcoGoZero, explains why collaboration is key.

Last month, more than 30 invited guests from across Cumbria and southern Scotland came together for a special event at Eco’s HQ in Annan.

They were there for the launch of a new carbon accounting platform, EcoMetrix, which helps businesses measure, track and report carbon emissions.

The positive, forward-thinking approach of the people in the room showed how businesses are prepared to innovate, change and become early adopters of technology which will make a real difference to the net zero journey.

But most of all it showed the power of collaboration and how businesses can support each other on the transition to net zero through sharing knowledge and experience.

With organisations under ever-increasing pressures from clients and their supply chain to reduce their carbon footprint, it’s reassuring to know that help is out there – whether that is from peer-to-peer learning from those going through the same thing or from specialist organisations who can provide practical support.

"In order to future-proof your business or organisation and maintain a competitive edge, taking meaningful steps to reduce carbon emissions must be a top priority."

- Gary Robertson

The SME Climate Hub 2023 Survey, which was published earlier this year, found that 58% of SMEs worldwide cited skills and knowledge as the top reason preventing them from taking action on climate change. The survey reported that 54% said a network of peer companies to reach out and learn from would help them take greater climate action.

In order to future-proof your business or organisation and maintain a competitive edge, taking meaningful steps to reduce carbon emissions – and report them – must be a top priority.

Carbon accounting enables businesses to measure, track and report their carbon emissions so they can understand what they emit and identify ways to reduce it.

The EcoMetrix carbon accounting platform is compliant with the UK Government’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) regulations, and international carbon accounting standard, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. The GHG Protocol categorises carbon emissions into three groups or ‘scopes’, with scope one generated by the business; scope two from indirect sources via energy use; and scope three from indirect emissions generated by the supply chain. While scope one and two is already an expectation for businesses, scope three reporting is becoming increasingly important.

Tools such as carbon accounting, along with a support network of peers, help businesses navigate this often overwhelming new landscape and view the climate crisis as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

While there is no silver bullet to achieving net zero goals, by doing your research, collaborating with other businesses and sharing knowledge, you can make a positive impact on both the planet and your own organisation.

This article was first published in the June 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

Solutions firm launches easy-to-use carbon accounting platform to help organisations measure carbon footprint

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 30 May 2023 15:59:21 GMT

A CARBON accounting platform aimed at supporting businesses on their net zero journey has been launched by Scottish solutions firm Eco Group.

The EcoMetrix platform, which offers a simple, easy-to-use solution for measuring, tracking and reporting carbon emissions, was unveiled to invited guests at Eco’s HQ in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, on Friday, May 12.

The launch event featured speakers including Dr Martin Valenti, Director of Net Zero, Nature and Entrepreneurship at South of Scotland Enterprise, Eddie Black, Managing Director of Eco Group, and Jamie Burns, Managing Director of Dundonald-based Ailsa Reliability Solutions, who shared his firm’s net zero journey so far.

Eco has launched its EcoMetrix platform in partnership with carbon accounting firm, CBN Expert as part of its EcoGoZero range of carbon mitigation strategies for businesses and organisations. Eddie said: “Our role is to work alongside businesses to help them access affordable carbon mitigation solutions to future-proof their organisations and give them a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

“Many businesses are experiencing pressure from clients and their supply chain to reduce their carbon footprint but it can be difficult to get to grips with the practicalities of where and how to start measuring your emissions."

“EcoMetrix allows you to understand what your business emits and to identify ways in which you can reduce your carbon footprint. Ultimately, it should be treated in the same way as financial accounting: it keeps track of emissions rather than money.”

- Eddie Black

Eddie said carbon accounting could save costs and improve efficiencies for businesses, as well as being good for the planet.

He said: “Implementing carbon accounting into our own business has enabled us to identify areas in which we can use less and waste less, which has a direct impact on our bottom line.

“It also ensures that we are prepared for the marketplace of the future and any legislative requirements.

“By putting sustainability at the heart of their organisations, businesses can ensure that they are in the best position to bid for contracts, retain and recruit talent, and improve efficiencies by reducing costs.”

The SME Climate Hub 2023 Survey, which was published earlier this year, found that 58% of SMEs worldwide cited skills and knowledge as the top reason preventing them from taking action on climate change. The survey reported that 61% said tools for measuring and monitoring emissions would help them take greater climate action, with nearly 70% saying they wanted additional funds to take action or speed up progress of their emission reductions.

The UK Government has set a target to reach net zero - where the amount of greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere is balanced to the amount removed - by 2050. The Scottish Government’s net zero target is 2045.

James Napier, founder of CBN Expert which developed the EcoMetrix software in collaboration with Eco, said the platform aimed to make the process of measuring, recording and tracking a business’ carbon footprint as straightforward as possible.

He said: “The platform has been designed to be simple and easy-to-use, and to ensure that it brings added value to a business.

“As demands on organisations to reduce their carbon footprint increase, carbon accounting will help them understand what is required and where they can make changes.”

James said: “While scope one and two is currently an expectation, scope three is becoming increasingly important. By establishing partnerships with firms such as Eco, we are able to ensure that businesses have the right support network in place to work towards it.”

EcoGoZero works alongside businesses and organisations across the UK to help them meet their net zero ambitions through finding the right accessible and affordable solutions. They include EV charging solutions, off-grid lighting, energy decentralisation as well as the new EcoMetrix carbon accounting software package.

Eco Group will deploy world-first decarbonisation technology at its HQ this summer as part of a collaboration with climate tech company Levidian, delivering hydrogen and graphene on site.

For more information email hello@ecogozero.co.uk or follow Team Eco on social media.

We're hiring: Joiner and Semi-skilled Labourer

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 02 May 2023 15:35:15 GMT

Eco is a family-owned group of companies operating across a range of sectors to deliver multiple products and services for commercial, industrial, public sector and residential customers.

We’re looking for a joiner and a semi-skilled labourer to join our Projects team.

To apply, please email projects@teameco.co.uk or call Ryan or Joe on 01461 500 206

Cyber security should be on every SME's agenda

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 01 May 2023 16:37:02 GMT

Stephen Whelan, from Carlisle-based Integrity IT Solutions, talks about the threat from cyber criminals.

Cyber security is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK – with a national cyber centre planned for the North-West of England in 2024 as part of a region-wide cyber corridor.

While that’s good news for employment opportunities in the wider NorthWest region it should make all businesses sit up and take notice.

The reason why it’s such a growing sector is because of the increasing threat from cyber criminals.

SMEs, which make up the majority of the business eco-system across Cumbria, are a prime target.

That’s because smaller businesses often lack the cybersecurity technologies and resources required to combat today’s advanced threats.

If you are running an SME in Cumbria, or you are responsible for systems in your business, you really need to be thinking now, if you are not already, about how you are going to tackle this threat.

As cyber threats grow in both volume and complexity, many SMEs are turning to Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services for protection against advanced attacks that technology alone cannot prevent.

You will probably have heard a lot in the news about Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot ChatGPT and other similar technologies.

Some of these types of technologies can also be used by cyber criminals as they are now able to use AI themselves to create more sophisticated scams, producing engaging, convincing and grammatically correct phishing emails.

"The only way to reliably detect and neutralise determined cyber attackers is with on-screen vigilance 24 hours a day, seven days a week"

- Stephen Whelan

While you may have been able to spot such a suspicious email in the past because of the poor grammar or language used, now you are likely to find it more difficult.

With even IT professionals finding cyber security becoming increasingly complicated, expensive and time consuming, it makes sense for business owners to outsource these very specialist skills to dedicated security specialists who can also leverage AI for defensive purposes.

Accredited IT specialists who partner with Advance Threat Protection Partners such as Sophos, have access to Rapid Response teams who can assist in identifying and neutralising an active cyber-attack against your organisation.

Some IT specialists can provide a fully managed service delivered by experts who detect and respond to cyber-attacks targeting your computers, servers, networks, cloud. workloads, email accounts, and more.

The reality is that technology solutions alone cannot prevent every cyber-attack. To avoid detection by cybersecurity solutions, malicious actors increasingly use legitimate IT tools, exploit stolen credentials and access permissions, and leverage unpatched vulnerabilities in their attacks. By emulating authorised users and taking advantage of weaknesses in an organisation’s defences, malicious actors can avoid triggering automated detection technologies.

The only way to reliably detect and neutralise determined cyber attackers is with on-screen vigilance 24 hours a day, seven days a week delivered by expert operators who leverage diverse security alerts and real-time threat intelligence to identify and stop threats before the damage is done. That’s where we can help.

This article was first published in the May 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

Taking steps towards net zero

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 01 May 2023 16:04:07 GMT

Gary Robertson from EcoGoZero explains how businesses can help reach net zero by working together.

Net zero, carbon neutral, even the language about environmental initiatives can be confusing for businesses. Then there are policies from the UK Government’s new Department for Energy Security & Net Zero to keep up to date with.

The Powering Up Britain: Net Zero Growth Plan, updated in March, shows where the UK is on its journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, and sets out what it needs to do to hit those targets.

The report notes it “will require a step change in the rate of new technologies being developed, deployed to market and adopted by businesses and consumers.” It also says: “We recognise that supporting the public and businesses with green choices must address multiple barriers such as, cost, convenience, awareness, and that everyone – government, industry, businesses, and civil society – must work together to achieve net zero to gain the economic benefits and ensure the environment is in a state for future generations.”

If you are running an SME and have time to dive into all the detail it’s a lot to get your head around.If you don’t have time, because the demands of running your own business are all-consuming, you might be tempted to leave it for another day.

However, if you don’t think net zero is important to your business there is a strong likelihood it is extremely important to many of your customers, your suppliers and those you supply to.

"By collaborating with those who are already on the journey, it’s far easier for everyone involved."

- Gary Robertson

It may well also be very important to your employees, existing and future, who are increasingly demanding businesses take more action to reduce their carbon footprint. In a highly competitive recruitment market, having strong environmental policies can be the difference between recruiting the talent you need to help you grow your business, or miss out and risk stagnating or, worse still, go backwards.

The good news is, help is at hand. There are organisations out there whose business it is to keep up to date with every government policy tweak, latest green initiative, technical innovation, cost-saving or funding opportunity. They are here to support you and take the pain away from you.

At Eco we are delighted to be one of six companies chosen to take part in a Net Zero Accelerator Beacon Business Programme which, through our collaborative learning, will help other businesses across the UK develop plans to reduce their carbon emissions.

We, and others, can help businesses through the process from the very first step.

Carbon mitigation is a good place to start. There will already be lots you can do in your organisation once you focus on it. Carbon offsetting is likely to be the last resort.

It’s a lot to take in, but by collaborating with those who are already on the journey, it’s far easier for everyone involved.

This article was first published in the May 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

Ahead of the IT game

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 15:32:32 GMT

Stephen Whelan, from Carlisle-based Integrity IT Solutions, highlights six simple steps a business can take to achieve a fast, efficient IT system.

If there’s one certainty in the world of IT it’s that technology never stands still. As new innovations and developments constantly enter the market, it’s essential that businesses and organisations are not left behind. Out-of-date systems or old technology can have a real and lasting impact on your bottom line, through inefficiencies and loss of productivity.

Regardless of whether you are manufacturing products on a production line or running a client-based professional services business, any loss of productive time is the last thing any business wants to experience.

The key factors to consider when reviewing your IT system are speed, functionality and security.

Ask yourself: Is it fast enough? Does it do what I want it to do? And will it protect me against cyber threats and attacks?

Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your business is up to speed and up-to-date:

• Make sure that your equipment is fit for purpose and is compatible with the latest versions of software packages. It’s

worth remembering that the average lifetime of a PC is around three years to five years.

• Avoid issues with slow connectivity by making sure your Wi-Fi network is doing its job. Your Wi-Fi needs to accommodate a myriad of different devices while maintaining network security. Modern Wi-Fi networks not only provide faster speeds, but also support modern security protocols such as WPA3.

• Do not leave your business exposed by having a single point of failure, particularly if you have servers on your premises. Data should always be backed up at an off-site location in case of a disaster such as a fire or flood, or stored on a secure cloud-based system instead of a server.

• Save yourself time and money by getting the most out of your current software by utilising all of its capabilities, from capturing customer feedback to managing staff rotas.

• With the UK’s traditional landline system due to be switched off in less than two years to become fully digital, make the move to digital phone and broadband alternatives sooner rather than later.

• Make sure you are well protected against cyber attacks and breaches by ensuring firewalls and anti-virus software are up-to-date, using multi-factor authentication, regularly vetting who has access to your systems, and making sure your team’s IT equipment is patched.

No two businesses operate in exactly the same way which means the demands on an individual business’ IT system will also be unique.

As part of our free IT audit, we work with businesses across Cumbria and South West Scotland to identify and resolve any issues, as well as providing ongoing technical support.

With technological developments moving faster than ever, make sure your business is ready for them by being ahead of the IT game.

This article was first published in the April 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

Fully charging the EV opportunity

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 14:30:56 GMT

Gary Robertson from EcoGoZero explains how Cumbrian businesses can support net zero ambitions by investing in EV charging infrastructure.

Ivesting in a net zero future is becoming increasingly important across all business sectors. Actively demonstrating your commitment to reducing your carbon footprint helps retain staff and clients, win new customers and contracts, and attract future talent to your organisation.

With sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans due to be banned in the UK from 2030, exploring the advantages of the EV (electric vehicle) opportunity will help future-proof your business by ensuring you are EV ready.

There are currently more than 660,000 battery-electric cars on UK roads, a growth of 40 per cent on 2021, and a further 445,000 plug-in hybrids.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, battery-electric cars made up 16.6 per cent of the new car market last year, overtaking diesel for the first time, and 22.9 per cent of all new cars registered were plug-in vehicles including pure electrics and plug-in hybrids.

There are many ways in which investing in EV infrastructure can benefit your business, from reducing your ongoing transport or fleet costs to providing an added benefit for your employees.

Installing an EV charging station (or stations) can also potentially generate extra revenue through enabling public use, which in turn grows the charging point infrastructure network.

The UK currently has less than 10 per cent of the charging infrastructure required to meet the projected EV requirements by 2030 – and we can’t rely solely on Governments and local authorities to deliver it.

Registering your EV charging station on sites such as ZapMap, which enables drivers to locate charge points in their area, can bring customers right to your door, with drivers buying your products or using your services while they wait for their car to charge. This can be particularly useful if you run a retail or hospitality business.

At EcoGoZero, we work with businesses and organisations across the UK to help them meet the net zero challenge. Our EV portfolio of products includes easy-to-install GEWISS EV charging stations, and the BriXcell, a brick-sized EV charge point which is designed to save time and money for housing developers because it can be easily incorporated into the construction phase of new build developments.

By investing in EV or hybrid vehicles and infrastructure, businesses can contribute towards their own carbon footprint reduction journey, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing long-term costs, while also creating opportunities to provide incremental revenue streams.

It’s simply good business.

This article was first published in the April 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

The future is now

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:56:00 GMT

Pioneering hydrogen separation technology to be launched at EcoGroup’s HQ this summer.

Pioneering net zero technology will be deployed in the UK for the first time this summer with the launch of a hydrogen separation system at Eco Group’s HQ in Annan. Eco’s collaboration with climate tech company Levidian will see the first remote deployment of LOOP technology in the UK, producing hydrogen on site for use in R&D projects across a variety of sectors.

“As a clean, low carbon energy source, hydrogen will play a crucial role in the UK’s transition to net zero,” said Eddie Black, managing director of Eco Group. "This technology offers a practical, decentralised energy solution for businesses and industry. It has the potential to transform our region and to lead in decarbonisation, creating green jobs and demonstrating to industry leaders the opportunities to decarbonise their organisations and sectors while leading the way on innovation".

“As a clean, low carbon energy source, hydrogen will play a crucial role in the UK’s transition to net zero”.

– Eddie Black, Eco MD

It will make a positive impact on net zero aspirations through carbon reduction, new technology deployment and more sustainable materials.”

Multi-disciplined solutions business Eco Group supports businesses and organisations across the UK on their net zero journey by utilising affordable, sustainable solutions through its EcoGoZero range of carbon mitigation technologies. It works collaboratively with clients to help them achieve their net zero goals.

Eddie said: “The ultimate objective is to develop hydrogen hubs which will enable businesses and industry to reduce their carbon footprint through self-producing hydrogen for their own use, which supports the decarbonisatio of our economy.

“By working on a model of decentralised hydrogen hubs, it accelerates the transition to net zero because businesses do not have to rely on the delivery of a national hydrogen pipeline network.

“In order to reach net zero targets we need to challenge conventional thinking and think outside the box. The fact is that everyone can make a difference and, through sharing knowledge and collaborating with each other, businesses can be a force for real and lasting change.”

This article was first published in the March 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

Clock ticking towards 2025 switch off

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 13:57:53 GMT

Start the New Year with an IT MOT and reap the beneﬁts for 2023, says Stephen Whelan, technical director at Carlisle-based Integrity IT Solutions.

The clock is ticking towards the switch off of the UK’s old analogue phone network. In less than two years, the traditional landline network, which has been the backbone of our telephone system, will be switched off and replaced by a fully digital system.

The changeover to digital has already begun, with geographical areas across the UK already transferred or in the process of being transferred to an all-digital phone system. As part of the transition, Openreach will stop providing new analogue phone lines to customers from September this year, ahead of switching off the existing copper PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) network by December 31, 2025.

Effectively the switch over means that calls will instead be routed over a cloudbased phone system, also known as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which is faster, more reliable and more cost effective for users.

The change is taking place to ensure that the UK’s communication network is fit for purpose for the demands of the 21st century. From remote working to streaming the latest TV shows and films, the way we live and work has changed dramatically over the past two decades, and we need a network which will meet and exceed our expectations.

For businesses, this means taking steps sooner rather than later to ensure you are prepared for the big switch off. If your office, factory or workplace currently relies on a traditional landline connection then it is time to start looking at digital phone and broadband alternatives.

The benefits to moving to a digital phone system can be instant, including reduced ongoing costs, easier maintenance, more flexibility and better security. Using a cloud-based system will also help your team operate more effectively through better reliability, convenience and speed.

It is worth noting that you will need to identify any devices or services which currently run on an analogue system such as door entry systems and smoke or security alarms.

With the switch off covering the whole of the UK, including rural areas which are currently without broadband, Openreach is undertaking a roll-out of full fibre broadband which will boost connectivity across the country, as well as offering alternatives such as 5G solutions for remote locations.

Integrity is supporting customers with the move from the old analogue PSTN on to digital/IP landlines by helping them find the best solutions for their businesses. Now is the time to review your telephone and broadband services, and embrace the future.

This article was first published in the March 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

Making it count

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:28:10 GMT

What is carbon accounting and how can it benefit your business? Gary Robertson from EcoGoZero explains more

As the UK races towards its net zero target of 2050, many businesses are getting to grips with the practicalities of how to reduce their carbon emissions.

With so much information available and a plethora of different approaches, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We know we need to make changes in order to reach net zero – where the amount of greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere is balanced to the amount we remove – but how do we do it?

Introducing carbon accounting into your business or organisation is a good place to begin your net zero journey. Carbon accounting is the measurement, management and reporting of an organisation’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Ultimately, it should be treated in the same way as financial accounting: it keeps track of emissions rather than money.

It is a tool which allows you to understand what your business emits and to identify ways in which you can reduce your carbon footprint. As well as being good for the planet, carbon accounting is also good for business.

By putting sustainability at the heart of your organisation, you are ensuring that you are in the best position to bid for contracts with clients, retain and recruit talent, and improve efficiencies by taking costs out of your business.

The carbon accounting process will naturally identify areas where you can use less and waste less which will have a direct impact on your bottom line.

It will also protect you for a future in which your clients, customers and supply chain insist on carbon accounting procedures as a prerequisite to doing business with you.

Under the UK Government’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting regulations, large companies are already required to quantify their carbon emissions and have a plan in place to mitigate them. The expectation is that this legislation – along with carbon taxes and other measures – will be widened to ensure businesses of all sizes are tracking, reporting and reducing their carbon footprint.

By investigating how carbon accounting can benefit your business, you are preparing your business for the marketplace of the future and any legislative requirements – which brings with it a competitive advantage.

At EcoGoZero our aim is to make the process of reducing your carbon emissions easy, accessible and affordable.

We work alongside businesses to help them meet their net zero ambitions, finding the right carbon mitigation strategies for them. Our solutions include EV charging stations, off-grid lighting, energy decentralisation and our EcoMetrix carbon accounting software package which is due to launch this spring.

This article was first published in the February 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

Addressing the cyber threat

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:06:10 GMT

Stephen Whelan, technical director at Carlisle-based Integrity IT Solutions, on why protecting your business against cyber criminals is a top priority.

Cyber security can often seem daunting and expensive but it doesn’t need to be. By taking simple steps such as installing

up-to-date anti-virus measures and educating your team, you can help protect your business against damaging cyber attacks and breaches.

Unfortunately, it’s often the human factor which puts businesses most at risk so ensuring that your employees are able to identify any suspicious content will go a long way to preventing attackers infiltrating your business.

According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022, the most common cyber threat facing UK businesses is phishing which accounted for 83 per cent of identified attacks. Even some of the most damaging cyber attacks start with an initial malicio us email, encouraging people to click on a link and enter credentials or download malware, giving hackers the tools that they need to escalate the attack by installing ransomware.

With compromised login credentials being one of the biggest causes of network breaches, many businesses have implemented multi factor authentication (MFA) where individuals are asked to provide other factors of information, such as a text or code, when signing in. However, even implementing MFA is not infallible.

Attackers have now discovered a number of ways of getting around MFA. Some types of MFA rely on ‘push notifications’ whereby an employee will receive a notification on their phone to allow access using their fingerprint .

Hackers have discovered that spamming an employee with MFA requests until they become so annoyed that they approve the request is an effective way of bypassing the additional layer of security.

We have also seen instances where MFA codes sent via SMS have been compromised due to a vulnerability. These codes can stay active for a longer period of time, giving the cyber criminals a larger window of opportunity.

Our advice is to use an authentication app which provides a MFA code that changes every 30 seconds.

It’s always a good idea to have a response plan in place for an attack.This will reduce the financial and reputational damage associated with a data breach and ensures that you comply with GDPR. It’s also important that your team knows about the plan and who they should report a suspected breach to within your organisation.

Businesses can access free cyber training resources via the National Cyber Security Centre website (ncsc.gov.uk) which has step-by-step guides on how to protect against cyber attacks – and what to do if you are affected.

You can also speak to your IT provider who will be able to tailor staff training, anti-virus software and other measures to your individual business or organisation.

This article was first published in the February 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

Time for action

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 19:21:12 GMT

Gary Robertson from EcoGoZero explains how businesses can take their first practical steps towards net zero.

In the past five years, we’ve seen a huge shift in attitude towards the climate emergency following the realisation that we need to act now for the sake of future generations, as well as our own.

A rise in public and political awareness of the real and present threat to our planet has led to a clammer for change. We are the generation who have acknowledged there is a problem and it’s down to us to find ways to fix it.

The ultimate ambition is to reach net zero where the amount of greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere is balanced to the amount we remove. In practice, this means reducing our carbon footprint and living sustainably instead of exhausting the planet of its resources. The UK has set a net zero target of 2050.

We’re committed to being at the forefront of the net zero industrial revolution and recently announced a deal to deploy world-leading decarbonisation technology for the first time in the UK at our HQ in Annan.

The Climate Change Committee, the UK’s independent adviser on tackling climate change, monitors progress in reducing emissions and achieving carbon budgets and targets. Its 2022 progress report to Parliament made worrying reading, stating that greater focus and emphasis must be placed on delivery of the UK’s net zero strategy. It said there were “warm words” from enablers but “little concrete progress”.

For Cumbrian businesses, 2023 is an opportunity to do business for good by making a positive impact on the planet – and future-proofing your own business. Demonstrating that you have a carbon reduction plan – and actioning it – is fast becoming an essential requirement for everything from bidding for contracts to recruiting staff.

At Eco Group, we support businesses and organisations across the UK on their net zero journey by utilising affordable, sustainable innovations through our EcoGoZero range of carbon mitigation solutions which includes EV charging stations, off-grid lighting and energy decentralisation.

Our collaboration with climate tech company Levidian will see the first remote implementation of the pioneering LOOP system, which decarbonises methane-rich gas to produce hydrogen and graphene on-site. This will create decentralised hydrogen hubs to support industrial decarbonisation, enabling the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and creating products essential to net zero ambitions.

This is game-changing technology which will put the Borderlands region in prime position to be a leader in industrial and agricultural decarbonisation.

This article was first published in the January 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

Does your IT need a reboot?

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:41:14 GMT

Start the New Year with an IT MOT and reap the beneﬁts for 2023, says Stephen Whelan, technical director at Carlisle-based Integrity IT Solutions.

Your IT system is the backbone of your business so it makes sense to ensure that it’s in good working order for the year ahead.

An IT MOT will help iron out those annoying glitches which can lead to loss of productivity and cause common frustrations among your team. A review of your entire IT system will identify and resolve any issues, followed by ongoing updates and checks to keep on top of any potential problems.

We work on-site with businesses across Cumbria and South West Scotland to help them manage their IT systems and deal with any issues before they arise. By spending time in their offices and workspaces, we get a good understanding of how they work and what they need from their IT system to become more efficient and effective.

Sometimes it’s just a small tweak here and there, other times it’s a complete system overhaul but mostly it’s about listening and working alongside the client so they get the best possible results for their team.

Our team of IT engineers are available to clients either in person or over the phone, working out of our two offices based at Rosehill, Carlisle and in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway. We find that our clients appreciate the fact that they are dealing with someone who is local to them and has an under-standing of the area in which they operate, from having access to broadband in rural areas to the 5G coverage in the region.

For all businesses, regardless of their size or sector, the top priorities for the coming year are effective protection against cyber attacks and breaches; secure data storage; a fast, reliable Wi-Fi network; and an infrastructure which allows your team to work whenever and wherever required.

The way we work has changed dramatically over the past few years which has led to increased demands on IT infrastructure. We often find that businesses which have expanded rapidly over a short period of time or moved to remote working options for staff following the pandemic, experience IT issues because their existing infrastructure is no longer fit for purpose.

An IT update isn’t something which can be left on your to-do list for six or 12 months’ time. Alongside the day-to-day impact on working practices for your team, an unreliable or out-dated IT system can leave you vulnerable to the real and present threat of cyber attacks and breaches which can potentially cause serious damage to your business.

With more reliance than ever on IT, it’s vital that your own system meets the needs of your team so you can continue to deliver for your clients and customers.

This article was first published in the January 2023 edition of In-Cumbria magazine

First UK deployment of pioneering net zero technology in Scotland

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 10:14:57 GMT

World-leading decarbonisation technology will be deployed in the UK for the first time as part of a collaboration between climate tech company Levidian and solutions business Eco Group.

This agreement marks multiple firsts. Eco Group’s deployment in the south of Scotland will be the first remote implementation of the pioneering LOOP technology in the UK. It is also a world-first deployment of a LOOP system with fully integrated hydrogen separation.

The LOOP device uses a patented low temperature, low pressure process to crack methane into its constituent atoms, hydrogen and carbon, without the need for catalysts or additives – decarbonising methane-rich gas to deliver hydrogen and graphene on site.

Following the initial deployment of the LOOP10 system at Eco’s HQ at Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, the firm has committed to working with clients and partners to deploy more than 60 larger LOOP1000 units across Scotland and beyond over the next five years. This will create decentralised hydrogen hubs to support industrial decarbonisation, enabling reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and creating products essential to net zero ambitions. A single LOOP1000 reduces CO2 equivalent (CO2e) by approximately 2,400 tonnes per year.

The hydrogen produced by the first LOOP10 demonstration unit at Eco will be used for R&D projects for hydrogen technology innovation across all sectors.

Eco Group will also be a distributor of graphene, focusing on R&D applications for the use of graphene as an advanced additive in the aerospace, automotive, 3D printing, textiles, and energy sectors.

“A key aim of our Net Zero work is engaging with businesses which are delivering innovative, world class solutions. Eco Group’s work with Levidian is a fantastic example of this.”

- Dr Martin Valenti, Director of Net Zero at SOSE

Dr Martin Valenti, Director of Net Zero at SOSE said: “Climate change is at the forefront of all our minds, especially during COP27, which is why SOSE is driving and delivering a Just Transition to Net Zero in the south of Scotland.

“A key aim of our Net Zero work is engaging with businesses which are delivering innovative, world class solutions. Eco Group’s work with Levidian is a fantastic example of this.

“SOSE is supporting the creation and live testing of new technology with Eco Group, which focuses on taking natural gas and methane and breaking it down to provide hydrogen and graphene.

“This could then be used for low energy solutions to heat buildings and for battery storage, which would be a significant step forward on our collective journey to Net Zero.”

“Eco’s ambition is for Scotland to be positioned as a global leader for green technology innovation.”

- Eddie Black, MD of Eco Group

Eddie Black MD of Eco Group said: “We are delighted to enter into our new partnership with Levidian and deploy this pioneering technology in the south of Scotland.

“Our partnership has the potential to transform our region and to lead in decarbonisation. This technology will not only create green jobs, it will also demonstrate to industry leaders the opportunities to decarbonise their organisations and sectors while leading the way on innovation, in addition to making positive impacts on net zero aspirations through carbon reduction, new technology deployment and more sustainable materials.

“Eco’s ambition is for Scotland to be positioned as a global leader for green technology innovation.”

“Levidian’s agreement with Eco Group will see our first LOOP with fully integrated hydrogen separation deployed in Scotland.”

- John Hartley, Levidian CEO

Levidian CEO John Hartley said: “Levidian’s agreement with Eco Group will see our first LOOP with fully integrated hydrogen separation deployed in Scotland.

“LOOP will be a powerful tool for industrial decarbonisation and fits in well with Scotland’s green ambitions – we’re looking forward to working with Eco to deploy LOOPs and integrate graphene to help us drive towards net zero.”

About LOOP

LOOP devices are named for their approximate annual CO2e reduction potential. A LOOP50, for example, reduces CO2e by 50 tonnes per year. This amount of CO2e is doubled in applications where the input gas is from a waste source, such as on oil & gas well sites (a LOOP50 using waste gas would reduce CO2e by 100 tonnes per year). LOOPs can be deployed in standard shipping containers or into permanent infrastructure as single units or larger arrays. Levidian is currently scaling up LOOP technology to deploy LOOP1000+.

About Levidian

Founded in 2012, Levidian is a British climate tech business whose patented LOOP technology cracks methane into hydrogen and carbon, locking the carbon into high-quality green graphene. Our world-leading Technology Centre in Cambridge also offers R&D consultancy to companies in the development of graphene-enhanced products.

Levidian’s vision is a decarbonised world powered by hydrogen and built on graphene.

About Eco Group

Eco Group delivers quality, innovative solutions for clients across a range of sectors throughout the UK. Led by founder and MD Eddie Black, its services include process solutions; design, build and fit out; IT and communications; dry ice blast cleaning; bespoke training systems; creative design and marketing; and its EcoGoZero range of carbon mitigation strategies. The firm is based in a new 3,000-square-metre HQ at Annan, Dumfries and Galloway.

About South of Scotland Enterprise

South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) is the one-stop shop for businesses and enterprising communities throughout Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders. SOSE is here to help people and enterprises in the South to thrive, grow and fulfil their best potential.

Visit www.southofscotlandenterprise.com

To find more about this technology and potential deployment contact hello@ecogozero.co.uk or call 01461 500206.

We're hiring: Process Operatives

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 13:40:29 GMT

Eco is a family-owned group of companies operating across a range of sectors to deliver multiple products and services for commercial, industrial, public sector and residential customers.

We’re looking for Process Operatives to join our fast-growing group of companies at our state-of-the-art factory in Annan.

Are you reliable, keen to learn and hard-working with a can-do attitude? Then we want to hear from you.

Details:

4 days on/ 4 days off rota
FLT experience preferred but not essential
Immediate start available
Working in our Annan HQ for our Eco Process division.

To apply, please email your CV to hr@teameco.co.uk

Eco celebrate a double win

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 18:21:47 GMT

Eco is celebrating after it was a double winner at a prestigious regional awards ceremony. Eco was named Outstanding Large Business of the Year, while Managing Director Eddie Black picked up the Outstanding Business Person award at the Dumfries & Galloway Business Awards 2022.

The winners were announced at a black tie event at Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries on Friday, April 1, where representatives from businesses throughout the region gathered to recognise and celebrate their achievements.

After picking up the awards, Eddie paid tribute to his team, which includes more than 70 people.

He said: “These awards are a result of the team’s positive attitude and commitment to making a difference to the business and to the community. The past two years have been challenging for everyone, and I’m extremely proud of the way we have pulled together to create opportunities, build on our successes and been flexible and adaptable to the changing business landscape.”

“We want to create something which is sustainable, something that lasts, and has a positive impact, not only for Eco but also for the economy in Dumfries and Galloway and for our communities.”

- Eddie Black, Eco MD

Eddie has grown the company he founded 12 years ago offering dry ice blasting services into a business which now offers multiple products and services for clients including multinational companies. Eco recently launched the first product in its EcoGoZero range of products aimed at helping businesses, homeowners and the UK achieve net zero targets. The firm has exclusive UK distribution of the BriXcell, which is a simple, compact electric vehicle charging solution.

Eddie said his ambition is for Eco Group to be one of the leading businesses in Scotland and to put Dumfries and Galloway on the map. “We want to create something which is sustainable, something that lasts, and has a positive impact, not only for Eco but also for the economy in Dumfries and Galloway and for our communities,” he said.

Organised by Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce, the Dumfries & Galloway Business Awards celebrate the achievements of businesses which are making their mark in Dumfries and Galloway and beyond. Categories included Most Promising New Business, Outstanding Family Business, Young Entrepreneur and Champion in Developing the Young Workforce.

We're hiring: Cleaner

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 14:06:49 GMT

Eco is a family-owned group of companies operating across a range of sectors to deliver multiple products and services for commercial, industrial, public sector and residential customers.

We’re looking for someone to join our team to help keep eco HQ looking fabulous.

Details:

2 ½ - 3 hours per day, Monday – Friday
Flexible start time
Immediate start available
Working in our Annan HQ
£9.50 per hour

To apply, please email hr@teameco.co.uk or call Morag on 01461 500 206

Simple EV charging solution set to revolutionise new-build industry

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 21:41:45 GMT

An innovative new electric car charge point is set to revolutionise the house building industry, saving time and money for developers.

With the UK Government due to make it a requirement to introduce mandatory charge points in new homes and commercial buildings in England, the BriXcell is a simple, compact solution which can be easily installed during the construction phase of any new build.

Developed by a team of industry experts, it contains the entire EV charging point infrastructure within a brick-sized construction pack which can be fitted as part of the existing building process.

BriXcell is being launched in partnership with Scottish-based solutions firm Eco Group, as part of its EcoGoZero range of products aimed at helping businesses, homeowners and the UK achieve net zero targets. Eco has exclusive UK distribution of the product, which will lead its Eco V range of electric vehicle solutions.

The BriXcell construction pack is built into an external wall during the construction process, with the internal cabling contained within the infrastructure of the property. The electrical connection system is wired at the first fix stage, with a decorative cover fitted. The decorative cover is swapped for a charge point when it’s needed by the new homeowner, ensuring the warranty begins at the point of requirement.

Tim Gardner, who is part of the four-strong team behind the BriXcell, said: “ We see this product as a game changer for the new-build industry. What started as a sketch on a piece of paper almost three years ago has developed into a fit-for-purpose product which we can now take to the market. Traditionally these types of products have been surface mounted but we challenged ourselves to restrict it to the size and shape of a standard brick so it can form part of the construction process. The BriXcell has been through a rigorous testing process and the feedback we have received so far from the industry has been extremely positive. The main advantage of the BriXcell to a house builder or developer is that they don’t need to change any of their existing processes to install it, which saves money and time. It really is as simple as laying a brick. And when the homeowner moves into the property, the charge point is ready for them to use. We’ve been told that it’s so simple yet so cleverly designed that it could be ground-breaking for the industry.”

“BriXcell is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a great concept, design and technology comes together to create a simple yet innovative solution. We believe it can make a big difference in the move towards a more sustainable future, and we are excited to be collaborating with the BriXcell team to bring it to market.”

Eddie Black, Eco M.D.

Eco Group’s EcoGoZero portfolio of products focus on decarbonised travel, decentralised energy and infrastructure innovation. Eco has a proven track record of creating and delivering solutions for businesses across the UK.
Eddie Black, Managing Director of Eco, said the BriXcell had the potential to play a key role in the electric car charging industry.

He said: “The BriXcell is an excellent example of what can be achieved when a great concept, design and technology comes together to create a simple yet innovative solution. We believe it can make a big difference in the move towards a more sustainable future, and we are excited to be collaborating with the BriXcell team to bring it to marke t.”

Tim brings more than 30 years of experience in the new-build industry to the BriXcell team, which also includes Jonathan McFarlane, who is Managing Director of plastic injection moulding company Plastic Engineering Solutions; Nick Glover who is Managing Director of electronics firm Cursey Technology; and James Glover who is a director of Viridian EV which specialises in electric car charging products. They are all based around Cirencester in Gloucestershire.

Tim said the strength of the team lay in the knowledge and experience each member brought to the project.

He said: “We are all running busy and successful businesses and have put this momentum into establishing the BriXcell product. From the point of concept, we all believed 100 per cent in this project and, by bringing together our joint expertise, we were able to make it a reality.”

The team’s in-depth understanding of their specialist sectors has influenced the design features of the BriXcell which include 32 amp (7Kw) fast charging; flame retardant polymers (UL94-VO) which meet Glow Wire test 960; either type 1 or type 2 plug holder for the charge cable when not in use; and IP54 water and dust resistance. It also includes an LED halo for charger status; luminosity for night time charging; security features; and a cable tidy.

Plans requiring new homes in England to have an electric car charging point were announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in November as part of efforts to help the UK reach net zero. Under the plans, new-build homes will need at least one charging point per dwelling with associated parking. The new regulations would also apply to new-build supermarkets, workplaces and buildings undergoing major renovations.

The measures aim to support the growing uptake of electric vehicles, with new petrol and diesel car sales banned from 2030. Around 10 per cent of cars sold in 2020 were electric, up from 2.5 per cent in 2018.

To find out more about the BriXcell visit www.ecogozero.co.uk or email hello@ecogozero.co. uk

Work starts on Food Train’s new HQ

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 10:37:57 GMT

Charity appoints Annan-based Eco Group to transform former council building in Dumfries town centre.

“Like Food Train, Eco Group is Dumfriesshire-founded and has gone on to make a national impact while never losing sight of its roots. It’s great that we can invest in our future together.”

MICHELLE CARRUTHERS, Food Train chief executive

The transformation of a former council building into a Dumfriesshire charity’s new headquarters has been hailed as a triple-win. Food Train has appointed Annan-based solutions business Eco Group to lead the renovationation of the Dumfries town centre site into its first purpose-created base and community hub for older people. Work on the former Dumfries and Galloway Council office building on English Street started this week, with the charity hoping to move in later this year.

Food Train chief executive Michelle Carruthers said: “We’re delighted to have work underway and that we’ve been able to appoint a local contractor to turn our vision to help improve the lives of older people into reality. The project really is evolving into a triple win - for our charity in its long-held hope for a home of its own, for the community by turning a building which has been empty for some time into a great new asset and for the area’s economy by bringing in a local company to deliver it. Like Food Train, Eco Group is Dumfriesshire-founded and has gone on to make a national impact while never losing sight of its roots. It’s great that we can invest in our future together.”

Eco, which last year opened its own 3,000 square-metre purpose-built HQ at Annan Business Park, will carry out the work through its Eco Projects design, build and fit out division. It will also use local sub-contractors.

Managing director Eddie Black said: “It’s a privilege to be involved in delivering this fantastic project for Food Train.
“The charity’s work makes a huge difference to the lives of older people in Dumfries and Galloway and beyond, and the new HQ will put it in an even better position to help those most in need. As a company we’re committed to creating a vibrant and thriving economy for Dumfries and Galloway, and the Food Train project is a great example of what can be achieved with vision and determination.”

“As a company we’re committed to creating a vibrant and thriving economy for Dumfries and Galloway, and the Food Train project is a great example of what can be achieved with vision and determination.”

Eddie Black, Eco M.D.

The creation of a centre for older people was one of the ambitions of Food Train’s founders as they launched a shopping delivery service for those aged 65 and over in Dumfries in 1995. The charity has since expanded to offer a range of services to ensure older people can eat well and live well in their own homes.

It secured the building with support from Dumfries and Galloway Council, whose own headquarters stand opposite. Once open, plans are for the centre to be a hub for advice and activities for older people, as well as a venue for Food Train’s befriending groups, widely recognised for their valuable role in tackling loneliness among older people. It will also provide office and meeting space for community groups and other organisations.

As well as being the the central hub for Food Train’s work in Dumfries and Galloway - with branches in Annandale and Eskdale, Nithsdale, Stewartry, Newton Stewart and Stranraer - the new HQ will also provide support for its shopping service operations in nine other Scottish local authority regions. That’s on top of supporting its Connects, Meal Makers and Eat Well Age Well projects nationally.

To find out about how Food Train could help you or someone you know, email shopping@thefoodtrain.co.uk or call 0800 3047924. To register as a volunteer, go to www.thefoodtrain.co.uk .

ABOUT THE FOOD TRAIN

Food Train is an award-winning charity and social enterprise. Since 1995 it has been making life easier for older people, providing vital services to those no longer able to manage independently, through age, ill health, frailty or disability.
Operations include volunteers ensuring those most in need have access to fresh groceries as well as helping with household jobs, delivering books and providing friendly social contact and meals.

The charity aims to continue expanding services and support for older people to enable them to eat well, live well and age well at home. It currently has regional branches for Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, Stirling and Clackmannanshire and West Lothian. It is also launching a branch in Falkirk. See more at www.thefoodtrain.co.uk.

New year, new job!

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 15:54:33 GMT

This year, make a resolution that will last.

Join our team.

Do you want to work for a dynamic, fast-growing company?

Then Eco want to hear from you.

WE ARE HIRING:

SEND YOUR CV AND COVERING LETTER TO:

hr@teameco.co.uk

Eco's MD urges businesses to collaborate to tackle climate change

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 11:02:43 GMT

Eco M.D. says collaboration is key to tackling the climate change crisis.
Speaking at an event held in Glasgow to coincide with COP26, Eddie Black, who is the founder and Managing Director of Eco Group, called on businesses to share knowledge and expertise in order to drive innovation and maximise opportunities.

“Businesses need to embrace the move to net zero and build it into the ethos of their companies. By taking a positive approach and communicating with and educating your team, clients and associates, we can drive innovation and make change happen.”

- Eddie Black, Eco MD

Eddie was part of a panel of business leaders chosen to discuss how Scottish SMEs can start their journey to net zero, as part of Scotland's Climate Ambition Zone.

Eddie said: “Businesses need to embrace the move to net zero and build it into the ethos of their companies. By taking a positive approach and communicating with and educating your team, clients and associates, we can drive innovation and make change happen. The best thing a business can do to start the journey to net zero is to make a commitment to try to make a difference. Create a roadmap for what you want to achieve and work towards it. Build on the expertise of people around you and work in partnership with other businesses who can help you achieve your goals. You might be only 50 per cent successful but it’s better to have 50 per cent of something rather than nothing. If you keep creating opportunities and making positive changes, then you will succeed. The future is in our hands but we need to take action to make a difference.”

Eco Group, which is based at Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, has a proven track record of creating and delivering solutions for businesses and is forging ahead with the projects to help Scotland deliver its net zero target. The Scottish Government’s ambition for Scotland is to achieve net zero by 2045.

As well as a series of online conversations and debates, Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone includes a 24/7 virtual exhibition space showcasing innovative Scottish firms such as Eco Group.

Eco is using the opportunity to highlight its range of products and services which can be used across business sectors to help cut carbon emissions. They include hybrid solar and wind sustainable street lighting to save 80 per cent of existing lighting systems; easy to install electric vehicle charging points to encourage the switch from fossil fuel vehicles; and reducing drivers’ carbon footprint up to 93 per cent by replacing diesel with hydrated vegetable oil (HVO).

Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone is a programme of virtual events aimed at highlighting Scotland as a world-class location of inspiring green projects and companies.

Organised by Scottish Enterprise and its partners, the initiative runs over the same period as the main COP26 global climate summit, which takes place in Glasgow until November 12.

The UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties 26 (COP26) brings together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change.

Find out more about Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone at Scotland's Climate Ambition Zon e .

Eco's Managing Director finalist in regional awards

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 12:08:33 GMT

Eco's MD – Eddie Black, who is the entrepreneur behind Annan-based Eco Group, has been named as a finalist in the Business Person of the Year category in the Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards 2021. Since launching the business in 2010, Eddie has grown Eco into a multiple disciplined solutions business employing 80 people.

“It’s a real honour to be named as a finalist for these awards. As a company, we believe in creating an environment in which people can come together to innovate, collaborate and make things happen. That’s something which we believe reaches beyond our own business and throughout the Dumfries and Galloway region.”

- Eddie Black, Eco MD

The company recently moved into a new 3,000-square-metre HQ in Annan which was built by Eco’s own team, with work continuing throughout the pandemic.

Eddie said: “It’s a real honour to be named as a finalist for these awards. As a company, we believe in creating an environment in which people can come together to innovate, collaborate and make things happen. That’s something which we believe reaches beyond our own business and throughout the Dumfries and Galloway region.”

Earlier this year, Eddie was appointed to Dumfries and Galloway College’s Board of Management, where he will bring his entrepreneurial flair and business experience to the leadership team.

The winners of the Dumfries & Galloway Life Awards 2021 will be announced on Friday, November 12 at a ceremony held at Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries. Organised by Dumfries & Galloway Life magazine, the awards celebrate the achievements of people who are striving for excellence and helping to fly the flag for the region in the fields of business and enterprise, food and drink, sports, culture and tourism.

As well as its base in Annan, Eco operates across the border in Cumbria, with its interiors business Ghyll House Upholstery, based at Mealsgate, near Cockermouth, and Integrity IT Solutions, which has bases in Carlisle and at Eco’s HQ in Annan.

Eco to reveal revolutionary vision to combat climate change during COP26-inspired event

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 09:46:25 GMT

Eco will showcase its revolutionary plans to help businesses tackle climate change as part of a virtual COP26 event.

Eco Group, which is based in Dumfries and Galloway, will highlight its range of products and services which can be used across business sectors to help cut carbon emissions when it presents its vision for the future during a 24/7 virtual exhibition as part of Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone.

Among the products to be launched by the company are:

Off Grid, hybrid solar and wind sustainable street lighting to save 80 per cent of existing lighting systems;
V, easy to install electric vehicle charging points to encourage the switch from fossil fuel vehicles;
HVO, reducing drivers’ carbon footprint up to 93 per cent by replacing diesel with hydrated vegetable oil (HVO);
Eco Dry Ice, an environmentally friendly, fast and more efficient circular cleaning method.
Duo Rail, an autonomous, net zero rail infrastructure which will significantly reduce carbon emissions;
Tree, ‘cleaning trees’ introduced primarily in cities complete with air filtration systems to reduce air pollution;
EcoIS, scalable air purification solutions, removing air borne pollutants, germs and micro particles from buildings.

Eco has a proven track record of creating and delivering solutions for businesses and is forging ahead with the projects to help Scotland deliver its net zero target. The Scottish Government’s ambition for Scotland is to achieve net zero by 2045.

Eddie Black, founder and Managing Director of Eco, said: “With COP26 taking place in Glasgow, there has never been a better time to make changes which will deliver sustainable economic development, create opportunities, and work towards a global goal of reducing carbon emissions. We’re collaborating closely with partners to ensure we can deliver the latest technological innovations to businesses across the UK to enable them to initiate change, and stay ahead of the game. We’re delighted to be able to showcase our range of solutions as part of Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone.”

Eddie has also been selected to be part of a hand selected panel at the ‘How Scottish SMEs can start their journey to Net Zero today’ event on November 2.

"With COP26 taking place in Glasgow, there has never been a better time to make changes which will deliver sustainable economic development, create opportunities, and work towards a global goal of reducing carbon emissions.”

- Eddie Black, Eco Managing Director.

Organised jointly by Scottish Enterprise and its partners, Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone is a programme of virtual events aimed at highlighting Scotland as a world-class location of inspiring green projects and companies.

The events programme will run over the same period as the main COP26 global climate summit, which takes place in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12.

The UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties 26 (COP26) will bring together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change.

As well as a virtual 24/7 exhibition space, Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone also includes webinars on topics including zero emissions, offshore renewables, green skills and the circular economy.

Find out more about Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone at Scotland's Climate Ambition Zone .

"We’re collaborating closely with partners to ensure we can deliver the latest technological innovations to businesses across the UK to enable them to initiate change, and stay ahead of the game. We’re delighted to be able to showcase our range of solutions as part of Scotland’s Climate Ambition Zone.”

- Eddie Black, Eco Managing Director.

Eco welcomes new director to its board

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 11:33:34 GMT

Paul Currie has been promoted to Operations Director of Eco, which is based in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway. Paul, who was previously Eco’s Operations Manager, joins founder and Managing Director Eddie Black on the board, along with Finance Director Donna Daly, and Commercial Director Mike Jefferson.

"It’s an honour to be part of Team Eco and work alongside Eddie and the team to create a thriving, innovative business which is always looking towards the future.”

- Paul Currie, Eco Operations Director.

Paul, 46, started working for Eco Group in 2019 as Contracts Manager for its Workspace division, and has overseen the building of the firm’s new state-of-the-art HQ which opened in August 2021.

The 3,000-square-metre building on Annan Business Park Way was built by Eco’s own team, with work continuing throughout the pandemic.

Paul said: “It’s an honour to be part of Team Eco and work alongside Eddie and the team to create a thriving, innovative business which is always looking towards the future.”

As part of the senior management team, Paul leads Eco’s construction, process and dry ice divisions.
He has also recently been appointed to the board of Developing the Young Workforce (DYF) in Dumfries and Galloway, a Scottish Government youth employment initiative which aims to better prepare young people for the world of work.

"It’s essential that young people have access to opportunities and training so they become the very best they can be.”

- Paul Currie, Eco Operations Director.

Paul said: “It’s essential that young people have access to opportunities and training so they become the very best they can be. Nurturing talent through investment in training and development is part of the ethos at Eco, and the success of that approach is demonstrated through the opportunities people have within the firm to progress their careers. Eddie’s aim is for the company to be a leader in its field and offer opportunities for people across Dumfries and Galloway and beyond. The opening of the new HQ marks the next phase of that vision.”

After leaving school at 16, Paul joined the Army as an avionics technician in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Since leaving the Army, his roles have included working as a regional manager in the insurance industry and as a manager for a large facilities business. Originally from Annan, he lives near Lockerbie with his wife Lindsay and their family.

The opening of Eco’s HQ follows a remarkable 18 months for the company in which it launched a new industrial solutions business, acquired an IT business, launched a range of innovative new solutions and products, and recruited several new members to its 80-strong team.

Eco also operates an interiors business, Ghyll House Upholstery, based at Mealsgate, near Cockermouth, Cumbria, and Integrity IT Solutions, which is based at the Annan HQ and in Carlisle.

Eco’s new HQ redefines office environment to benefit team’s health and well-being

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 13:03:08 GMT

For creativity, collaboration and successful team working nothing beats the office for entrepreneur Eddie Black. Which is why next week he will unveil a brand-new state-of-the-art company HQ all built by his own team during the pandemic.

For Eddie, the statement building, which includes a world-class multi-million-pound processing plant also assembled by his own team, marks the start of an exciting next growth phase of his Eco business - and the end of home working.
On each side of the border, so close to where Eddie’s diverse and dynamic multi-discipline business is based at Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, there have been different views from political leaders about working from home.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said last week that the Scottish Government was to continue to “advise home working where possible for now.”

On the same day Chancellor Rishi Sunak was highlighting the advantages of returning to the office especially for those starting out on their careers, the Westminster Government having already dropped its formal advice to work from home in favour of a “gradual return to the office over the summer.”

Eddie, who is set to open Eco’s 3,000 square-metre HQ to staff for the first time on August 16, is in no doubt that, for him, the time to return to the office is now.

"We wanted to create an environment where people WANT to come into work.”

- Eddie Black, Eco M.D.

Eddie said: “Working from home for me can stifle ideas and stifle innovation. You can also get into a rut working from home. People sometimes forget that working from home also means living at work and that can have a lot of negative impacts on families, including on mental health. We wanted to create an environment where people WANT to come into work. This building is about bringing everyone together where everyone brings something to the table. We have amazingly talented people in this business across all the different companies in the group. When they are not together the business suffers. Bring them together and we get a lot of brilliant ideas emerging and tasks getting completed immediately. We spend a lot of our time at work so we wanted to create a building which works for our team in the way they live their lives and a place where people want to come and be part of everything.”

As well as light, modern, inspiring workspaces at the Team Eco HQ at Annan, that also means allocating the top floor as a designated health and well-being area complete with gym and roof-garden-style relaxation area.

“Health and well-being of the team is vitally important, and we do everything we can to support our team,” said Eddie.
“Traditionally people might have thought they have to go home before they go to the gym or go and do their exercise activity before they set off for work in the morning, but if we can provide those facilities here then we are making people’s lives easier. We are also looking at how we might be able to team up with other nearby businesses to offer some childcare provision which would also make life easier for parents and families. We need to reimagine our workspaces and provide an environment where people want to be and to make it work for their lives. Recruiting top talent is difficult, and we have this in common with a lot of businesses. This building is an investment in attracting talent and retaining talent.”

It’s also the fulfilment of a promise Eddie made to his team more than seven years ago when the business was in its early days.

"We were in old makeshift buildings at the time. We won two big contracts, the company was growing, and I promised everyone at that point that I would build a suitable building more fitting of the business we were becoming. I wanted it for the people who have stuck by me. They have been through the mill and stuck by me through the good times and the bad times and if it were not for them the business would not be where it is now. That’s been my commitment to them. This building is for them and for all the team. They have earned it.”

"It’s like a city centre building. Now we want people to use it. We have facilities that rival anywhere in any city - and we want to create a buzz. We want businesses from across the South of Scotland to come together and collaborate here. We want suppliers to use it, clients to use it, people who are associated with us, people we do business with up and down the country, to come in and use it as a hub.”

- Eddie Black, Eco M.D.

With Team Eco’s own expertise and renowned ability for delivering quality, innovative solutions for clients, including in Communications and IT, the building is also future-proof in terms of being able to adapt to future technologies and future environmental progress.
“We wanted to build something which would be the premier building in the area. It’s a massive statement when you arrive here and see it for the first time. I might be biased - but I don’t think you will see a more impressive building in Dumfries and Galloway or in Cumbria. It’s like a city centre building. Now we want people to use it. We have facilities that rival anywhere in any city - and we want to create a buzz. We want businesses from across the South of Scotland to come together and collaborate here. We want suppliers to use it, clients to use it, people who are associated with us, people we do business with up and down the country, to come in and use it as a hub.”

Eco operates in a range of sectors across the UK delivering multiple products and services for commercial, industrial, public sector and residential customers.

Over the past 18 months, as well as building a new HQ, Eco has launched a new industrial solutions business, acquired an IT business, launched a range of innovative new solutions and products, and recruited several new members to its 80-strong team.

Eco’s services include emergency response solutions; dry ice blasting, manufacture and supply; bespoke training systems; design and build solutions; communications and IT; process solutions; and creative design and marketing. Eco also operates an interiors business, Ghyll House Upholstery, based at Mealsgate, near Cockermouth, Cumbria, and Carlisle-based Integrity IT Solutions, which it acquired late last year.

On the tenth anniversary of the business at the start of 2020 Eddie said having come through the triple turbulence of recession, the Scottish Referendum, and Brexit the next ten years were set fair. That was before the world had heard of Covid-19. So after a tumultuous 18 months of adapting to business and life during a pandemic, it’s no wonder Eddie struggles to put into words what it will mean when he throws open the doors of the impressive HQ to the Eco team for the first time.

“I don’t think it has even hit home yet. I am still running on adrenaline at the moment. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster. All I know is that everyone is super excited. ”

Scottish Maritime Museum begins conservation of oldest Clyde-built vessel still afloat with Eco's state-of-the-art dry ice blasting

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 11:39:48 GMT

After smashing the target in a Crowdfunder last Autumn, the Scottish Maritime Museum has started essential conservation work on one of Britain’s most historic vessels, MV Kyles, beginning with state of the art, environmentally sensitive, dry ice blasting.

With the money raised through the Keep the Kyles Afloat Crowdfunder, the Scottish Maritime Museum was able to commission specialists Eco Dry Ice, which is based in Dumfries and Galloway, and trial the innovative new paint and debris removal technique which is also known as cryogenic blasting.

"We are delighted to have worked with Eco Dry Ice to trial this innovative cleaning process, which is both kinder to the ship’s historic hull and the environment ...Through this work and the wider programme of conservation we hope to complete, we can ensure that this nationally important historic vessel remains part of Scotland’s living maritime heritage for decades to come.”

- David Mann, Director of the Scottish Maritime Museum

The exterior of MV Kyles, which is the world’s oldest floating Clyde-built vessel and part of National Historic Ships UK’s National Historic Fleet, has now been transformed through this economical and environmentally-friendly method.

Using dry ice pellets, which are non-abrasive and leave no residue, the team from Eco Dry Ice worked painstakingly for a week on MV Kyles, which currently sits on Irvine Harbourside after being lifted out of Irvine Estuary last year in advance of the works.

Now that the dry ice blasting is complete, the cleaned hull structure will be inspected to assess if any further repairs are required before repainting.

Volunteers at the Scottish Maritime Museum have already repainted much of the deck, wheelhouse and funnel of MV Kyles.

Further conservation, funding allowing, will centre on work to the engine so that MV Kyles can sail under its own power for first time in over a decade as well as restoring the cabins to their original appearance.

The Scottish Maritime Museum also hopes to create exciting new interpretation to tell the many stories this workhorse of a vessel hauled aboard over the course of more than a hundred years as a cargo coaster, fishing tender, sand dredger and even a sludge tanker before being retired to the Scottish Maritime Museum in 1984.

David Mann, Director of the Scottish Maritime Museum, explains:
“We are delighted to have worked with Eco Dry Ice to trial this innovative cleaning process, which is both kinder to the ship’s historic hull and the environment, and our thanks go to all those who generously donated to our Crowdfunder campaign making the work possible. Along with the additional efforts of our volunteers, we are now well on our way to getting MV Kyles shipshape for its 150th anniversary next year. What a birthday gift for this rare and nationally important survivor from the 19th century, a transformational period on the River Clyde when shipyards embraced the possibilities of steam power to become one of the most important shipbuilding centres in the world. Through this work and the wider programme of conservation we hope to complete, we can ensure that this nationally important historic vessel remains part of Scotland’s living maritime heritage for decades to come .”

"It feels great to have been part of such a fantastic and worthwhile project to help conserve such an important feature in Britain's maritime history. By using dry ice blasting, we were able to remove the rust and old paint from the vessel without causing any damage to its surface or making an impact on the surrounding environment because the process does not create any residue."

- Stuart Dalgliesh, Process Director at Eco Dry Ice

Stuart Dalgliesh, Process Director at Eco Dry Ice, adds:
"It feels great to have been part of such a fantastic and worthwhile project to help conserve such an important feature in Britain's maritime history. By using dry ice blasting, we were able to remove the rust and old paint from the vessel without causing any damage to its surface or making an impact on the surrounding environment because the process does not create any residue. As part of the work, we focused on the welding panels so the client could inspect the vessel for signs of damage, which could then be fixed. The cleaning process had an immediate impact on the vessel, which is now ready to be repainted and back to looking its best.”

The 122 tonne cargo coaster MV Kyles was built by John Fullerton & Co. at Paisley in 1872. At 149 years, it is older than the Falls of Clyde, tall ship Glenlee and the Sir Walter Scott.

The Scottish Maritime Museum is home to Scotland’s nationally recognised collection of maritime heritage, a national art collection and the Scottish Boat Building School. The collection, which is housed in Irvine and Dumbarton, includes some of Scotland’s most historic vessels, the country’s largest collection of shipbuilding tools as well as engineering and inventions which influenced maritime history across the world.

In Irvine, the Scottish Maritime Museum’s collection is held on the Harbourside and in the Linthouse, a vast, Victorian, glass-roofed and A listed building which was formerly the Linthouse Engine Shop of Alexander Stephen and Sons in Govan.

In Dumbarton, the Scottish Maritime Museum sits on the site of the innovative Victorian William Denny Shipyard and features the world’s first commercial ship model testing facility, the huge Denny Ship Model Experiment Tank.

Eco Dry Ice has its own in-house dry ice production facility at its base near Annan. It produces fresh, high-density dry ice which is used by the firm across a range of industries throughout the UK, from bio-science to distilleries.

The Scottish Maritime Museum raised £39,835 through the Keep the Kyles Afloat Crowdfunder. Donors included the Kilchoan Initiative and John Paul DeJoria of Texas, a signatory on the ‘Giving Pledge’ committing billionaires to philanthropy.

For further information, please visit www.scottishmaritimemuseum.or g or contact Eco Dry ice at dryice@teameco.co.uk

Experienced business leader joins Eco

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 13:27:35 GMT

Eco has recruited an experienced business leader to its senior management team. Gary Robertson has joined Eco Group in a newly created role of Group Opportunity Strategist. He will work across Eco’s group of companies to build on the firm’s success and identify opportunities for growth.

Gary joins Eco, which is based in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria, from the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) where he was South of Scotland manager.

He will use his experience working with the public and private sectors to build and develop relationships and explore partnership and funding opportunities, as well as supporting Eco’s Managing Director Eddie Black and the rest of the senior management team.

Eco operates in a range of sectors across the UK delivering multiple products and services for commercial, industrial, public sector and residential customers. Over the past 18 months, the company has built a new state-of-the-art HQ in Annan (due to open later this summer), launched a new industrial solutions business, acquired an IT business, launched a range of innovative new solutions and products, purchased a garden room brand (YouKube), and recruited several new members to its 70-strong team.

Eco founder and MD, Eddie Black, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Gary to the Eco team and are thrilled to have a strategist of his calibre and experience on board to help shape Eco’s ongoing success. Gary’s appointment is another pragmatic way Eco is looking to drive growth and do things differently to ensure our ambitions are realised.”

During his two years with SCDI, Gary engaged with a range of organisations across public, private, education and the third sector to support economic growth in the South of Scotland region. Before joining SCDI, Gary spent much of his career in business development and leadership roles within the Comms/IT sector including working with Dumfries-based Atlas ICT, and as a freelance consultant.

“We’re delighted to welcome Gary to the Eco team and are thrilled to have a strategist of his calibre and experience on board to help shape Eco’s ongoing success. Gary’s appointment is another pragmatic way Eco is looking to drive growth and do things differently to ensure our ambitions are realised.”

EDDIE BLACK, ECO MANAGING DIRECTOR

Gary said he got to know Eddie through their involvement with SCDI - Eddie is a member of the SCDI committee which oversees the work of the independent, not-for-profit organisation in the South of Scotland. “It’s obvious that Eddie is passionate about the business and about creating opportunities for communities and the wider region,” said Gary. “I’m looking forward to being part of that and developing those opportunities.”

Gary lives in Dumfries with his wife Jackie and their two sons aged 18 and 13. He is a keen golfer and a member of Crichton Golf Club in Dumfries. Gary also volunteered as a coach in youth football with Heston Rovers in Dumfries for six years until March 2020.

Eco’s services include emergency response solutions; dry ice blasting, manufacture and supply; bespoke training systems; design and build solutions; communications and IT; process solutions; and creative design and marketing.
Eco also operates an interiors business, Ghyll House Upholstery, based at Mealsgate, near Cockermouth, Cumbria, and Carlisle-based Integrity IT Solutions, which it acquired late last year.

Eco MD appointed to Dumfries and Galloway College’s Board of Management

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 25 May 2021 09:57:53 GMT

Eco's managing director aims to help the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs after being appointed to Dumfries and Galloway College’s leadership team.

Eddie Black, the entrepreneur behind Eco Group, brings extensive experience across different business sectors to the college’s Board of Management.

Through hard work, dedication and vision, Eddie has gone from running a single business in 2010 to employing 70 people across several businesses and will share his talent for variety and innovation in the role.

Eddie, who is currently building a new state-of-the-art HQ for Eco in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, said: “I’m looking forward to using my industry experience and knowledg e to help the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.”

Eddie is one of six new appointments to Dumfries and Galloway College’s Board of Management.

“I’m looking forward to using my industry experience and knowledge to help the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.”

- Eddie Black, Eco Managing Director

The new board members also include Senior Bank of England official, Will Dowson, who is the bank’s Agent for Scotland. Will has a wide range of policy-making and leadership experience, in addition to his knowledge of the public and third sectors and understanding of how technology may help address environmental issues.

He is joined by Richard Nash, director of Natural Power, who has been instrumental in the firm’s innovations in renewable energy, and Sue Irving, Director of Housing Services at Loreburn Housing Association, which owns and supports 2,500 properties in Dumfries and Galloway. Sue has experience of leading organisational change, strategic leadership, and driving performance improvement.

Also joining the board is Professor Malcolm MacLeod, Senior Deputy Principal and Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Stirling, whose specialities include improving the student experience and amplifying the voices of students, and Gillian Brydson, Director of Skills, Education and Learning at Dumfries and Galloway Council, who has 25 years of experience in education leadership and a passion for lifelong and professional learning.

Dumfries and Galloway College chair Hugh Carr said he was delighted to welcome the six new members to the college’s board. He said: “ Each one of them brings a unique set of skills, experiences, and knowledge that will help us continue to deliver the first-class educational and vocational opportunities that we are so proud to offer.”

Dumfries and Galloway College is a further educational institution with campuses in Dumfries and Stranraer.

One of the main employers and providers of learning and training in the south of Scotland, the college champions green skills development to tackle climate change.

Radio Cumbria interview: Good News Story

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 12:15:05 GMT

Eddie Black, Eco MD, was interviewed by Radio Cumbria about the diversity of Eco, its growth during these unprecedented times, and how Eco has chosen to invest in the business despite the challenges of lockdown.

Please click to play interview below.

Any organisation or business which would benefit from Eco’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email hello@teameco.co.uk for more information.

Lack of fear behind entrepreneur’s remarkable 12 months of business growth

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 14:02:43 GMT

Entrepreneur Eddie Black should be running on empty after a year of leading non-stop expansion of his Eco business. Yet after steering his 70-strong team through the unchartered territory of a coronavirus pandemic he’s as energised as ever.

In the last 12 months Eddie has built a brand new state-of-the-art HQ for his Eco business (set to open later this year), launched a new industrial solutions business, acquired an IT business, launched a range of innovative solutions and new products, purchased a garden room brand, and recruited several new staff.

It’s all been achieved without winning any government or public sector contracts - just through sheer hard work and a determination not to allow the pandemic to sink all he had worked so hard, and so long, to achieve.

Eddie is clear that it’s his previous career as a fishing boat skipper which is behind his survival instincts and agile business decision-making.

He’s not alone. James Watt, CEO and Co-Founder of BrewDog, recently said that his time as the captain of a fishing boat on the North Atlantic, taught him so much about people, leadership, teamwork and adversity. For Eddie, like for James, survival is always the first step to business success. Quick and decisive leadership are also key. Eddie, who skippered boats out of Cornwall, Aberdeen and Peterhead, said: “You faced difficult life and death decisions when you were out at sea.

“The longer you waited to make a decision the more dangerous the situation got. It taught me to make those decisions quickly and not to put them off. In business once you have taken everything into consideration and made your decision, if you don’t go for it, and back yourself and give it everything you have got, then someone else will, and you will have missed your opportunity.”

And, after a rare moment to pause and reflect on a busy 12 months, Eddie adds another vital component for successful business growth:

“A lack of fear. For me no business decision now is ever as hard as it was when I was out at sea. If you have a problem out at sea, like an engine failure in the middle of a storm, that’s when you were really worried. Your decisions at that moment are a matter of life and death, not just for you, but also for all of your crew. The sea is the big unknown. Take that out of the equation and you see things clearer. Don’t get me wrong, I have had tough decisions to take in business. Things haven’t always gone well. I have made mistakes. But I’ve always had that ability to learn from them, to get back up and to carry on. I’ve always had that belief to go for it. And I put that lack of fear down to my time at sea.”

“What the pandemic has highlighted is that at Eco we have really great people who have a brilliant attitude and want to give back to the business and to the community. Everyone has done everything humanly possible to make a positive difference. It shows what you can achieve if you pull together as a team. ”

- Eddie Black, Eco Managing Director

Eddie’s approach has led to a strategy of diversification for his business which started out more than ten years ago as EcoGenics Ltd specialising in blast cleaning with Dry Ice and now growing into the Eco group of companies providing solutions to a wide range of industry challenges.

“In the early days of the company we were taking phone calls at 2am from the bigger clients asking if we knew anyone who could help them with a problem. We were often able to put them in touch with people who could help. After a while we thought we might as well service that need ourselves. We now offer bespoke solutions for some major international companies, including sanitisation products for factories which have operated 24/7 throughout the pandemic, one of them supplying materials for visors for key workers in the NHS.”

The right people, in business, like at sea, are vital. Eddie knows he and his Eco business are only as good as his crew. And he has built an impressive team across Eco’s divisions who are all rowing in the same direction to achieve their shared goals.

Eddie said: “What the pandemic has highlighted is that at Eco we have really great people who have a brilliant attitude and want to give back to the business and to the community. Everyone has done everything humanly possible to make a positive difference. It shows what you can achieve if you pull together as a team. We have fought to get where we are, to get into this strong position. There’s no luck involved in it. It’s down to everyone’s hard work. It has created a lot of trust between the team and a lot of trust in the business.”

It was this can-do attitude from the team which saw Eco respond to the nation’s PPE crisis last year by supplying one million items of PPE to care homes across the UK within seven days.

Ghyll House Upholstery, part of Eddie’s other interests, has been busy supporting surgeries, hospitals and other essential businesses from its base in Cumbria by fitting easy-clean materials to help the fight against coronavirus.

Eco has also donated sanitiser to care homes, 250 visors to a local hospice, and equipment to schoolchildren to help them during the pandemic.

“The pandemic has highlighted even more why it’s so important not to just talk about doing something, but to implement it,” said Eddie.

Eddie has recently set up a new company Eco Axess with fellow entrepreneur Lancashire-based businessman Darren Cardwell. Eco Axess recently acquired garden room brand YouKube and the duo are designing and manufacturing eco-friendly, sustainable, long-lasting, bespoke garden rooms, an ideal solution for those looking for extra space for their home.

Recent expansion also includes the acquisition of Carlisle-based technology business Integrity IT Solutions. It’s an ideal fit for Eco Comms, an independent telecoms provider and IT consultancy offering tailored telecom and IT solutions.

Through what in many ways has been a defining year for his business and his team, Eddie is grateful for the support of his family.

Wife Nicola, daughters Ebony, Estelle and Elkie and son Ethan are all a major motivation to Eddie, with many working in the family business. “Close family drive me on. They trust me, and they have stood by me when times have been tough,” said Eddie.

Looking back to when he left school at 16 with no qualifications Eddie knows what it’s like to have nothing.

Football might have offered opportunities. As a teenager he was a talented midfielder with Annan Athletic and Carlisle United youth teams. But at 16, Eddie chose to go to sea on the fishing boats.

“It was a tough environment. As a 16-year-old, you had to grow up quick.”

Little did he know then, it would be the making of him.

Any organisation or business which would benefit from Eco’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email hello@teameco.co.uk for more information.

Radio Cumbria interview: Dry ice storage for vaccine

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 10:45:17 GMT

Eddie Black, Eco MD, talked with Radio Cumbria about the amazing services that Eco are providing to help store the Pfizer vaccine at -70ºC using dry ice.

Please click to pay interview below.

Any organisation or business which would benefit from Eco’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email dryice@teameco.co.uk for more information.

Business urges more clarity from government on Covid rules

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 09:39:39 GMT

Business leaders are voicing concern over a “lack of clarity” from government over Covid restrictions. And businesses which work cross border have called for consistency between the systems in Scotland and England.

CBI Scotland director Tracy Black said: “Businesses would welcome further clarity on what these additional measures are expected to achieve and how their impact will be measured.

“Transparency around decision-making processes is crucial and a visible strategy for living with COVID-19 through the autumn and winter will be vital to protecting lives and livelihoods across Scotland.”

The statement comes as the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has submitted a freedom of information request to the UK Business Department to determine what evidence base, if any, was used to inform government guidance on the closure of businesses from 5 November.

In England, the CBI has urged the UK Government to publish its approach to national coronavirus restrictions in England without delay, providing firms with at least one week’s notice ahead of 2 December, when the current lockdown there is due to end.

Ministers are also urged to provide scientific evidence for any continuing restrictions on specific business sectors.

The BCC said it wants to see an economic assessment of the impact continued business restrictions and closures are having on communities and the wider economy.

Government is also pressed to explain why businesses in a number of sectors have been forced to close despite taking “considerable steps at huge expense” to comply with Covid-secure guidance, including leisure, non-essential retail and beauty.

BCC director-general Adam Marshall said: “Nine months into the pandemic, business communities are still crying out for timely information and a clear strategy from government so that they can survive and rebuild.

“Delays and imprecision mean people lose their livelihoods. Firms are taking difficult decisions every day about their futures, and are tired of being left to rely on speculation and rumour.”

He continued: “Businesses have played their part by working hard and spending hundreds of millions of pounds to become Covid-secure, in line with official guidance.

“Business communities – whether in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland – cannot take another year of rushed stop-start restrictions from governments while vaccines are rolled out.”

Meanwhile, the managing director of a company which operates across the Scottish and English border has called for consistency in the Covid-19 rules between the two countries.

Eddie Black, who runs Eco Group, a solutions company based in Dumfries and Galloway - with operations on both sides of the border - said businesses faced additional challenges operating under different guidance in different parts of the UK.

The call came as more than two million people are set to be placed under Scotland's toughest Covid lockdown restrictions from Friday. The move will see level four rules imposed in 11 council areas across western and central Scotland.

They will be imposed in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire, North and South Lanarkshire, East and South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian.

The level four restrictions, which will mean non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants and gyms will have to close, will remain in place until 11 December.

England is in a national lockdown until 2 December .

Operating his business out of Annan, which is under Tier 2 level restrictions, from where Eco serves the whole of the UK, Black said: “We are across the border every day of the week, 24 hours a day, and we also have people deployed throughout the UK. Manufacturing and construction are still ongoing and we operate in these industries so we have to go to work.

“If the same rules applied across the UK, at least there would be clarity and consistency. When you live and work on the border, and there are different rules, you could be breaking the rules on one side or the other.”

The current Scottish Government guidance is that people avoid any unnecessary travel between Scotland and England.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she appreciated the difficulties that businesses faced but said the Scottish Government was taking a targeted and proportionate approach.

Eco, which employs more than 50 staff, operates across a range of sectors to deliver multiple products and services for commercial, industrial, public sector and residential customers.

The company has been praised for its rapid response to support the health sector during the pandemic, including delivering more than one million items of PPE to care homes across the UK in seven days.

As well as its base in Annan, Eco owns Ghyll House Upholstery and Design, which is based at Mealsgate, near Cockermouth, in Cumbria.

“ “If the same rules applied across the UK, at least there would be clarity and consistency. When you live and work on the border, and there are different rules, you could be breaking the rules on one side or the other.” ”

- Eddie Black, Eco MD

They will be imposed in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire, North and South Lanarkshire, East and South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian.

The level four restrictions, which will mean non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants and gyms will have to close, will remain in place until 11 December.

England is in a national lockdown until 2 December .

The current Scottish Government guidance is that people avoid any unnecessary travel between Scotland and England.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she appreciated the difficulties that businesses faced but said the Scottish Government was taking a targeted and proportionate approach.

Eco, which employs more than 50 staff, operates across a range of sectors to deliver multiple products and services for commercial, industrial, public sector and residential customers.

As well as its base in Annan, Eco owns Ghyll House Upholstery and Design, which is based at Mealsgate, near Cockermouth, in Cumbria.

Any organisation or business which would benefit from Eco’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email response@teameco.co.uk for more information.

Vaccine storage solution

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Wed, 11 Nov 2020 16:11:57 GMT

Eco offer dry ice capacity to safely deliver Covid vaccine to UK.

Eco rapid response solutions came to the aid of UK care homes at the start of the pandemic and are now offering to support safe delivery of the Covid vaccine to the nation’s population.

Eco, which has more than ten years experience of delivering dry ice solutions to the pharma industry and the NHS, has capacity to produce 7.5 tons of dry ice per day to help keep the vaccine at its required temperature during transportation and storage.

“ If there is extra capacity needed in the “cold chain” logistics we can help with that. We already supply dry ice to support the pharma industry in the UK, including a university-backed programme of research into vaccines. ”

- Eddie Black, Eco MD

Pfizer and BioNTech, who have developed a vaccine which they say is more than 90 per cent effective at stopping Covid, expect to produce up to 50 million vaccine doses globally in 2020 and up to 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

In the UK, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said the NHS will be ready from December to roll out the new coronavirus vaccine if it gets approved.

The vaccine is expected to need to be stored between -70 and -80 degrees Celsius until the day it is used.

Experts have warned that the “cold chain” logistics needed to safely transport the vaccine before it ultimately reaches patients will be challenging.

Eco, which helped to deliver one million items of lifesaving PPE to care homes across the UK in seven days earlier this year, is now ready to answer the call of helping to safely transport the vaccine.

“ We are here and ready to help fill the gaps and support that supply chain wherever it is needed most."

- Eddie Black, Eco MD

Eco managing director Eddie Black said: “If there is extra capacity needed in the “cold chain” logistics we can help with that.

“We already supply dry ice to support the pharma industry in the UK, including a university-backed programme of research into vaccines. We also supply the NHS. Dry ice is the only stable product on the planet when it comes to the safe transportation and storage of vaccines. It is used to safely transport medicines all around the world. There is going to be a big peak in demand to ensure this vaccine to fight Covid is transported safely at the correct temperature.

“We have more than ten years of experience in the manufacture and supply of dry ice. It’s what our business was founded on. We are known for our quality and service and through our work to help the country during the pandemic we have also received praise for our rapid response solutions.

“Providing extra capacity for dry ice at a time when that capacity is hard to find to ensure safe transportation of the vaccine is another way we can help provide a rapid, quality service when it is needed most.

“We have been called upon several times before to provide that capacity at peak times, and given the scale and importance of what we are talking about now - a vaccine to fight Covid - this capacity is going to be even more vital than ever.

“We are here and ready to help fill the gaps and support that supply chain wherever it is needed most.”

Eco supports three main industries with the manufacture and supply of dry ice - pharma, cleaning and agriculture. It has also been supporting the cleaning of laundry equipment for the NHS.

Eco produces dry ice in different formats for different industries and countries depending on their requirements, from 3mm pellets/nuggets for the cleaning industry, 10mm for UK “cold chain” logistics, and 16mm across Europe and USA.

Eco, which is based in Annan, has set up a full Covid-19 emergency rapid response solutions operation and a special medical division to help society tackle the pandemic with a range of PPE equipment and testing pods, anti-virus sanitiser and cleaning solutions.

The team at Eco, who also have a base in Cumbria, answered the call to help a factory, which had a government order for manufacturing vital material for visors for the NHS, to continue production 24/7 by supplying anti-virus sanitiser and an on-call emergency sanitising team.

Eco also supplied vital PPE to care homes across the UK, including in London, Scotland, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, the North-East, Merseyside, and Cumbria, and has helped a range of GP surgeries across the North of England.

Any organisation or business which would benefit from Eco’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email response@teameco.co.uk for more information.

Eco help local school combat Covid-19

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 12:20:40 GMT

Students at a city school have been given their own colourful tote bag by Eco.

Eco donated 850 bags to key stage three students at Trinity School, in Carlisle , so they would have something to put their books in at the end of the day.

“ We didn’t want to ask the students to bring additional bags into school, which would add another risk factor, so we were absolutely delighted when Eco approached us with an offer to provide tote bags for all of our key stage three student s. ”

- Jemma Leech, assistant headteacher

The pupils, who are in a bubble system, would leave their books on their desks rather than take them home which made it difficult to clean.

Jemma Leech, assistant headteacher, said: “ We didn’t want to ask the students to bring additional bags into school, which would add another risk factor, so we were absolutely delighted when Eco approached us with an offer to provide tote bags for all of our key stage three students.

“The bags look fantastic and the kids love them. They have made a real difference because they allow the students to store everything in one place and keep the classrooms looking tidy. It also ensures we are able to clean the classrooms more efficiently at the end of each school day .”

“ It’s important that we do everything we can to support the community at this time, and we were happy to help."

- Mike Jefferson, Eco commercial director

Eco decided to help after hearing Trinity was in need of storage bags.

Mike Jefferson, commercial director at Eco, said: “I knew the team at Eco would want to help so we got in touch with the school and came up with a solution together. The tote bags are a useful addition to the classrooms, and were a simple and practical solution to the problem. It’s important that we do everything we can to support the community at this time, and we were happy to help.”

Any organisation or business which would benefit from Eco’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email hello@teameco.co.uk for more information.

Eco gets Creative

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 11:48:50 GMT

ECO EXPANDS TO OFFER CREATIVE DESIGN SERVICES

Eco is expanding its operations by offering businesses and organisations a new creative design and marketing services.

Eco , which services a wide range of business sectors across the UK from its bases in Cumbria and Scotland, is launching the initiative to give further support to companies and organisations. Mike Jefferson, director and head of Eco’s Comms division for Communications and IT, said: “Through working with a range of businesses on different solutions it became clear that there was a gap in the market for creative design and marketing. Our business is built on trust that we will always provide businesses and organisations with the best, most cost-effective solution. By setting up our own design and marketing department is another way we can support businesses and help them to achieve their goals.”

“ Our business is built on trust that we will always provide businesses and organisations with the best, most cost-effective solution. By setting up our own design and marketing department is another way we can support businesses and help them to achieve their goals. ”

Mike Jefferson, Commercial Director

Mandy McDougall, who has worked in design and marketing for more than 25 years, has joined Eco as Creative Director.

Mandy, 45, has previously worked with Eco as a freelance creative consultant and was invited to join the team after playing an integral part in the company’s rebrand.

Mike said: “We are delighted that someone of Mandy’s experience and skills has chosen to join team Eco to lead this new part of our business. We are really looking forward to Mandy working with us and the team to help support more businesses and organisations with their design and marketing solutions.”

Mandy and colleagues in the Eco Comms team will help companies with any form of visual communications and marketing, including website design and build, corporate presentations, and design and branding for digital, print, outdoor or event spaces. Mandy, who studied at the Glasgow School of Art, has worked as a marketing director and for design agencies. She has specialist knowledge of 3D modeling and animation having also been a college lecturer in Glasgow. More recently Mandy has been working as a freelance creative consultant, including heading up Eco’s successful rebrand.

“ This expansion is a natural fit for Eco’s Comms division so that, in addition to offering businesses the best tailored mobile, hosted and IT solutions, we are now also able to offer bespoke design and marketing solutions .”

Mandy McDougall, Creatve Director

Mandy said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to be working with an enthusiastic, dynamic and positive team. Even as a consultant I always felt part of the Eco team. I have really enjoyed Eco’s customer-focused approach. It’s very much in line with my ethos and way of working. I like to support businesses and organisations by building strong relationships with customers. In terms of design and marketing that means working with clients in a way in which they still retain ownership of their own brand. It’s very important to me that the customer is comfortable with all stages of the design process and that they see us as an extension of their team. This expansion is a natural fit for Eco’s Comms division so that in addition to offering businesses the best tailored mobile, hosted and IT solutions, we are now also able to offer bespoke design and marketing solutions.”

Eco launches Visitor Registration Tool

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 13:02:31 GMT

ECO LAUNCHES INNOVATION TO HELP PUBS COMPLY WITH NEW LAWS

A Scottish solutions company Eco is launching a new system to help pubs, restaurants and cafes keep staff and customers safe in light of new laws across the nation.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that from Friday (August 14) it will be mandatory for the hospitality sector to collect customer details for the Scottish Government’s Test and Protect programme in the wake of a coronavirus outbreak in Aberdeen.

Scottish solutions experts Eco, who received national acclaim for the way they responded to the pandemic to help care homes and other businesses, is launching a new contactless system from Monday (August 10) to help pubs, restaurants and other venues.

The Annan-based company’s Econnects technology is a simple-to-use system for pubs and restaurant owners and for customers, which enables establishments to adhere to new laws while also remaining GDPR compliant. Econnects is designed to help businesses remain compliant by maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to venues and by supporting Test and Protect to identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.

“Econnects gives everyone – staff, customers, and any visitors to the premises such as those who are delivering – reassurance and peace of mind that, as well as enforcing social distancing at our venues, we are also doing everything we can by utilising the very latest technology to keep everyone safe.”

Dianne Irving, MD Drouth

Ayr-born pub group managing director Dianne Irving is the first to adopt the pioneering technology at her award-winning and historic venues.

Dianne said: “This situation is going to be with us for a long time so we were looking for a sustainable solution which makes it easy for our staff to gather and store information, and is also really easy to use for our customers. Econnects gives everyone – staff, customers, and any visitors to the premises such as those who are delivering – reassurance and peace of mind that, as well as enforcing social distancing at our venues, we are also doing everything we can by utilising the very latest technology to keep everyone safe.”

Dianne, who is MD of pub company Drouth, runs venues in the Border City of Carlisle – the award-winning Crown and historic city centre Howard Arms.
She wants to ensure her venues are as safe as possible to staff and customers from both sides of the border in the long-term, as well as in the immediate future.

Dianne said: “We have been keeping a close eye on what Nicola Sturgeon is saying, as well as what is coming out of Westminster – and we wouldn’t be surprised to see laws in England follow suit to what is happening in Scotland.

“As we have visitors to our venues from both sides of the border we wanted to make sure we are ahead of the game and offering the latest pioneering solutions to help keep everyone safe so that our customers can enjoy our pubs with that peace of mind and confidence which is so important to everyone right now.”

Eco’s Econnects system is quick and easy to set up for any premises and involves a simple-to-use mobile interface for both staff and users registering entry with a contactless check-in.

Eddie Black, Eco managing director, said: “We have developed Econnects to provide a simple, affordable, contactless solution to help keep people as safe as possible in any environment – whether that be pubs, restaurants, cafes, offices, gyms, entertainment venues, sporting arenas, or other premises.

“There is a requirement on hospitality owners in Scotland from Friday (August 14) to collect customer details for Test and Protect. This system is ideal for pub, restaurant and hotel owners, as it helps achieve that in an easy-to-use way which reassures staff and customers. It also gives companies who have this system in place a competitive edge as it is the type of technology consumers will be looking for more and more. Knowing this solution is in place gives staff and customers that all-important confidence. It also allows business owners to concentrate their efforts on providing great service as they look to build their businesses back up after lockdown.”

Donna Daly, Eco’s finance director, who has been instrumental in rolling out the technology along with executive assistant Ellie Missen and other team Eco experts, said: “ One of the many advantages of this system is that it’s purely web-based. It requires no technical knowledge from the user and there’s no need to install anything on any hardware. A QR code is provided, along with a poster with an establishment’s logo. Venues are also able to upload a PDF of their menu to the Econnects system which people can then access on the site. At the moment a lot of businesses are using paper menus which can only be used once and then have to be thrown away. This system takes all that hassle away, saving time, cutting out needless admin, and helping the environment as well.”

Eco’s response solutions division already has an impressive track record of helping the nation in its time of need. The Scottish company delivered one million items of PPE to UK care homes within seven days at the start of the outbreak. Eco’s sanitising solutions have also helped a UK factory making material for visors for the NHS keep operating 24/7. As well as its new Econnects technology, Eco’s response solutions include testing kits, testing pods, hygiene portals, thermal imaging cameras, PPE and sanitiser.

The company is building its own state of the art, 3,000-square-metre headquarters for 80 employees at Annan, where former deep-sea fisherman Eddie will be deploying all the technologies to protect the health and well-being of his own team.

All the technologies will be in place at Eco’s offices, as well as keyless entry, intercomms, and antivirus coverings on desks and chairs, the latter from one of Eco’s own specialist companies Ghyll House Upholstery and Design, to help keep COVID-19, and any other future viruses, at bay.

All personal data collected on the Econnects system is Advanced Encryption Standard 256 encrypted on secure servers to comply with data regulations. Eco is also registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) regarding its data compliance.

Any organisation or business which would benefit from Eco’s Econnects system or other solutions, or would like to know more, is asked to visit www.econnects.co.uk or email hello@econnects.co.uk or phone 01461 500 206 for more information.

See article here: https://www.businessfocusmagazine.com/2020/08/10/eco-launches-innovation-to-help-pubs-comply-with-new-laws/

Introducing Ellie

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 04 Aug 2020 11:16:29 GMT

Introducing Ellie Missen - the newest addition to Team Eco.

Ellie brings with her nearly twelve years of experience in higher education specialising in recruitment, events, business retention, outreach interventions and six years' experience as a Virtual PA working with clients around the globe. With a degree from the University of Cumbria, her love of this region has meant she has settled here.

In her roles prior to joining the Eco team, Ellie was responsible for prioritising communications via CRM and social media through targeted, time-specific and streamlined content to ensure continued interest was kept throughout any defined strategy. Ellie focused on growing and developing existing leads and expanding relationships by proposing solutions that met needs and objectives. These skills will be transferable skill set in her new role.

Eddie Black, Eco MD, said “We’re very excited to have Ellie on board. Her depth of experience, knowledge and organisational skills will complement our growing team of passionate and experienced professionals. The rapid growth of the Eco Group has highlighted the requirement for a competent, experienced and professional executive assistant to drive efficiency and optimise the time of the executives, employees and external partners”.

More information about Ellie and the Eco team is available at our company team page

The Eco Response

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 12:15:41 GMT

Eco features in the July-August Quality World magazine.

For businesses large and small and their employees, 2020 will no doubt go down in history as one of the toughest. At the time of writing, there is no end point in sight to the Covid-19 pandemic, and its effects on businesses will be felt for years to come. But for one company in the Dumfries and Galloway town of Annan, Scotland, the lockdown has not meant being locked out of opportunities. Eddie Black, Managing Director at Eco, tells Quality World how his company is providing hospitals, care homes, schools, and other clients with hygiene solutions during this pandemic.

Eco is a family-owned diverse group of companies, which provides different products and services to other businesses and organisations. Eco has a reputation for answering SOS calls from businesses during major crises. At the height of the floods that hit the UK in December 2015, the organisation was called in to help get a large food factory back on its feet.

At the helm of the Eco group is Founder and Managing Director Eddie Black, who describes Eco as “a one-stop shop” whose aim is “to take the pain away from companies, whatever that may be”. Crucial to that, Black says, has been a focus on long-term strategy rather than short-term goals – an approach that has proved invaluable as the coronavirus situation has evolved. Quality World speaks to Black to find out more about how Eco has diversified its service offering to meet demand during the pandemic.

Adapting to change
“Back in the beginning of the outbreak, we’d been watching and monitoring what was happening in other countries, and how people were dealing with it, so we envisaged what would happen in the UK,” Black recalls. He decided early on to be proactive, and long before the UK Government announced social distancing and lockdown measures, the Eco team was planning ahead.

“We calculated which revenue streams would stop or be seriously affected, and which staff would therefore be furloughed. We then put together a very small, streamlined team of people who would be essential to try and divert the company into a different direction,” Black explains. “We knew there were going to be people on the frontline that would need assistance. We looked at our supply chain across all our companies, and looked at our skills, and asked ourselves: ‘What can we turn around quickly to help in the fight against the coronavirus?’”

“We knew there were going to be people on the frontline that would need assistance”

Eco’s newest business venture – Eco Response – was the result. The team worked with existing suppliers to source masks, aprons and sanitisation products, and used its own expertise to put together a rapid response deep cleaning offering that can be used in places that need to be deep cleaned. Eco Response can also deploy a full range of contamination control technologies including virus testing kits and testing pods, hygiene portals, thermal imaging cameras that can detect elevated body temperatures, biometric face recognition, anti-virus sanitiser, antimicrobial cubicles, furniture and fittings, and inflatable and prefabricated buildings.

“We wanted to create a toolbox of products and services that could be useful in the pandemic, and we presented what we’d done to our clients, Scottish Enterprise, the government and local MPs,” Black says.

Focus on health and care
Before long, it came to the team’s attention that a nearby Dryfemount Care Home in Lockerbie was struggling on the frontline, unable to source vital hand sanitiser as supplies ran dry across the UK. Eco donated a package of antimicrobial sanitisers and reusable visors to protect the care home’s 45 staff and 29 residents.

Soon after, a call came in from a large care home group in desperate need of some PPE. “There are 254 homes in the group, and they needed 70,000 face masks for their 10,000 staff,” Eddie says. “We hadn’t dealt with them before, but we said we’d source everything overnight and come back to them the next morning. We secured the masks at a great market price, got them into the UK, and we delivered them by Friday afternoon.” Eco now has a contract with the care home group to supply 6,000 litres of sanitiser and 250,000 surgical masks every month, and half a million aprons every week.

The rapid response provision was not the first time Eco has been involved with frontline health and care organisations. Eco Dry Ice has been working with Leeds General Infirmary for around 18 months, providing specialist cleaning and decontamination of laundry drying machines. In addition, another of Black’s companies is supplying antibacterial fabrics, furniture and reupholstery to the NHS.

“We’ve got ourselves into a position where we can deal with a lot of the problems that will continue after everything is back to normal,” Black says, pointing to ongoing cleanliness stewardship. “We are already developing new products using antimicrobial materials, and we’re able to make a massive impact. I think we’ll see an upturn in that side of the business.”

Standing out with quality assurance
Undoubtedly, Black’s forward-looking approach to business has been essential in navigating through the months of uncertainty and providing the Eco group with a degree of stability. However, this progressive outlook is nothing new, and has previously helped set Eco apart from competitors in numerous ways.

For example, having spotted a skills gap in the market, Black tasked Eco’s training director Silvia Olivieri with building three industry qualifications from scratch, in dry ice blast cleaning, tyre-mould building and assembly, and ultrasonic cleaning. Accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority at levels 5 and 6, the vocational training not only demonstrates to clients that Eco’s staff are proficient in their jobs – in fact, Eco is the only dry ice blast service provider in the world whose employees are formally qualified – but it also paves the way to train and upskill workers across the industry more widely.

“We like to empower our staff – the qualifications we developed for them was one way to show that,” Olivieri explains. “It’s not just about the job they do; they also learn Microsoft Excel, team working, and lots of other things.”

That feeds into how quality assurance is structured at the Eco group, too, with each and every member of staff made to feel like they play a key role in maintaining quality standards. Achieving buy-in from staff across the organisation helped them to achieve the ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management systems certification, first for the dry ice business and more recently for the project’s arm. Now, the group is on the path to achieving the ISO 14001 – Environmental management systems standard. This demonstrable commitment to quality, Black believes, is another way to separate themselves from competition. Having the ISO 9001:2015 certification is a prerequisite for winning business from many of Eco’s clients, but it has helped to highlight where processes could beimproved internally, and led to Olivieri adopting a new operations management system in 2019.

“Things were centralised when I started working at Eco but I’ve adapted things to put more responsibility on individual managers to check what they are responsible for,” she comments. “We now put all the information on jobs into one system that everyone can access, and I can audit everything according to the quality system we have in place.

“Our objective in terms of quality is to give the customer the best product or service in the best time and the best quality, so we can make sure the whole process is covered from the moment the client approaches us, or we approach them, up to delivering that product or service.”

It’s important for Olivieri that staff training extends to quality improvement. “If a member of staff knows why they are doing what they’re doing, they are the best sellers we have,” she adds. “The clearer you are in the objectives, the easier it is for everyone to know why we need to do it, and if they understand why, they’ll do it. They know the standards and where we want to go, so they feel comfortable going through the hoops to get there.”

Quality from afar
Keeping quality at the fore of Eco’s collective mindset has never been more important than it has been during the coronavirus pandemic – clients need to be assured that Eco’s PPE kits are fit for purpose, for example. But the crisis has
presented challenges to conforming to quality standards, as Olivieri explains.

“There is a small team who are running things, and coming and going, but other staff have been furloughed or working remotely. We’re all so far away from each other, and that has made it harder to communicate,” she says. “In one way, because we’re not doing as much as normal, it’s easier to control quality, but in another way – because people are
dispersed – it’s harder.

“It’s certainly more difficult to communicate with one another and to make sure everything is still done in the same way. But our system helps everyone to keep on top of everything, because people can access it remotely. You can create jobs, quotes, orders and paperwork on the go, so we can still maintain the quality we need while people are away from the office.”

As well as conforming to quality standards, it’s been essential to protect Eco’s quality of reputation during the pandemic. That has entailed complete transparency with suppliers and clients, maintaining normal margins and keeping the existing supply chain where possible. As Black points out, profiteering in a crisis is not a good look, and might secure business in the
short term, but would likely send clients running in the opposite direction when
things return to normal.

“Our suppliers know and trust us, so when we asked them to support us in helping out frontline staff, they did. We haven’t broken our normal supply chain route or tried to navigate around anybody,” he comments. “If something can’t be supplied that way, we’d rather say no than say yes and try to scramble under pressure, and possibly buy fraudulent goods. That way, we can be sure we’re maintaining quality. And if you’ve operated your business in a quality way for years, your business is going to be robust. Everyone is going to feel pain, but by doing things properly from the outset, you’ll be in a better position than those who haven’t.”

Eddie Black's Top Tips

A look to the future
When the UK went into lockdown in March, Eco was in the middle of constructing a new head office. Completing that project and moving everyone into the building will be the first objective when an end to the coronavirus crisis comes into sight. The company has also learned in recent months that being proactive and thinking ahead of the curve has allowed it to remain in business.

Quality will also still be a focus for Eco – in particular, securing ISO 14001 certification. “After all, Eco is our name, so it makes sense,” Black quips. The team had been working towards the accreditation before the lockdown was implemented, but it’s currently on hold until the normal business routine resumes and the group has moved into its newly constructed, state-of-the-art £5m headquarters.

In a similar vein, the group’s corporate and social responsibility (CSR) and health and safety commitments are vital to supporting the business as it moves forward. It is SafeContractor accredited and a lifetime partner of B1G1 Business for Good, a social enterprise that helps businesses to give to charitable projects.

“With the situation we find ourselves in now, quality and CSR really matter,” Black says. “Companies need to start prioritising these things above price, because employees and clients are looking more at what companies have behind them. It gives you substance and value and shows your ethics.”

This will no doubt help Black to achieve his prime goal – to leave a legacy in the Dumfries and Galloway region. “I want to build something, and all the key people have got a vested interest in the business as well so they can take it on beyond me. It’s my job to inspire everybody else to believe we’re doing the right thing.”

Written by Allie Anderson

https://www.quality.org/qualityworld

Eco on the road

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 18:47:02 GMT

Have you spotted Eco's new livery on its fleet on vans?

As part of the ongoing expansion of the Eco Group and its 2020 rebrand, we've just had our vans stripped and updated with our new rainbow motif and logo. O ur fleet is a hugely visible part of our business and often the primary customer-facing element of our brand. We wanted to create a clean, professional and bright fleet that is instantly recognisable as Eco.

Working with our designer and local business – Signcraft Signs, the new livery has been applied with vinyl graphic film, with a high lustre finish, to ensure it maintains its brightness and colour throughout each vehicle's lifespan on the fleet. Eco specified a high-quality graphics film to ensure it resists tearing, whilst being extremely resistant to weather and other outdoor influences.

Give our drivers the thumbs-up if you spot them out and about.

On the ball

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 10:44:01 GMT

Eco has set its sights on helping get Carlisle United and Annan Athletic fans back into their grounds after the coronavirus outbreak.

Eddie Black, managing director of Eco, is at the helm of a company which is building its headquarters in Annan. His firm is looking at safe solutions to help fans watch the footy.

The clubs are helping to test technologies at their Brunton Park and Galabank grounds, before they are rolled out other stadiums across the UK and worldwide. Solutions include testing pods, thermal imaging cameras, biometric face recognition, pre-book scanning systems, and pop-up polytunnels among others.

“The health and well-being of people is our number one priority and anyone running a football club, or any business, knows they are going to have to spend some money to ensure they are doing everything they can to provide a safe environment. I also know that they want to put in a solution which is future-proofed so they only have to spend the money once. ”

- Eddie Black, Eco Managing Director

“Our solution is to do everything feasible to prevent a virus from getting into a stadium. We are looking at long-term, flexible solutions which will provide contamination control and peace of mind. We will achieve this with a combination of future-proof and adaptable technologies situated outside grounds.

The health and well-being of people is our number one priority and anyone running a football club, or any business, knows they are going to have to spend some money to ensure they are doing everything they can to provide a safe environment. I also know that they want to put in a solution which is future-proofed so they only have to spend the money once.

The first line of defence is thermal imaging cameras situated at a location outside the ground which can detect someone’s temperature. If the camera picks up a high temperature then that person would need to go to a nearby testing pod. Tests will be carried out at the pod and the results will be available within 15-20 minutes. If a person tests positive they will have to comply with all government and public health restrictions which are in place at that time, such as self-isolating. People who test negative, or who aren’t picked up as having a temperature by the camera, will then proceed to the entrance. But before they get into the ground they will enter a final sanitisation stage.

They will walk up to a hygiene portal which will have a touchless hand-sanitiser dispenser which will also activate a fine sanitising mist when people walk through, which will also have a tray to ensure the soles of people’s shoes are sanitised. Then fans will be able to continue into the ground knowing that they and fellow supporters have all gone through the same processes to keep everyone safe."

Any organisation or business which would benefit from Eco’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email response@teameco.co.uk for more information.

Game on!

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 15:01:58 GMT

How to get fans back into football grounds focuses solutions experts’ minds.

How football fans will be able to safely access stadiums when lockdown restrictions ease is a challenge being met by solutions experts.

Eco, which came to the nation’s aid by delivering one million items of PPE to UK care homes in seven days, is focused on how to get sports fans back into grounds. The English Premier League and the Championship are due to restart on June 17 and June 20 respectively - but all matches will be behind closed doors. Scottish football is hoping to start the 2020/21 season in August. Some lower and non-league clubs in England have said that, due to gate receipts being key to their revenue streams, finding a way of getting fans safely back into grounds is a priority issue for them to financially survive the 2020/2021 season.

It’s not just football. Test Match cricket is due to be played in front of no supporters when England host a three-match series against the West Indies in Southampton and Manchester next month. And Premiership Rugby in England has announced it plans to restart its season on August 15, again behind closed doors. While sports supporters will be able to watch much of the action on television, many feel only when fans are allowed back into stadiums will sport truly be back. With that in mind, Eco believes it has found the answer to helping get fans back into grounds and is in discussion with two professional football clubs to test its technology.

The solutions experts have applied their thinking and technologies to ensure football grounds, along with other sports stadia and concert venues, are able to ensure they are operating a virus-free environment so crowds can be welcomed back.

“Our solution is to do everything feasible to prevent a virus from getting into a stadium. We are looking at long-term, flexible solutions which will provide contamination control and peace of mind. We will achieve this with a combination of future-proof and adaptable technologies situated outside grounds.”

- Eddie Black, Eco Managing Director

Eco, which is based in Scotland and Cumbria, has assembled a full range of contamination control technologies including hygiene portals, testing pods, thermal imaging cameras, biometric face recognition, pre-book scanning systems, and pop-up polytunnels, complete with club colours and crests, to channel the correct flow of people in a one-way crowd control system on the approach to stadiums.

Eco is in discussion with English League Two side Carlisle United, and Scottish League Two side Annan Athletic, about testing the technologies at their grounds, before they roll out their solutions to other football clubs and stadiums across the UK and beyond.

Eco managing director Eddie Black said: “Our solution is to do everything feasible to prevent a virus from getting into a stadium. We are looking at long-term, flexible solutions which will provide contamination control and peace of mind. We will achieve this with a combination of future-proof and adaptable technologies situated outside grounds.”

Eddie explained that making sure the technologies are affordable, and value for money, for football clubs and other organisations is also key.

Eddie explained how the technologies, including thermal imaging cameras, testing kits, testing pods and hygiene portals, work together to help keep people safe.

He said: “The first line of defence are thermal imaging cameras situated at a location outside the ground which can detect someone’s temperature. If the camera picks up a high temperature then that person would need to go to a nearby testing pod. Tests will be carried out at the pod and the results will be available within 15-20 minutes. If a person tests positive they will have to comply with all government and public health restrictions which are in place at that time, such as self isolating. People who test negative, or who aren’t picked up as having a temperature by the camera, will then proceed to the entrance. But before they get into the ground they will enter a final sanitisation stage. They will walk up to a hygiene portal which will have a touchless hand sanitiser dispenser which will also activate a fine sanitising mist when people walk through, which will also have a tray to ensure the soles of people’s shoes are sanitised. Then fans will be able to continue into the ground knowing that they and fellow supporters have all gone through the same processes to help keep everyone safe.”

Eco is building its own state of the art, 3,000-square-metre headquarters for 80 employees at Annan, where Eddie is deploying the technologies to protect the health and well-being of his own team. He plans to use all the technologies outside the building, as well as keyless entry, intercoms, and antivirus coverings on furniture, to help keep any virus at bay.

Eddie said: “We can reduce the risk massively if we use all these technologies. It’s all about looking after people, and making sure people are as safe as possible.”

Eco’s emergency rapid response solutions division has already helped the nation in its time of need.

As well as delivering one million items of PPE to UK care homes within a week, its sanitising solutions have been helping a UK factory, making material for visors for the NHS, keep operating 24/7.

Any organisation or business which would benefit from Eco’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email response@teameco.co.uk for more information.

Safe spaces even faster

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 11:10:03 GMT

Eco's sanitiser range now includes a fast-acting, long-standing aerosol.

Recent months have seen many manufacturers dramatically alter their processes to produce goods vastly different to their usual end-product, as they unite in the war against COVID-19. Eco, rapid response specialists, are joining the fight, and we’re very proud to introduce our latest product: Eco Anti Virus Aerosol spray.

Eco sanitiser contains a complex polymeric biocide and virucide that is applied to the hands or surfaces for the purpose of removing common pathogens (disease-causing organisms) and viruses including Coronavirus COVID-19. Unlike the alcohol rubs and gels we are familiar with; this non-hazardous formulation contains no alcohol, but kills average 99.999% of bacteria in a broader spectrum and over a much longer time.

During the Coronavirus COVID-19 global crisis, many companies, institutions, and members of the public are turning to traditional alcohol-based sanitisers for protection from the virus. It is true that this type of alcohol-based product can offer a degree of protection, however alcohol-based sanitisers have many short comings which Eco Sanitiser successfully overcomes.

Alcohol is a biocide but it has many disadvantages; for example, in order to kill the virus which causes COVID-19, the alcohol concentration must be over 70% to be effective. Hybond have observed sanitisers in circulation with a concentration as low as 57% percent, which is quite simply powerless against COVID-19 and other bacteria. Alcohol has other disadvantages, which many will be familiar with, particularly its drying effect on our skin. It’s flammable, and its antiviral effect is instantaneous but not long-lasting; it kills the virus on your hands but almost immediately leaves them unprotected against further contact.

AREAS FOR USE

Quite simply, the possibilities are endless! This versatile product can be used by everyone from members of the public to large institutions. Available in multiple methods of application, there is scope to apply to hands, spray over surfaces, in the work place, and the home. Here’s just a few examples of locations where XtraSan can and should be used:

The Home
Nurseries, Schools, Colleges, Universities
Hospitals, GP Practices, Medical Facilities
Nursing Homes
Supermarkets, Retail Outlets
Offices, Banks
Places of worship, Entertainment Venues

If you require assistance in ensuring your premises are business-ready in the 'new normal', we can help. Please get in touch at hello@teameco.co.uk

Back to business

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 15:08:33 GMT

Businesses call in Eco's furnishings experts to help them redesign their spaces ready to welcome back customers

Hospitality businesses and other sectors needing to reconfigure their spaces to comply with COVID-19 social distancing regulations are being supported by design experts, Ghyll House.

Staff at Ghyll House Upholstery and Design, part of the Eco solutions business, have returned to work at their HQ to help businesses transform their spaces in time for when they can reopen. Redesigns are focused on helping businesses reopen when lockdown eases in a way which gives staff and customers full confidence in the safety measures adopted.

“We’ve been very busy recovering seating in bars, headboards in hotels, and equipment in gyms with antibacterial material.”

- Joe McAlpine, General Manager, Ghyll House Upholstery + Design

"We work best where the customer shares with us details of the space and the issues they have, including how the flow of people will work in that space given the social distancing regulations, and then we redesign the space for them to meet their requirements. We know that finances are going to be an issue for many of these businesses who are faced with redesigns at a time when they have been hit hard by the economic impact of coronavirus. Our solutions are focused on being cost-effective and value for money while also ensuring everything is designed with the safety of staff and customers in mind.

We offer a full design and fit-out service. It might be when we look at the space that making bespoke booths to fit the space will be the best option. We might also find that we are able to recover much of the furniture with an anti-bacterial easy-to-sanitise material, which will meet all the safety requirements. We’ve been very busy recovering seating in bars, headboards in hotels, and equipment in gyms with antibacterial material.

Many of these businesses know that if they are ahead of the game and are making these changes now in line with all the legislation that they are likely to win more business when they reopen as staff and customers will have confidence in their environment being safe to use.

“It’s about them putting cost-effective safety solutions in place now so they are first in the queue to win back customers when lockdown is eased.”

As part of parent company Eco’s support to businesses, Ghyll House is also able to offer its customers access to a full sanitisation service of their premises before they reopen.

“Bars, hotels, restaurants, holiday parks, will all need to be sanitised before they reopen. People selling their homes and wanting viewings, are all going to need to make sure their premises are sanitised before potential buyers can visit. As sanitisation specialists we are helping a lot of businesses with this service. We have sanitised a major food industry factory and have long-standing experience of that sector as well, and can help anyone who needs to sanitise food preparation areas or kitchens.”

Eco has earned praise during lockdown for keeping a factory which makes material for NHS visors operating 24/7 with its sanitisation solution services. And Eco also came to the rescue of thousands of care homes across the UK by supplying one million items of PPE within just seven days.

“We’re continuing to work closely with the medical sector. We’ve just finished an order to reupholster all the recliner chairs and seats for a major city hospital, and have been asked for a quote to replace all the fabrics in a Lake District doctor’s surgery.”

Ghyll House’s own HQ at Mealsgate near Cockermouth in Cumbria has been fitted with sanitisation stations and social distancing regulations are enforced to enable its own workforce to safely get back to work.

Joe said: “It has been great getting back into our offices this week and focusing on helping businesses to adapt so that when they are allowed to reopen they can immediately welcome back customers. It’s another way we can support and help the wider business community.”

If you require assistance in ensuring your premises are business-ready in the 'new normal', we can help. Please get in touch at projects@teameco.co.uk or visit the Ghyll House website at www.ghup.co.uk

Eco's Covid clean-up team delivers for Dupont, Dumfries

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 21 May 2020 21:23:29 GMT

Eco's ambition has always been to inspire confidence, trust and practise ethical values - this trust and reliability has never been more important than during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eco have supplied dry ice blasting services to Dupont for many years – and have stepped up to help with our Rapid Response decontamination service and the supply of surgical masks, sanitisers and other PPE items.

Jim Patterson, site maintenance manager at Dupont Teijin Films UK LTD, gives Eco a glowing testimonial after we helped them source PPE and deep clean their spaces.

“As I have come to expect, this is another problem area where Team Eco have provided a fantastic solution and delivered on all aspects.”

- Jim Patterson, Site Maintenance Manager – Dupont Teijin Films UK LTD

"Ever since the Covid 19 outbreak I have been impressed by the responses I have received from Eddie and Stuart at Eco – in fact, the whole team.

Complete professionalism has got us to a point onsite where we have managed to procure hand and surface sanitiser, dust masks and other PPE that we require during this difficult time – especially when sourcing these products has proved challenging.

This service has now escalated to a COVID-19 clean-up team who have been on call 24/7 with a on-demand decontamination cleans for locker rooms, lab and operational areas.

This has been handled and delivered without hassle or issue. The Eco team have understood that our plants are still operational - creating minimal disruption – and have recognised the understandable nervousness concerning social distancing when there are third parties amongst our resident personnel and have been mindful of this concern. We now plan to roll out this service to other areas in the business within the next few weeks as we continue to work with Team Eco to fight this pandemic.

As I have come to expect this is another problem area where Team Eco have provided a fantastic solution and delivered on all aspects."

- Jim Patterson, Site Maintenance Manager – Dupont Teijin Films UK LTD

Eco's Rapid response team are on-call 24/7. If an operator has to leave your site due to symptoms of covid-19 Eco-Response can be there within the hour for local businesses to sanitise and deep clean areas where that operator has been. This allows production to be back up-and-running with as little disruption as possible.

Weekly sanitising cleaning packages are also available,

If you require assistance in ensuring your premises and vehicles are professionally decontaminated, we can help. Please get in touch at sd@teameco.co.uk or call our office on 01461 500 206. For emergency rapid response, please call Stuart on 07864 648162.

Coronavirus cleaning and decontamination services

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 18 May 2020 20:41:32 GMT

With the current COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak affecting businesses, schools and universities, the Eco group has stepped up to help tackle the epidemic.

Our accredited teams can use a combination of broad-spectrum biocide sanitising products and specialist dry ice cleaning equipment to quickly and professionally decontaminate most sites from bacteria and viruses, including factories, offices, schools, colleges and universities, clinics, care homes, venues and shops.

Deep cleaning for:

With Government and WHO policies changing at a rapid rate, we are ready to adapt and refine our services as required.

If you require assistance in ensuring your premises and vehicles are professionally deep cleaned, we can help. Please get in touch at sd@teameco.co.uk .

How do we get the country back to work?

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Wed, 06 May 2020 10:32:04 GMT

How do we find a way out of lockdown and get the country back to work?

Eddie Black, managing director of solutions business Eco, believes technology-driven prevention at the factory gate and office door is the best cure to keeping Covid-19 at bay and kick-starting the economy.

Today’s problem? How do we get the country back to work, while keeping people safe, and maintaining public trust. With political leaders expected to announce some initial steps to get the country back to work, it’s the issue which is vexing the nation.

A YouGov/Sunday Times survey of 1,654 adults carried out between April 30 and May 1, quoted in the media over the weekend, revealed that if lockdown ends in a few weeks time 30 per cent of people are not confident about going back to their place of work, as opposed to 25 per cent who are. So how do we create workplaces which are safe, where people are happy to go to work, so that we can start the much-needed economic recovery? Building public trust is going to be vital to any successful strategy as the country seeks a route out of lockdown. That means finding a solution to the problem.

Eddie Black, 45, managing director of solutions business ECO writes:

There is a solution. There is always a solution. But in my opinion that solution will come from bringing together a range of different technologies. It feels right now that to stick your head above the parapet, to express your view on how this might best work, might mean having to don your hard hat, such is the strength, understandably, of public and political opinion. That strength of feeling comes because the stakes are so high. In many ways they couldn’t be higher. Both in terms of the health of our people, and the economic health of our nation. As business people, we have had a lot to adapt to over the last decade, and we have always found a way forward. We will do so again.

From 2000 to 2019 the UK experienced the world’s biggest recession, the Scottish independence referendum and Brexit. Turbulent and inconsistent times. The start of the next decade - 2020 - I was positive, thinking business and life couldn’t get any more difficult. Then within two months - Coronavirus. Covid-19. Words previously unfamiliar, now the words on everyone’s lips and minds around the world. The virus is revealing what is good and bad about our world and our society. It is also revealing that our way of life is flawed. Human beings are a nightmare. At the same moment, both intelligent and destructive.

I am an entrepreneur employing 50 people in ECO, a solutions business based in south-west Scotland and Cumbria. I am proud of my business - which I started 10 years ago - and proud of the whole team. We provide solutions to problems. We get stuff done.

Our Covid-19 emergency rapid response solutions division, set up within a week to help the UK in a crisis, delivered one million items of PPE to UK care homes in seven days. And our sanitising solutions have helped a UK factory, making material for visors for the NHS keep operating 24/7. But, deep down, I will always be a fisherman. Every time that I'm in a position of difficulty I revert back to my years as a fishing skipper. Being at sea is difficult. Being at sea and being a deep sea fisherman is a completely different thing. Every day is a challenge and every day can end in pain.

Covid-19 is a very difficult problem. It causes fear, takes lives and results in economic problems unlike anything else. So, amid all this chaos, how do we get back to some sort of normality?

Using my embedded problem-solving fisherman mentality I'm looking at deflecting viruses at the perimeters of facilities or sites. There is no way that you can contain or solve this by allowing the enemy within your walls. In my opinion we need to look at several different solutions, which can be collated in whatever order, to mitigate the risk of an infected person entering your facility or premises. The fact is we all need to realise that this is a stark warning. It's only a matter of time before something similar happens again, or there is another spike or strain. Covid-19 is the wake-up call. I underestimated it and that was a mistake. I made a pledge in business, and in life, long ago to never make a wrong decision twice. I have responded by compiling a few different offerings which can reduce the impact on our businesses with the added benefit of enabling confidence and normality in the workplace.

We need the economy to move again and fast. Talking, and trying to navigate the multitude of issues to deal with the spread once within our offices, sites, bars and restaurants is futile. We need to be looking at robust and future-adaptable technologies, to stop it getting in those places in the first instance. Prevent it from even getting in the front door.

There is no right or wrong. Everyone needs to look at all options. That way we will all end up with the best solutions. I'm a victim of the economic impact of Covid-19. But I'm not accepting that it’s going to finish me or what I've built. Nor will it finish the country. This is the first time in my life, onshore, away from deep sea fishing, where it really is a comparable live or die situation.

Eco hits the headlines

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 04 May 2020 11:00:10 GMT

Eco featured in the UK press as a total of 525,000 surgical masks, 500,000 disposable aprons, and 10,000 litres of sanitiser were sourced and delivered to care homes by ECO last week.

You can view the articles, please click on the links below:

Care staff helped as Eco deliver over 1m PPE Items

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 09:37:11 GMT

More than one million items of lifesaving PPE have been delivered to care homes across the UK in seven days thanks to swift action of the Eco rapid response team.

A total of 525,000 surgical masks, 500,000 disposable aprons, and 10,000 litres of sanitiser have been sourced and delivered to care homes by ECO this week alone.

A total of 525,000 surgical masks, 500,000 disposable aprons, and 10,000 litres of sanitiser have been sourced and delivered to care homes by Eco this week alone.

Paul Currie, Eco’s contracts manager, said: “We have worked with UK companies to source a sustainable supply of PPE here in this country, which is available to help people right now. We have supplied hundreds of care homes across the country, from individual homes to large groups, and right across the UK from Essex to Perthshire and everywhere in between. With the shortage of PPE around the country we wanted to use our expertise to step in and see what we could do to help.”

ECO has helped care homes across the UK, including more than 60 in London, and several in Scotland, the West Midlands, Yorkshire, the North-East, Merseyside, and Cumbria.

Paul said: “The feedback from care homes has been very positive. Procurement teams have thanked us for our swift action, for the quality of the equipment, and for keeping costs down.”

“We have supplied hundreds of care homes across the country, from individual homes to large groups, and right across the UK from Essex to Perthshire and everywhere in between. With the shortage of PPE around the country we wanted to use our expertise to step in and see what we could do to help.”

- Paul Currie, Eco Contracts Manager

Eco, which is based in Annan, has set up a full COVID-19 emergency rapid response solutions operation and a special medical division with a range of anti-virus sanitiser, PPE including masks and visors, testing kits, testing pods and medical beds.

The team at Eco, who also have a base in Cumbria, have already answered the call to help a factory, which has a government order for manufacturing vital material for visors for the NHS, to continue production 24/7 by supplying anti-virus sanitiser and an on-call emergency sanitising team.

Eddie Black, managing director of ECO, said: “Care home staff all over the country - just like the NHS and other emergency workers - are doing an incredible job. If anyone needs our expertise, we will get our teams onto it immediately to achieve what needs to be done.”

“Care home staff all over the country - just like the NHS and other emergency workers - are doing an incredible job. If anyone needs our expertise, we will get our teams onto it immediately to achieve what needs to be done.”

- Eddie Black, Eco Managing Director

Eco will also be launching back-to-work sanitising kits for when the lockdown starts to be lifted. When organisations are able to reopen Eco has sanitising kits suitable for a range of business needs from a one-person builder to a call centre employing 500 people.

Eco’s workspace division is also on hand to advise businesses how to ensure their business spaces comply with any regulations post lockdown.

Any organisation or business which would benefit from ECO’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email response@teameco.co.uk or visit www.teameco.co.uk/response for more information.

Care home manager praises Eco for donating ‘lifesaving equipment’

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 11:53:27 GMT

A care home is being helped to keep its residents and staff safe in the fight against coronavirus thanks to a generous donation of sanitiser and visors from Eco.

“In our time of need, with all that’s going on in the world, it’s gestures like this which make you feel like everything is worthwhile . ”

- John Whitehouse, deputy manager at Dryfemount Care Home

Dryfemount Care Home in Lockerbie, which has 29 residents and 45 staff, was struggling to get hold of the sanitiser it needed to keep residents and staff safe. But local company Eco came to the rescue and donated and delivered five-litres of its specialist anti-virus sanitiser and eight reusable visors.

John Whitehouse, deputy manager at Dryfemount Care Home, is full of praise for the way ECO has come to the aid of its residents and staff in their hour of need.

John said: “This is life-saving equipment to us. It allows us to keep our residents and staff safe. It is an extremely generous gesture and we are very grateful. We were really struggling to source any hand sanitiser. Everyone we contacted said there was none available because it was all going to the NHS. Then we heard that ECO had a secure supply of sanitiser and we got in touch and asked for a price list. Before we got a price list back a message came back via Eco’s boss to say they would donate some to us and that they could also sort us out with visors as well.”

John continues: “In our time of need, with all that’s going on in the world, it’s gestures like this which make you feel like everything is worthwhile. The sanitiser and visors are exactly what we need to keep everyone safe. They are invaluable to us. Obviously with our staff needing to give personal care to residents we can’t keep to the two-metre rule all the time. So the visors allow our staff to carry out their work safely. I must say all our staff have been brilliant throughout this. They are doing amazing work. I can’t thank them enough.”

“Care home staff all over the country - just like the NHS and other emergency workers - are doing an incredible job, and we wanted to make a gesture to show how much we appreciate it."

- Eddie Black, Eco Managing Director

Eddie Black, managing director of Eco, said: “When we heard this care home was struggling to source sanitiser we were only too happy to help. We have a secure supply of sanitiser and we have sourced visors as well so we were happy to give them what they needed. Care home staff all over the country - just like the NHS and other emergency workers - are doing an incredible job, and we wanted to make a gesture to show how much we appreciate it."

"Like any business, we have also had to adjust. We have used our skills to put together a comprehensive package of emergency rapid response solutions in the fight against COVID-19. Whether it’s a secure ongoing supply of significant volumes of sanitiser and specialist testing pods, all the way through to supplying and fitting out emergency buildings, with a full-range of medically-approved beds, we will do whatever needs to be done to help the medical sector fight this outbreak, and also to help keep essential business operations up and running."

"If anyone needs our expertise, we will get our teams onto it immediately to achieve what needs to be done.”

Any organisation or business which would benefit from ECO’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email response@teameco.co.uk or visit www.teameco.co.uk/response for more information.

Rapid response solutions to fight COVID-19

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 14:21:19 GMT

With a track record of coming to the rescue of major organisations at a time of crisis, Eco is at the forefront in the fight against COVID-19.

“The Government has requested companies like ours to come up with rapid solutions at this time of national emergency. That is exactly what we have done. ”

ECO, which already supplies one NHS trust, is answering the call to help any organisation in the health sector or any essential business combat the coronavirus outbreak.

The company with a reputation for ‘getting stuff done’, has set up a full COVID-19 rapid response solutions operation with a range of emergency buildings, beds, and sanitisation solutions.

It has already answered the call to help a factory, which has a government order for manufacturing vital material for visors for the NHS, to continue production 24/7 by supplying anti-virus sanitiser and an on-call emergency sanitising team.

ECO’s experience and equipment means it can even set up field hospitals and other emergency structures with its rapid response building team, and has large volumes of medically-approved beds to help cater for an upsurge in patients.

Prefabricated buildings, inflatable buildings, shelters, can all be provided at pace and its additional rapid response interior solutions operation means those buildings can also be fitted out with a wide range of medically-approved beds and the most hygienic materials available.

““We have used our skills and experience to put together the most comprehensive package of solutions we could imagine - from a secure ongoing supply of significant volumes of sanitiser and specialist testing pods, all the way through to supplying and fitting out emergency buildings, including with a full-range of medically-approved beds. ”

Eddie Black, managing director of ECO, said:

“The Government has requested companies like ours to come up with rapid solutions at this time of national emergency. That is exactly what we have done. We have responded rapidly as a team and as a business to put our skills towards helping others. We are committed to helping the Government tackle the coronavirus outbreak to the best of our abilities. We are focusing our efforts on providing this comprehensive package of emergency rapid response solutions in the fight against COVID-19.

We have used our skills and experience to put together the most comprehensive package of solutions we could imagine - from a secure ongoing supply of significant volumes of sanitiser and specialist testing pods, all the way through to supplying and fitting out emergency buildings, including with a full-range of medically-approved beds. We will do whatever needs to be done to help the medical sector fight this outbreak, and also to help keep essential business operations up and running.

We can help set up emergency buildings. We can prepare land and put up long-term, easily dismantlable buildings which are one of the fastest, most flexible options, for a range of uses, at this time of national emergency. These types of buildings can be easily erected and put to good use for a range of operations including medical centres, power hubs, offices, storage and, sad to say, even morgues.

“We could also convert or sanitise any building whether that’s hotels, conference centres, leisure centres, schools and colleges, disused buildings and spaces, in the fastest, most effective, way possible.

So far during the outbreak we have been helping essential businesses and private care homes to get the help they need to keep operating around the clock, and we are looking at helping GP surgeries. But even though we do work for the NHS in one area of the country - and even though the Government is crying out for companies like ours to help - it’s not always easy to reach the people who make the procurement decisions within the NHS and make them aware that we are here and we can help.”

ECO has a track record of rapid response. At the height of the devastating floods which hit the UK in December 2015 it helped get a major food industry business back on its feet.

Eddie said: “We know how to get this stuff done. If anyone needs our expertise, we will get our teams onto it immediately to achieve what needs to be done.”

ECO, which has its headquarters in Annan and has operations in Cumbria, is also known for its expertise in a range of dry ice cleaning and hygiene solutions which can help hospitals, care homes, emergency workers’ accommodation and transport operations, such as ambulances, keep clean during the coronavirus outbreak.

The company already supplies one of the UK’s largest hospital trusts - Leeds General Infirmary, part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust - and last month delivered a consignment of specially-treated antibacterial furniture to the hospital.

ECO is also building its own new headquarters at Annan for its 80 staff. Eddie said: “We know how to do this stuff - and quickly.

“We will do everything we can to help anyone who gets in touch - whether from organisations or businesses - to help fight the effects of this outbreak.”

Any organisation or business which would benefit from ECO’s help is asked to contact 01461 500 206 or email response@teameco.co.uk or visit www.teameco.co.uk for more information.

“We will do everything we can to help anyone who gets in touch - whether from organisations or businesses - to help fight the effects of this outbreak.”

HOW COULD ECO’S VIRUS TESTING PODS BE DEPLOYED?

ECO managing director Eddie Black explained how the company’s virus testing pods could be used across society to ensure those with coronavirus are tracked more effectively both during the lockdown and afterwards, once office buildings and events are back open again.

Eddie said: “The public or staff need to be protected and tested before entering a hospital, government facility, emergency services hub, essential factory or office building, and ultimately, when the lockdown is lifted, perhaps a festival, public event, or sporting venue.

“The public would enter the compound and if suspected of symptoms (or everyone), they would be taken to the testing pod to be tested. If the results are found to be negative, they would then be allowed to continue into the building/venue.

“If the person is found to test positive, they would then be moved to an isolation pod and not allowed entry. The testing pod and compound would then be temporarily closed, fumigated, cleaned and reopened rapidly, thus protecting all those people next to pass through the compound.”

Make use of a personal wifi hotspot.

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 12:56:57 GMT

Working from home and finding that y our WiFi slows down to a crawl when the whole family are using it? Fret not, New Homeworkers – a personal wifi hotspot may be the perfect solution.

We can even help check which network is strongest in your area. Get in touch with Eco Comms for more info at comms@teameco.co.uk

Home working – Eco's Top Tips

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 21:44:59 GMT

No strangers to flexible and agile working, we asked our team to provide their top home working tips.

Rock star or rock bottom?

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 16:51:01 GMT

Chancellor urged to cut red tape and change funding criteria which is putting millions of jobs and family livelihoods at risk.

“This is a sink or swim scenario and millions of jobs - and the livelihoods of families - are on the line.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak was hailed a ‘rock star’ when he announced a range of measures to support British businesses facing a financial crisis due to the coronavirus outbreak. But today one entrepreneur says unless the Chancellor cuts the red tape and changes the criteria preventing firms from accessing vital funding - bosses will soon brand him “rock bottom”.

“The Chancellor has made it clear that his intention is to support the British economy and protect British business. The only way to do that in the current COVID-19 situation is to make sure the money is ready and easy to access,” said entrepreneur Eddie Black.

“The headlines about the Government’s announcement about helping businesses via the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) are fantastic and the Chancellor looks like a rock star. The reality is very different to the headlines.”

Eddie, managing director of ECO, says that having read the terms of the loan, and having had in-depth conversations with a range of lenders on the panel, there’s some serious failings in the arrangements which could send businesses to the wall.

The loans are:

facilitated via the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme (EFG) and only protects the banks up to 80 per cent
subject to the usual credit and due diligence (this is estimated to be a four to six-week process)
subject to the ability to service the loan - businesses need to provide evidence of future forecasts and business performance predictions

Eddie says this has knock-on effects for the banks.

“Originally the banks were going to get 100 per cent guarantees and now it’s only 80 per cent. If there are defaults it will be down to the banks to pursue the debtor and take assets. The EFG Scheme is not a favoured route for them because the British Business Bank will have the excuse that any inability to pay was down to the lender’s poor due diligence.”

In terms of eligibility criteria for the British Business Bank scheme, an SME must:

be UK-based in its business activity, with annual turnover of no more than £45m
have a borrowing proposal which, were it not for the current pandemic, would be considered viable by the lender, and for which the lender believes the provision of finance will enable the business to trade out of any short-to-medium term difficulty.

It’s this reliance on future forecasts and business performance projections which Eddie says is such a contradiction.

“This is no time for unworkable criteria and red tape - the Government needs to realise this now before it’s too late”

Eddie continues:

“The British Business Bank criteria states that a company needs to be viable now. Businesses have had all future, or current, opportunities or contracts suspended, and/or, in worst case scenarios, cancelled, without knowing what comes next. Businesses don’t know if that opportunity or contract will be there in the future. Will the client even exist? The serviceability and criteria elements are a complete contradiction in terms. No-one knows what the future holds. In many ways, it’s the survival of the fittest. There is a risk that businesses will default - that is why it has been described as a war chest.

The best of British businesses will topple like dominoes if the government don’t protect the banks. The banks should not be held accountable for lending money that they would not have been asked to lend if it were not for COVID-19.

If the Chancellor really wants to back British business he needs to back the banks and put the liability on them to ensure that it gets this help into the economy. This is a sink or swim scenario and millions of jobs - and the livelihoods of families - are on the line.

There may be a concern from the Government that businesses will flaunt the rules if these serviceability factors and criteria are not in place, and that might be holding them back on ensuring that this help is available immediately and is easily accessible. But businesses which flaunt the rules can be pursued at a later date. Most businesses are not geared up for failure and are in it for the long haul.

The help is needed now. The money has been pledged and, even if there is a risk of some of it going down the drain, it is better than not getting it into the economy at all. We have to take a win-at-all-costs attitude to ensure British businesses survive.

This is no time for unworkable criteria and red tape - the Government needs to realise this now before it’s too late.”

ECO has bases at Annan and Creca in Dumfries and Galloway, and in the North-West of England and works all over the UK. It employs 55 people which is due to increase to 80 when it opens its new HQ in the summer.

Eco ready to come to the aid of NHS in fight against coronavirus outbreak

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 14:38:05 GMT

Eco is pulling out all the stops to come to the aid of the NHS in its hour of need as medics throughout the country battle the coronavirus outbreak.

“It is vital at this time of national emergency for businesses and organisations to come together and collaborate to share our resources and skills to help in the fight against coronavirus. ”

Eco is pulling out all the stops to come to the aid of the NHS in its hour of need as medics throughout the country battle the coronavirus outbreak.

Eco, which is known for its expertise in a range of hygiene and design solutions aimed at the likes of hospitals, care homes, schools, student accommodation and transport operations – supplies one of the UK’s largest hospital trusts.

Specialist solutions firm ECO has a tried and tested reputation of answering SOS calls to help businesses and organisations during a major crisis. At the height of the devastating floods which hit the UK in December 2015 it was called in to action to help get a major food industry factory back on its feet.

ECO’S renowned deep cleaning capability, including its dry ice and disinfecting expertise, is once again set to help the nation in its hour of need.

Today, as part of an ongoing contract, ECO delivered a consignment of specially-treated antibacterial furniture to Leeds General Infirmary, part of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Scottish firm ECO, which is building its own state-of-the-art HQ in Annan for 80 staff, is also a one-stop shop for designing and converting any building – whether that’s a hotel, warehouse, or disused property – into a suitable environment ready to join the fight against coronavirus.

Eddie Black, managing director of Eco, said:

“It is vital at this time of national emergency for businesses and organisations to come together and collaborate to share our resources and skills to help in the fight against coronavirus. We want to help the NHS, care homes and other medical centres – and help to convert other buildings for medical use whether that’s hotels, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, community centres, church halls or disused buildings – in the fastest, most effective way possible. If anyone needs our expertise in this area, and it’s within our capabilities and we have the resources, we will get our teams onto it immediately to achieve what needs to be done. If we can help in any way, we will.”

Any organisation or business which would benefit from ECO’s help is asked to contact response@teameco.co.uk

This article was originally published in Home Designer & Architect
https://homedesignerandarchitect.co.uk/2020/03/19/sos-experts-ready-to-come-to-the-aid-of-nhs-in-fight-against-coronavirus-outbreak-ecogenicsgroup/

Eco's response to COVID-19

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 14:58:10 GMT

Eco, like businesses across the world, are closely following Government and WHO updates and advice, endeavoring to protect our team, partners and customers.

Our top priority is to protect the health and safety of our people, both in and outside of our workplaces. We understand that we must make rapid, highly informed decisions, and take immediate actions to protect and support our people while ensuring that critical business operations continue in order to help continuity.

Eco already operate a flexible working policy wherever possible with our staff. This has helped creare a strong foundation should further containment and social distancing be required.

What we know so far:

Signs and symptoms – cough / difficulty in breathing / fever.
How is it spread – when there is close contact (within 2 meters or less) with an infected person or touching contaminated surfaces or objects.
The list of specified areas is constantly updated so the control will be on the places each person has visited and the people they have been in contact with as per our visitor and contractor questionnaire.

What have we done so far:

We issued a notice to staff on 03/03/2020 to inform them of the situation at the time and safety protocols.
We have stocked all our sites with alcohol based hand sanitisers and have put up posters reminding all of the safety rules to be followed.
We have created a visitor and contractor questionnaire to be completed by anyone visiting our sites - this will determine whether access will be allowed to our sites.
We have formed an Incident Management Team.
We have operational staff available to be moved between teams so we can maintain our levels of service, within reason and if the circumstances allow it.
We have informed all employees of internal measures to keep them safe.
We are restricting business travel to essential travel only.
We are following the protocol of requesting any employee showing any of the symptoms to self-isolate for 7 days.
We are recommending employees with holidays booked to inform us of their destination and to contact their travel companies for advice.

Our Incident Management Team are:

Why we created a contingency plan:

We want to ensure our staff, visitors and customers are safe when they visit our premises, or we visit theirs.
We want to make sure we have a continuity plan in place and are following the WHO and UK Government directives on the best plan of action.
We want to ensure our approach in dealing with this situation is informed and calm
Risk in the UK at the moment is considered high

We have also:

Analysed our current technology capabilities and ability to scale out internally, including our current communications plan and support structure.
Identified how we can leverage existing technologies to ensure we continue operating effectively.
Implemented a change management plan, including leadership communications that encourage employees to adopt key technologies that will facilitate connections to their team members and leaders in this new environment, internal meetings and external events.
Identified how to expand our workplaces to the periphery, including a focus on home networking, broader networking, security, upgrading other tools and capabilities and helping our people learn and embrace new ways of working with each other.

With Government and WHO policies changing at a rapid rate, we are ready to adapt and refine our internal policies as required.

If you require assistance in ensuring your business communications are adaptive in these difficult times, we can help. Please get in touch at comms@teameco.co.uk.

Holiday Inn to reopen rooms after flood restoration work by Eco

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 19:45:54 GMT

A popular Dumfries hotel will reopen 16 bedrooms later this month following the completion of flood restoration work by Eco.

Holiday Inn Dumfries, in the 85-acre parkland and gardens of the historic Crichton Estate, will reopen 16 newly-refurbished bedrooms later this month. The 71-bedroom venue, one of 31 hotels owned or operated by Jupiter Hotels under the leadership of CEO Shane Harris, suffered a burst water main causing flood damage last autumn.

Helen Hooper Interiors are the incumbent interior designers for Jupiter Hotels and Helen Hooper led the design process for the rooms that will be ready to welcome visitors later this month, while local specialists Eco carried out the refurbishment.

Martin Curtis, property manager at Jupiter Hotels, said:

“We have very demanding, exacting, technical and quality standards and from start to finish, from the initial emergency to completing the full refurbishment, Eco has met them all. They are a one-stop shop, with all their different skills, their building skills, flooring skills, interior design skills, and restoration skills. They always did things the way they said they would, and worked collaboratively with the hotel team to complete the job on time, on budget and to our very high standards.”

He added:

“We have high occupancy rates at the Dumfries hotel and it was very important to us that the rest of the hotel wasn’t affected throughout the restoration work. From the very first day Eco stepped in, and throughout the work, they had a good relationship with everyone and worked in a way which enabled us to carry on trading without any disruption to our guests.”

Eco, run by managing director Eddie Black, has bases in Carlisle, Mealsgate near Cockermouth, Dumfries, Creca, and is building its own 3,000 square metre HQ for 80 staff in Annan due to open in the summer.

Please click images to view larger.

Paul Currie, Eco’s contracts manager, said:

“What we at Eco pride ourselves on is that when someone has got a problem, we come up with a solution. Within 90 minutes of the call from Jamie, we were on site with nine of our team, including managing director Eddie Black and myself. We took over the situation. We got the water out of the building as quickly as we could including removing a floor to ceiling window for quick and safe access to skips and containers. We put temporary partitions up so that none of the guests would be affected by the areas we were working in and allowed us to comply with fire safety legislation. Within two hours we had 15 dehumidifiers on site and we removed the carpets and skirting boards to alleviate damp going up the walls.”

The Eco team got the furniture out of the hotel and into storage and sent any furniture for restoration to the Ghyll House arm of its business. They also brought in expert drying out specialists to assess the situation and draw up a programme of action which Eco carried out.

They used their contacts to immediately involve McGowan Miller chartered surveyors from Dumfries when the insurance company didn’t have anyone who could help nearby.

Paul said:

“When it came to the flood restoration at Dumfries we did everything floor to ceiling. The hotel had a very tight 12-week timescale and we came in within budget and on time. All the trades were involved, the joinery work, plastering, tiling, electricals, flooring, plumbing, internal decoration - at one stage we had eight painters all working at the same time.”

Martin said:

“Helen Hooper Interiors do amazing schemes for us throughout our portfolio – each is unique. Helen came up with a scheme of colours, finishes and casegoods that was value engineered to meet the budget. Through Eco’s interior design consultant Fiona Boyle they were then able to source all the furnishings and fabrics and carry out all the refurbishment, in a completely new-look, all done to Helen’s scheme.”

As well as supplying all the furniture, cushions, curtains and carpets, Eco turned to its Ghyll House business to reupholster some of the hotel’s existing furniture.

This artiicle was originally published in Scottish Construction Now
https://scottishconstructionnow.com/article/dumfries-hotel-to-reopen-rooms-after-flood-restoration-work-by-eco

Eco builds its own state-of-the-art HQ.

iol.eddie.black@integrityoffice.co.uk (Eddie Black) — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 12:06:22 GMT

ECO, run by entrepreneur Eddie Black, is building its own 3,000-square-metre base in Dumfries and Galloway, where it will house 80 staff. The new HQ, situated at Annan Business Park, is under construction and is due to be open in the summer.

Eddie chose Annan for the company’s headquarters, because of his passion for the area, his belief in the excellent skills in the local employment market, and the site’s ideal logistic connections to markets across Scotland and the north of England. ECO has bases in Creca, Dumfries, Carlisle, and Mealsgate near Cockermouth.

“We are very much looking forward to moving into our new HQ in the summer. We hope the whole area can be proud of what will be a state-of-the-art building and is excited by the opportunities that our expanding business will bring to the region.”

E ddie said:

“What we at ECO pride ourselves on is that when someone has got a problem, we come up with a solution. We cover all types of projects with a range of clients, whether it’s hotels, businesses, or residential all over Scotland and Cumbria.”

The majority of the ECO team will all be brought under one roof at the new Annan HQ, with the exception of the company’s Ghyll House furniture restoration business which will remain at Mealsgate.

Eddie said:

“It will be great for everyone to feel part of one team as we look for further growth and to diversify into new markets. We have done the whole headquarters project ourselves, and if we haven’t been able to do something in-house we believe in working with our approved contractors who are trusted local suppliers who all do a quality job.”

ECO is a local family business with Eddie’s wife Nicola the company’s HR director, and their daughter Estelle and son Ethan also work in the business.

Eddie said:

This artiicle was originally published in Scottish Construction Now
https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/article/dumfries-and-galloway-building-firm-to-deliver-its-own-state-of-the-art-hq