(L-R) Laura McCourt MEABC Business Client Manager; Martina Coleman and Archhanaa Sivakumar from Climate Essentials; Ursula O’Loughlin MEABC Head of Economic Development
and Fairhill Shopping Centre Manager Valerie McLernon.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is proud to introduce Go Succeed Green to Grow - an innovative new programme designed to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in becoming more environmentally conscious and reducing their carbon footprint.
The initiative, funded by UK Government, aims to equip local businesses with the knowledge and resources to implement sustainable practices. Green to Grow was officially launched this week at Fairhill Shopping Centre in Ballymena, one of the first businesses to sign up for the programme.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE, said:
“Green to Grow is a crucial step in ensuring our local businesses are prepared for a more sustainable future. By providing practical guidance and support, we are helping SMEs in our Borough take meaningful steps towards reducing their environmental impact while also benefitting from cost savings and enhanced corporate responsibility.”
Through Green to Grow, 12 participating businesses will have access to award winning carbon reduction platforms, giving them a full carbon emissions analysis including Scope 1, 2 and 3.
Sustainability experts will also provide each business with tailored one-to-one mentoring to help them reduce costs, unlock saving opportunities, access funding and implement greener practices.
Speaking at the launch, Head of Economic Development at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Ursula O’Loughlin, commented:
“We are delighted to support our local business base to access this specialist environmental sustainability support. This initiative has been specifically designed to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the transition to a low-carbon economy. By providing tailored mentoring and access to cutting-edge carbon reduction platforms, we aim to empower local enterprises to implement meaningful sustainability strategies that drive both environmental and economic benefits.”
Fairhill Shopping Centre has already started making changes as part of the initiative, focusing on waste reduction and improved energy efficiency.
Centre Manager, Valerie McLernon adds:
“We are delighted to be part of this programme. Sustainability is a key element of our business strategy, and with the support of Green to Grow, we are making significant, measurable progress.
“We have already implemented digital transformation technology to improve our energy efficiency through a robotic cleaning machine that minimises waste and reduces our dependence on disposable products. Through this programme, we look forward to further advancing our green initiatives and strengthening our commitment to environmental sustainability.”
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council encourages SMEs across the region to get involved in Green to Grow and join the movement towards a greener, more sustainable future.
For more information on how your business can participate in Go Succeed, visit www.go-succeed.com or contact amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.
Go Succeed (www.go-succeed.com) is funded by the UK Government and delivered by Northern Ireland’s 11 councils. The service supports entrepreneurs, new starts and existing businesses with easy-to-access advice and support including mentoring, master classes, peer networks, access to grant funding and a business plan, at every stage of their growth journey.