13 Midlothian Beacon Businesses set to benefit from Net Zero programme
The 13 businesses taking part in the Programme outside the new Net Zero Home at The Energy Training Academy
Thirteen businesses in Midlothian are set to benefit from 12 months of Net Zero support thanks to a pathfinder programme funded by Business Gateway Midlothian’s Expert Help programme, managed by Midlothian Council’s Economic Development Service. Not for Profit Net Zero Nation will deliver the project.
The programme will be hosted at social enterprise The Energy Training Academy’s renewable skills training centre at Hardengreen, Dalkeith, in a newly formed partnership with Net Zero Nation that was facilitated by Midlothian Council.
The 13 participating organisations have the same important goals of increasing their carbon awareness, and gaining carbon literacy education, as the need to deliver tangible evidence of carbon reduction becomes ever more critical to combat climate change. They have also all committed to Midlothian Green Pledgers, an initiative launched by Midlothian Council in 2021 to support businesses in Midlothian begin their net zero journey.
The focus will be on local enablement, peer support and Community Wealth Building as the need to embrace Net Zero escalates.
The new Beacon Businesses “Net Zero Nation Accelerator Programme” will give focused support to the chosen businesses to deliver their Net Zero plan and realise the economic opportunities that Net Zero can bring.
The live/online hybrid programme has been designed by SMEs, for SMEs. It will help Midlothian Council and Business Gateway Midlothian shape existing and future support to all businesses, social enterprises, and community organisations across the region to achieve their Net Zero ambitions.
The businesses selected for the programme are:
Paper Scissor Stone Developments LTD t/a the Papermill
The Energy Training Academy CIC
Total Refreshment Solutions LTD T/A Guzzl Water
Progressive Waste Solutions LTD
Annie Watt: Economic Development Manager (Acting) at Midlothian Council said:
“We are delighted to see this project come to fruition and to be able to fund this initiative to help these businesses progress on their Net Zero journey’s and we are confident that by coming together as a group of businesses, with purpose and commitment to protecting our planet, that they find this programme enjoyable, informative and transformational for their businesses.
We look forward to seeing these businesses prosper as the benefits of reducing their carbon footprint and promoting Net Zero is communicated to their communities, employees and clients”
Net Zero Nation Founder and CEO, Gavin Tweedie said:
“We are excited to play a part in helping businesses in Midlothian realise their commercial and Net Zero ambitions.
“At Net Zero Nation, our mission is to mass mobilise SMEs to make their business stronger with credible Net Zero action. Our partnership with Midlothian Council and Business Gateway Midlothian is an important milestone in helping us deliver Climate Change activity and Community Impact in this region”
