A digital marketing firm specialising in web design and branding has achieved net zero status after undergoing an energy audit.
Falkirk-based Crunchy Carrots managed to secure £14,000 through Business Gateway and Digital Boost, which signposted the company to Zero Waste Scotland, whose experts carried out a sustainability review.
The company, which has expertise in UX, UI, design, social media, and visual imaging, was then able to reduce its carbon footprint by 75 per cent after investing in an air source heat pump.
Support from Business Gateway meant managing director Scott Henderson was also introduced to experts from Strathclyde University, who helped him learn more about how to reduce the business’ carbon emissions and offsetting.
With sustainability close to the heart of the company, Henderson and his team now regularly plant trees to offset emissions generated from their everyday work. It was not the first time Henderson took up an offer of help from the Business Gateway.
Through the advisory service, Crunchy Carrots has also benefitted from a range of development courses, which have been crucial for training and upskilling the team-of-ten. Skills Development Scotland’s Skills for Growth Programme, Business Gateway’s Expert Help strategy support, and Stirling University’s Help to Grow Management Course have all allowed the team to understand where they can add value to Crunchy Carrots’ everyday operations.
He said: “Business Gateway has been such a fantastic support since I started Crunchy Carrots. My adviser was always quick to respond to any questions I had despite the challenges of the past couple of years, and this support has allowed us to access critical grant funding that has helped us become a carbon neutral business.
“I am very proud my business is now net-zero status, after we only embarked on this journey last year. I’ve no doubt this would have been far more challenging without the support from Business Gateway.”
Lesley Pickles, Business Gateway, said: “In today’s climate, achieving net-zero should be a priority for all businesses. It has been great to support Crunchy Carrots throughout their journey and I look forward to seeing what their future holds.”
