Sustainability demand surge powers expansion at County Antrim-based consultancy

AD Sustainability received assistance from the Go Succeed business support service

A Country Antrim-based environmental consultancy is planning to double in size as it expands into the Republic of Ireland as demand for sustainability expertise continues to surge.

AD Sustainability, based in Ballygally outside Larne, has experienced what its founder describes as an “exponential rise” in demand for its services, driven by increasing pressure on businesses to reduce costs, improve environmental performance and meet evolving regulatory and customer requirements.

The company has been supported by the government-backed Go Succeed business support service, helping it to scale operations and prepare for its next phase of growth.

Founded by sustainability specialist Adrian Davis in 2013, the business has grown steadily in recent years, now with a team of three full-time consultants, a project assistant and a business support manager, with further recruitment planned.

Adrian Davis said:

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand over the past number of years, particularly as businesses face rising energy costs and greater scrutiny around sustainability. More and more organisations are being asked by customers and stakeholders to demonstrate what they’re doing in terms of carbon reduction and wider sustainability performance.

“Our core work focuses on helping businesses reduce energy and waste costs, while also supporting them with carbon accounting, reporting and decarbonisation planning. It’s about making sustainability practical and cost-effective.”

AD Sustainability works with organisations across the public and private sectors, including in the manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, aerospace, and energy sectors.

Looking ahead, the business is targeting significant growth over the next three to five years.

“We’re aiming to at least double the size of the business within that timeframe,” Adrian added.

“A key focus for us over the next six months is expanding further into the Republic of Ireland, where we’re already seeing strong demand.”

As part of its growth strategy, the company is also developing a new digital monitoring and reporting tool to help businesses track and manage their environmental data and carbon emissions more effectively.

Support from Go Succeed has played a key role in shaping this innovation, Adrian said.

“Through Go Succeed, we received support to explore the development of a carbon reporting platform,” he said.

“Initially, we were considering a web-based system, but through the programme we refined our approach and are now developing a more flexible app-based solution, supported by a visual data reporting platform.

“We also availed of grant support which allowed us to invest in new equipment, including thermal imaging technology, helping us deliver even more value to our clients.”

In addition to benefiting from the programme, AD Sustainability is also giving back by acting as a mentor within Go Succeed, supporting other businesses to improve their environmental performance.

“We’ve worked with a number of councils through Go Succeed to deliver mentoring programmes for local businesses,” Adrian said. “It’s been a great opportunity to share our knowledge and help other businesses on their sustainability journey.”

Go Succeed is delivered free of charge through all 11 councils in Northern Ireland.

Laura McCourt, Business Client Manager, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, added:

“AD Sustainability is a strong example of the kind of ambitious, forward-thinking business that Go Succeed is here to support. Their growth journey shows how specialist local companies can respond to market demand, embrace innovation and create new opportunities both at home and further afield.

“It is particularly encouraging to see a business from Mid and East Antrim not only scaling its own operations, but also using its expertise to support other businesses across Northern Ireland. Through Go Succeed, we are committed to helping businesses start, grow and scale, and AD Sustainability’s success demonstrates the real impact that tailored support can have.”

Funded by the UK Government, Go Succeed provides entrepreneurs with access to mentoring, events, grant funding, planning tools and business networks. Visit www.go-succeed.com to learn more.