County Antrim consultancy plans major expansion as sustainability demand surges

Adrian Davis of Ballygally based consultancy firm AD Sustainability which is planning to double in size as it expands into the Republic of Ireland as demand for sustainability expertise continues to surge. The company received assistance from the Go Succeed business support service

A County Antrim environmental consultancy is preparing to double the size of its business as growing pressure on companies to cut costs, reduce emissions and meet stricter sustainability expectations fuels a sharp rise in demand for specialist advice.

AD Sustainability, based in Ballygally outside Larne, says it has experienced an “exponential rise” in enquiries from organisations seeking support with energy reduction, carbon reporting and environmental performance as businesses across Northern Ireland and beyond face mounting commercial and regulatory pressures.

The company is now targeting significant growth over the next three to five years, including expansion into the Republic of Ireland, where it says demand for sustainability expertise is already accelerating.

Founded in 2013 by sustainability specialist Adrian Davis, the consultancy has steadily expanded from a small operation into a growing team made up of three full-time consultants, a project assistant and a business support manager, with further recruitment expected as part of its next growth phase.

Rising energy costs driving demand

Adrian Davis said businesses are increasingly being forced to prove what they are doing to reduce environmental impact while also trying to manage rising operating costs.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

The consultancy works across both public and private sectors, including manufacturing, hospitality, tourism, aerospace and energy industries.

The growth reflects a wider shift in how businesses are approaching sustainability, with environmental performance increasingly linked not only to reputation, but also to competitiveness, contracts, operational costs and future regulation.

Expansion plans under way

As part of its next stage of development, AD Sustainability is aiming to at least double the size of the company within the next three to five years.

“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,” Adrian added.

The business is also developing a new digital monitoring and reporting platform designed to help organisations track environmental data and carbon emissions more effectively.

According to the company, the new system evolved significantly following support from the Go Succeed business support programme.

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

“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.”

Business now mentoring others across Northern Ireland

In addition to receiving support through the programme, AD Sustainability is also working with councils to mentor other businesses seeking to improve environmental performance and reduce emissions.

“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 across Northern Ireland and provides mentoring, networking opportunities, planning tools, events and grant support for entrepreneurs and growing businesses.

Laura McCourt, Business Client Manager at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, said AD Sustainability’s expansion highlighted the increasing opportunities emerging for specialist local businesses.

“AD Sustainability is a strong example of the kind of ambitious, forward-thinking business that Go Succeed is here to support,” she said.

“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.”

The expansion comes as sustainability requirements continue to move higher up the agenda for businesses across the UK and Ireland, with companies increasingly under pressure from customers, supply chains and regulators to demonstrate measurable environmental progress.

Businesses interested in the Go Succeed programme can find more information at www.go-succeed.com.