Innovative solutions firm double finalist in regional awards

AN INNOVATIVE Scottish solutions firm has a double reason to celebrate after being named as a finalist in two categories in a prestigious regional awards.

Eco Group, which is based at Annan in Dumfries and Galloway, has been shortlisted for the Dumfries & Galloway Business Awards 2022 in the Outstanding Large Business of the Year, while founder and Managing Director Eddie Black is a finalist in the Outstanding Business Person category.

Eddie is the driving force behind Eco, a multi-disciplined turnkey solutions business, delivering quality, innovative products and services in a variety of sectors for commercial, industrial, public sector and residential customers across the UK.

The company moved into a new 3,000-square-metre HQ in Annan last year which was built by Eco’s own team, with work continuing throughout the pandemic.

Eddie, who is the Managing Director of Eco Group, said: “We’re delighted to be named as finalists in two categories at these awards. The past two years have been challenging for everyone, and I’m extremely proud of how the team has pulled together to create opportunities, build on our successes and be flexible and adaptable to the changing business landscape.

“The Eco ethos is about creating an environment in which people can come together to innovate, collaborate and make things happen and that extends beyond our own team to include our clients, associates and the wider business community.”

Eddie has grown the company he founded 12 years ago offering dry ice blasting services into a business which now offers multiple products and services for clients including multinational companies.

He said the new HQ was the springboard for the next 10 years of Eco Group.

“We want to create something which is sustainable, something that lasts, and has a positive impact, not only for Eco but also for the economy in Dumfries and Galloway and for our communities.

“We want to light the entrepreneurial fire in this area and create opportunities which will attract and retain talent.”

The winners of the Dumfries & Galloway Business Awards will be announced on Friday, April 1 at a ceremony held at Easterbrook Hall in Dumfries.

Organised by Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce, the awards celebrate the achievements of businesses which are making their mark in Dumfries and Galloway and beyond.

Categories include Most Promising New Business, Outstanding Family Business, Young Entrepreneur and Champion in Developing the Young Workforce.

Eco’s services include emergency response solutions; dry ice blasting, manufacture and supply; bespoke training systems; design, build and fit out solutions; communications and IT; industrial process solutions; and creative design and marketing.

As well as its base in Annan, Eco operates across the border in Cumbria, with its interiors business Ghyll House Upholstery, based at Mealsgate, near Cockermouth, and Integrity IT Solutions, which has bases in Carlisle and at Eco’s HQ in Annan.