Professional services and IT business case studies

Since 2019, AD&CO has been providing thought-provoking branding and engaging digital media to clients throughout the UK.

As a small, progressive design studio, we collaborate with like-minded individuals and companies to deliver comprehensive brand management and visual communication services, helping businesses stand out in their markets.

From defining and launching brands to creating consumer-facing products, AD&CO covers it all.

AD&CO moves to the Ingram Enterprise Centre

In 2021, I moved the business to the Ingram Enterprise Centre. This strategic decision provided a dedicated studio space for client visits, networking with other businesses, and establishing a prominent presence in Kilmarnock town centre.

Ingram offered the perfect balance of professionalism, security, and business support. By leveraging the resources of the East Ayrshire Business Support team, AD&CO received training on business processes and enrolled in the Public Contract Scotland tender system.

After five successful years of continuous growth, AD&CO attributes part of this success to its presence at the Ingram Enterprise Centre.

Introduction

Founded in 2006 by Kilmarnock businessman Jon McKechnie, Bridge Johnson began as a regional packaging distributor based in Symington, Ayrshire.

As the business grew, large distributors, manufacturers and producers turned to Bridge Johnson as their preferred supplier for next-level support when making improvements to their packaging.

Within a few years, Bridge Johnson had outgrown their premises and, unable to find anything suitable in Ayrshire at the time, moved to Glasgow - where they operated firstly out of one location in the West of the city, quickly progressing to opening a second warehouse in the east side.

By the end of the 2020s, Jon’s sons had joined the company, and the business had grown significantly.

Eco-friendly

By this time the emphasis was on assisting companies with their sustainability and helping them reduce their carbon usage with a range of highly innovative products, such as SURGE stretch-film. In most cases this helped their clients see a reduction of over 50% in their single-use plastic packaging.

Their strategy was now all about selling their clients less packaging, which may seem a contradictory to growth, but has proved highly successful as their customer base expanded rapidly throughout the UK and into Ireland and the European continent. With their Glasgow warehouses full and a significant amount of third party storage in use, the need to move became a priority.

Support from East Ayrshire Council

East Ayrshire Council’s Business Support and Property teams became aware of Bridge Johnson’s need for much larger premises, and proactively worked with the company to help them secure a sizeable warehouse and office unit in Moorfield Park, Kilmarnock, bringing the family business back home to its original roots.

Jon McKechnie shared his excitement on the move and expressed his gratitude to EAC for their support:

This has been an excellent move for us, with our team delighted with the much-improved facilities and all the efficiencies and culture boost this has brought about. I’d like to particularly give mention to East Ayrshire Council who could not have been more supportive. Their Business Support Team is hands-on and switched-on and definitely worth a call if you’re looking to expand in the West of Scotland.

David McDowall, Head of Economic Growth, East Ayrshire Council, welcomed the company back to the area saying:

As a council we always pride ourselves in partnership working, and the confidence Jon and his family have shown in bringing their business back to the area is testament to the way in which our teams work to provide tailored support to businesses - whether that’s with locating and providing properties, recruitment, training and employability support - or helping with grant funding, planning advice or access to business support on all levels.

“Our ambitions for Community Wealth Building are greatly boosted by companies like Bridge Johnson who recognise the advantages of relocating to East Ayrshire. With flexible, purpose built buildings, good transport links and ongoing support from our teams and partner organisations, we look forward to seeing the company go from strength to strength, supplying other businesses with what they need in the drive towards net zero ambitions, while providing new jobs and opportunities for our local economy.

Introduction

Quantum Solutions is a Chartered Quantity Surveying and Project Management consultancy, established in 2009 by Richard Neilson.

Based in Kilmarnock, Quantum has become recognised as a leading and forward-thinking consultancy, delivering a fresh approach to clients working within the construction industry, with a ‘can do’ attitude that is central to their success.

Led by director and owner Richard, there is a skilled team of six employees with a good mix of enthusiasm, innovation, experience and expertise.

Support from East Ayrshire Council

Quantum’s success has been bolstered by the support it has received from East Ayrshire Council. The council’s assistance has been pivotal in enabling the business to fulfil its mission and continue its growth.

Relocation and marketing support

In 2015, Quantum Solutions, through the East Ayrshire Council’s Business Development Grant, were able to relocate to a larger and more professional office in Kilmarnock. This strategic move aimed to support the company’s growth by creating a platform to expand operations, attract new clients, and build a capable team. The new premises offered the infrastructure needed to deliver high-quality Quantity Surveying, Project Management, and Commercial Management services to a growing client base.

The relocation was complemented by a rebranding initiative, including the development of modern signage, business cards, and stationary to reflect the company’s core values and professional identity. Plans were also made to create a new website that would better represent the scope of services and the evolving vision of the business.

These changes directly contributed to the company’s objectives. The upgraded office space enabled Quantum Solutions to handle more projects, driving turnover growth and creating the opportunity to recruit additional team members. Investments in new computer software and systems further improved efficiency, ensuring accurate and effective delivery of services.

In addition, Quantum Solutions positioned itself to capitalise on emerging opportunities within the construction sector, such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and innovative procurement methods. The combination of improved infrastructure, branding, and operational capacity has allowed the company to increase production, efficiency, and profitability, establishing a strong foundation for sustainable growth in existing and new markets.

Strategic growth and system development

Richard and the team took the bold steps to encourage growth and improve business operations by engaging with a qualified business coach through East Ayrshire Council’s Go Strategy programme. Recognising the need for a clear strategy to achieve ambitious goals, the business sought guidance to enhance its sales processes, develop sustainable business systems, and strengthen its market presence.

Through this partnership, Quantum Solutions focused on:

• building relationships with larger clients
• developing new products
• expanding the team through increased turnover and new project opportunities

Engaging with a business coach has also allowed the business to manage performance more effectively, streamline operations and focus on areas that drive profitability.

Consultancy support

Quantum Solutions has identified key areas for improvement to support its continued growth and resilience. To secure more public sector clients, they focused on public procurement opportunities, including Local Authority Frameworks. Enquiries, such as a project management bid from North Ayrshire Council, highlighted the potential in this market.

Additionally, the business recognised the importance of robust HR practices in fostering a motivated and cohesive team. Support was sought to revise employment contracts for consistency and ensure compliance while addressing HR issues as they arise.

To align its growth trajectory with sustainable financial management, Quantum Solutions engaged a financial expert to create a comprehensive three-year strategy. The plan addressed rising overheads and ensured profitability while mitigating risks. By addressing these critical areas, Quantum Solutions successfully positioned itself for long-term success in both public and private sectors.

Future prospects

Quantum Solutions is adapting to the evolving construction industry, addressing challenges like rising costs and economic shifts. With support from East Ayrshire Council, the business has enhanced its digital marketing efforts in partnership with Scoot, improving its online presence. To increase direct enquiries, Quantum Solutions is exploring a marketing audit to further refine its strategy.

Recently, the business has secured several significant appointments within social housing, distillery and commercial sectors and many of these clients have expressed their interest in expanding their partnership with additional projects beginning in 2025. This growth would support Quantum Solutions’ strategy, including hiring two new staff members from Ayrshire next year.

To strengthen its position, Quantum Solutions aims to access key public procurement frameworks like Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) and Scotland Excel. The business is seeking additional procurement consultancy support, building on the invaluable assistance provided by East Ayrshire Council.

Quote from the Director

In the last 10 years since relocating our head office to Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire Council’s Economic Development team have been an integral part to our success and growth strategy.

I have learned in business that it is extremely important to have a great team around you which we are very lucky to have at Quantum.  It is also very important to have a great set of trusted and experienced external consultancy companies to work closely with to educate and help with your core strategy. 

East Ayrshire Council Economic Development team have been the catalyst for introducing us to great consultants through the BeReady and Go Strategy programmes. Examples of support received includes:

1. Office expansion – In September 2023, we successfully bought the building we had previously been renting and doubled our work and team space.  We have great working zones throughout our offices as well as important break out areas for our teams to think and grow and our own pool room to enjoy that all important downtime.
2. Business coach and mentor – We meet monthly to discuss strategy, next steps and key decisions that need to be made. It is also great to have a trusted ally and friend that you can speak openly with on a regular basis regarding any subject or matter.
3. Procurement consultant – Through this support we have successfully been appointed on certain council framework agreements and are currently working to successfully be appointed on other relevant frameworks.
4. Digital marketing – We partner with a digital marketing company to help us develop a regular and disciplined social media strategy and regular website updates. We also plan to create a new very innovative and modern website in 2025, watch this space!
5. Digital boost – Shortly after the COVID pandemic, we worked closely with a specialist and secured grant funding to install key important IT software and hardware to support our business through a very difficult period.
6. We have also secured other support with Sales and Marketing Audits.

We enjoy working closely and in partnership with East Ayrshire Council’s Economic Development team and look forward to strengthening our relationship in the years ahead.

The Solutions on Demand Group (The SOD Group) have been on a remarkable growth journey, and East Ayrshire Council have been there to support us at every step. From the very beginning, when we needed help setting up our first website, to the present day, their assistance has played a crucial role in shaping our success.

In the early days, like many businesses, we faced challenges around funding, procurement, and structuring our business for long-term growth. We needed guidance to help us navigate these areas while also ensuring we had the right accreditations and certifications in place to meet industry standards.

Over the years, the council’s support has extended across multiple areas, including:

• finance
• International Standards Organization (ISO) accreditation
• procurement
• rebranding efforts to showcase all five divisions of The Solutions on Demand Group

We have always maintained a strong relationship with East Ayrshire Council, and their expertise has been invaluable in helping us overcome challenges. As a business that is deeply rooted in the local community, we are proud to contribute to job creation and economic growth in the area, and the council has been a key partner in that journey.

Current state

With the continued support of East Ayrshire Council, The Solutions on Demand Group has grown into a thriving business, employing over 20 people and serving clients across the UK and internationally.

Their assistance has helped us achieve key milestones, including:

• securing ISO certifications
• obtaining Investors in People accreditation
• net zero
• successfully rebranding to highlight the five core divisions of our business

In addition to guiding us through complex processes such as procurement and accreditation, the council’s financial support has enabled us to invest in both people and infrastructure. This has allowed us to bring in highly skilled professionals, develop apprenticeships, and expand our services to meet growing demand. Their ongoing advice has also helped us secure funding and make strategic investments, ensuring we remain competitive and continue to grow.

Specific individuals within East Ayrshire Council who have been instrumental in supporting us include:

• Amanda Harris
• Rebecca Boyd
• Gillian Thomson
• Carol Andrew
• John Strachan
• Jim Dunn

Their expertise and dedication have been invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful for the role they have played in our success.

Without the council’s support, we wouldn’t be in the strong position we are today. Their guidance has helped us build a sustainable, scalable business that contributes to the local economy, creates jobs, and delivers high-quality services to clients across multiple industries.

Future state

Looking to the future, The Solutions on Demand Group have big plans for even more growth. With this in mind, it’s going to be crucial to maintain our partnership with East Ayrshire Council, whom we can lean upon for support when required.

Having worked with East Ayrshire Council and received support numerous times over the last 10 plus years, I can honestly say we wouldn’t be where we are today without their support, guidance and expertise. The Solutions on Demand Group is in a very strong position, doing great work in the community and employing 25 people at this moment in time and we’re delighted with the progress we’ve made. There are too many people to thank individually but we are grateful for everything East Ayrshire Council have done for us over the years.

Martin Boyle, Director of The Solutions on Demand Group

Introduction and Background

Property Matters Online (PMO) is a property agency specialising in sales and lettings.

They have been based at the Ingram Enterprise Centre (IEC) in Kilmarnock since June 2019, choosing the centre for its modern, serviced offices and supportive business environment. The move provided PMO with a professional, centrally located base that includes superfast broadband, AV facilities, and inclusive utilities - allowing the team to focus on growth rather than infrastructure.

Current Activities and Engagement with Business Gateway

PMO has actively engaged with Business Gateway to strengthen its operations and marketing strategies. They have attended free workshops and webinars covering topics such as digital marketing, social media and financial planning, and have taken advantage of networking opportunities to connect with other local businesses.

Recently, PMO sought funding assistance for new “For Sale” banners and has been working closely with their Business Gateway adviser to gather information and apply for a Business Grant, demonstrating their proactive approach to business development.

Conclusion

Since joining IEC, PMO has shown stability and growth, upgrading to a larger office suite by 2023 and maintaining a strong reputation with a 4.4-star rating across more than 40 client reviews. Their commitment to continuous improvement, supported by IEC’s facilities and Business Gateway’s advisory services, has strengthened their market presence and operational efficiency.

As one client noted, “Always very keen to help out. Great team. I will be passing all my stuff through them in the future,” reflecting the positive impact of their professional environment and customer-focused approach.

Longair’s Lawn Care & Garden Services is a gardening business serving the Ayrshire area. The company provides a wide range of general gardening services, including grass cutting, weeding, hedge trimming and pressure washing. In addition, it offers specialised lawn care treatments such as aerating, scarifying and fertilising to help customers maintain healthy, vibrant lawn.

Support from East Ayrshire Council

Consultancy Support

With support from East Ayrshire Council, the business successfully strengthened their HR and financial foundations in preparation for future growth. After hiring their first employees and outlining plans for further workforce expansion, the company received comprehensive HR consultancy to ensure full compliance and readiness. Employment contracts were professionally reviewed to cover all essential requirements, and an employee handbook along with key workplace policies was fully developed and implemented.

Financial consultancy was also secured to guide the business through the next stage of development. With ambitions to grow and invest further – while effectively managing associated costs – Longair’s Lawn Care & Garden Services received expert support in identifying suitable funding opportunities and advancing loan applications. A thorough review of existing financial practices was completed, highlighting clear opportunities to improve profitability and reduce expenditure. As a result, the business became well‑positioned for sustainable long‑term expansion.

Start-Up Grant

The business was awarded funding to support the purchase of branded van signage and staff uniforms, both of which played a key role in strengthening their professional image. With these enhancements in place, Longair’s Lawn Care & Garden Services had been able to present a more cohesive and recognisable brand while on the road and at job sites. This improved visibility and professional appearance were expected to further enhance the company’s credibility and contribute to increased customer enquiries and sales.

From the outset, Longair’s Lawn Care & Garden Services prioritised professionalism as a core value, helping it stand out from competitors across Ayrshire. This approach has built strong trust with clients, leading to consistent growth through word‑of‑mouth referrals. With the funded signage and uniforms now long established, the business is well positioned to continue building on that reputation and expanding its customer base.

Community Wealth Building

The business secured Community Wealth Building funding to support their transition from petrol‑powered machinery to eco‑friendly, battery‑operated equipment. With the approval in place, Longair’s Lawn Care & Garden Services moved ahead with the purchase and integration of greener tools, significantly reducing its reliance on traditional fuel.

This shift meaningfully lowered ongoing operating costs while delivering long‑term environmental benefits. The move to battery‑operated machinery also aligned with growing customer expectations around sustainability, allowing the business to promote itself as an environmentally conscious service provider. By adopting cleaner equipment and modernising its approach, the company became better positioned to attract environmentally focused clients and strengthen its reputation within the community.

Conclusion

Longair’s Lawn Care & Garden Services has strengthened its foundations and accelerated growth through targeted support from East Ayrshire Council.

HR and financial consultancy helped the business establish compliant processes, improve profitability and prepare for future expansion.

Start‑up funding helped enhance their professional image with branded signage and uniforms, contributing to greater visibility and customer trust.

Community Wealth Building support enabled a shift to battery‑powered equipment, reducing costs and aligning the business with sustainable practices.

Together, these developments have reinforced Longair’s reputation and positioned it for continued growth across Ayrshire.