Trades and construction business case studies

Buileach Construction Services joined the Ingram Enterprise Centre in November 2024 in an office that accommodated two people. This gave the two directors a space to meet and plan the startup of the company.

Commercial Director Ross Samson took up this role full time from 1 April 2025 and a month later, Owen Herbert joined as Operations Director.  At this point both felt they already needed a bigger space to work and invite clients and contractors to for meetings.

In May, Buileach moved to a new office in the Centre, with three workstations and a small lounge area suitable for meetings. As the business became established over the summer of 2025, the team grew, welcoming new staff into the following roles: Administrative Assistant, Health and Safety Co-ordinator and Digital Marketing Co-ordinator.

This led to the requirement for an even larger office space, and thankfully the IEC can offer multiple options to tenants. The new office accommodation had six workstations and the space we required for our informal meetings.

“As a team, we were delighted that we could stay within the IEC as it has so much to offer small businesses with the excellent facilities provided.

As we approach a year of tenancy within the building, we are grateful that as we have grown the business, the Ingram Enterprise Centre has been able to accommodate this growth.

So now we look forward to seeing what the next year brings."

Housing Association contract

Fortress won a contract with a Housing Association and upon seeking detailed feedback regarding our submission was informed that our response generally was excellent, detailed, and demonstrated a clear understanding of the Associations needs and priorities as it related to the services on offer. 

More specifically they remarked that the Sustainability section of our response was outstanding to the extent that there was not a score high enough on their scale to adequately convey how impressed they were with our Net Zero activity, reporting capabilities and impact statement (which I got Chat GPT to more or less produce). 

Whilst this particular question only equated to 5% of our total quality score it was nonetheless gratifying to hear that our response got us noticed.

Aynam Energy

Having engaged with Aynam Energy to produce a baseline energy audit we were then engaged by Aynam to carry out works at their premises.

Supply partner discount 

Obtained an additional 1% discount from one of our supply partners upon submission of our carbon accounts, our impact statement, and the Net Zero Nation report. The discount is worth around £3,000 to £4,000 per year.

Vodafone offer

Vodafone offered us preferential rates on our mobile phone package because we could produce carbon accounts. Granted it was largely a sales pitch on their part and we did not take them up on the offer as even with the discount they were terribly expensive.

Company background

Founded by Darren Hicks in 2022, DH Eco Solutions is a dynamic start up dedicated to addressing domestic and commercial waste management challenges through innovative solutions.

The company, anticipating employing seven people within its first year, aims to revolutionise waste management with its flagship product, the EcoStamp Waste Compactor. With a strong commitment to sustainability, DH Eco Solutions’ ambitions align closely with the net zero objectives set by East Ayrshire Council.

Business Gateway support

The journey of DH Eco Solutions from concept to a high-growth start up business has been significantly bolstered by the Business Gateway team. From the outset, Business Gateway provided comprehensive support to Darren Hicks, aiding in the development of a robust business plan and aligning the company's operations with net zero objectives—a critical priority for East Ayrshire Council in its business support initiatives.

As Darren says:

Business Gateway's support has been instrumental in turning my vision into reality.

Their guidance in business planning and commitment to sustainability has empowered us to create a product that not only addresses waste management issues but also aligns with the broader goal of achieving net zero emissions.

The EcoStamp Waste Compactor

The EcoStamp Waste Compactor is designed to address the pressing issue of waste overflow in domestic and commercial settings.

With a focus on ease of use and accessibility, the product is portable, lightweight, and electronically operated. It is capable of compressing waste in standard 190-240l wheelie bins, reducing waste volume by up to two-thirds and is an innovative approach that offers a practical solution to the challenges posed by infrequent waste collection schedules.

Environmental and societal benefits

The EcoStamp aligns closely with the net zero agenda by offering several key environmental and societal benefits:

1. Reduced Carbon Footprint: By extending the interval between waste collections, the EcoStamp compactor helps decrease the number of trips made by waste collection vehicles, thereby reducing carbon emissions.
2. Enhanced Civic Health and Hygiene: By minimising waste overflow, the product reduces the risk of infection from rodents and seagulls, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.
3. Mitigation of Fly Tipping: The efficient management of waste within bins reduces the incidence of fly tipping, leading to improved cleanliness and reduced environmental contamination.
4. Financial Savings: Users benefit from reduced costs associated with frequent waste disposal and overflow management.
5. Effective Recycling: By compressing waste, the EcoStamp compactor facilitates more efficient recycling processes and reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills.

Market readiness and future plans

The EcoStamp waste compactor prototype was developed with significant contributions from Interface, Scottish Enterprise, and Robert Gordon University Aberdeen and is positioned at a price point which makes it an affordable solution for both domestic and commercial customers.

DH Eco Solutions is now focused on transitioning from prototype to market-ready product, with plans for a UK-wide launch. The company's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its adherence to real living wage agreements and its ongoing efforts to secure patent protection for the EcoStamp waste compactor.

Conclusion

DH Eco Solutions exemplifies how innovative start ups can contribute to environmental sustainability while addressing practical waste management challenges.

With the support of Business Gateway, Darren Hicks has not only developed a viable business model but also created a product that supports East Ayrshire Council's net zero objectives. The EcoStamp waste compactor stands as a testament to the positive impact of entrepreneurial spirit combined with strategic business support.

By targeting and solving waste issues at the source, DH Eco Solutions is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Aynam Energy began its journey on 17 June 2017, operating from a modest bedroom setup at home. As the business quickly gained momentum, it became clear that a professional office space was essential to support operations and future growth. In June 2018, Aynam Energy moved into the newly refurbished Ingram Enterprise Centre (IEC), which proved to be a pivotal step in the company’s development.

Over nearly six years at the IEC – from 1 June 2018 to 29 February 2024 – Aynam Energy experienced substantial growth. The team expanded from just three staff members to nine, reflecting the increasing demand for their services and the supportive environment provided by the Centre. The IEC offered excellent facilities, including multiple meeting rooms, tea preparation areas, and a welcoming ground floor reception that created a professional and inviting atmosphere for both staff and clients.

One of the standout features of the IEC was its proximity to Business Gateway, located just next door. This provided a valuable resource for discussing business strategies, accessing funding opportunities, and receiving tailored advice on growth and development. Aynam Energy made full use of these services, which contributed significantly to their success.

Although the company eventually outgrew the available office space and moved on, the experience at the IEC left a lasting impression.

“We remember the great ambiance and the invaluable business support available on-site. I would highly recommend the IEC to any small local company looking for a professional base with ambitions to grow.”

Yaseen Waseem, Director of Aynam Energy

The IEC has played a key role in Aynam Energy’s journey, offering the right environment to thrive and expand.