FUTURENOUGHTS
BUILDING ON SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT IN MID AND EAST ANTRIM BOROUGH COUNCIL
We caught up with Connor O'Dornon - Net Zero Innovation and Delivery Officer for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, part of the Fast Followers cohort - to learn more about the MEANZ Business project.
What makes Mid and East Antrim unique, and how does the Mid and East Antrim’s Net Zero (MEANZ) Business project address the local context?
Mid and East Antrim is distinguished by its strong manufacturing heritage and diverse economic sectors, including logistics, pharma, energy, and tourism. However, with the introduction of Industry 4.0 and impending net zero targets, the region faces challenges in transitioning to low carbon advanced manufacturing processes.
The MEANZ Business project was initiated to address these challenges, focusing on information sharing and practical decarbonisation efforts. By leveraging existing networks and partnerships, the project aims to support industry growth and innovation in alignment with the region’s strategic goals.
What work has already been done through the MEANZ Business project?
The MEANZ Business project encompasses two main work-streams: information sharing and practical decarbonisation projects. In terms of information sharing, the project includes webinars, best practice visits, and dissemination campaigns aimed at fostering collaboration between council departments and local industry stakeholders.
On the decarbonisation front, the project involves initiatives such as skills mapping, joint trials with small to medium enterprises (SMEs), and support of a CleanTech Collaborative Growth Network. Both council and industry partners are actively involved in these efforts, contributing to the region’s transition towards sustainable and resilient economic growth.
A photo of Connor front row at an industry engagement panel
What is working well, and what challenges are encountered in these initiatives?
One of the key strengths of the MEANZ Business project lies in its ability to leverage existing networks and partnerships, such as the Manufacturing Task Force (MTF) and CleanTech Collaborative Growth Network. These collaborations have facilitated industry buy-in and commitment to net zero targets, driving progress in decarbonization efforts.
However, challenges remain, particularly in driving behavioral change across the council and in local industry. Resistance to change, coupled with existing service and operational pressures, presents obstacles to the implementation of sustainability initiatives. Overcoming these challenges requires concerted efforts and continued engagement with stakeholders across the board.
That’s interesting. Can you tell us a bit more about the MTF?
The MTF was established in response to significant job losses in the manufacturing sector in 2017. Originally formed to support the sector post-closures, the MTF has evolved into a collaborative business network engaging various sectors within Mid and East Antrim.
Over time, it has reshaped public-private relationships and facilitated initiatives aimed at driving economic growth and innovation in the region. The success of the MTF has been instrumental in fostering industry engagement and addressing key challenges facing the local economy.
Were there any unexpected outcomes because of this?
Economic challenges, including significant company closures and the impact of Covid-19, have necessitated targeted approaches to address industry needs. The MTF has played a crucial role in bringing together stakeholders to tackle these challenges collectively. Unexpected outcomes include Mid and East Antrim’s emergence as a prominent CleanTech hub, attracting international interest in projects like the Hydrogen Training Academy. These unexpected successes underscore the region’s potential for innovation and growth in the green economy sector.
And how have the council’s priorities influenced the development of your local net zero projects?
With economic development as a top priority, the council has prioritised initiatives aimed at fostering growth and innovation in the region. By creating an investment proposition based on regional strengths and strategic priorities, the council has positioned Mid and East Antrim as an attractive destination for business, tourism, and investment. This strategic focus has accelerated project development and contributed to the region’s reputation as a hub for economic opportunity and sustainable development.