Business Gateway helps recycling firm to successfully diversify

A Scottish waste management recycling business has secured £6,000 in funding and prevented tonnes of plastic waste from going to landfills by diversifying its offering with the support of Business Gateway.

The team at Moock Environmental Solutions, which is based in Cumbernauld, produced an enterprising approach to successfully adapt its business after suffering a 90% loss in business, as their biggest client based in Europe stopped sending plastics to be recycled in Scotland due to the implications of Brexit.

Originally focused on recycling printing consumables, the team developed and patented a new method of recycling toning powder which can be reprocessed into colour bricks, concrete and wall art.

Graeme Clowe, owner, Moock Environmental Solutions: “We knew we had to diversify our service offering if we were to survive the effects of Brexit and the pandemic. An idea came to me when I noticed all the single-use plastic used to package my daughter’s toys. I thought of how many other pieces of needless plastic were going to landfills and it inspired me to act. I then got in touch with Business Gateway for help on how to diversify my business offering and launch a new service.”

The business accessed a suite of support across Business Gateway’s growth services including 1:1 business advice, innovation support, advice on funding and connecting the business to its wider support network.

Through Business Gateway, Graeme was able to receive a grant of £6,000 which funded 50% of the costs to purchase a granulator, a device used to grind materials for recycling and reprocessing. This enabled Graeme, who took over the 20-year-old business in 2019, to significantly improve its offering and reduce costs of transporting materials.

He also accessed Business Gateway’s free research service, which provided valuable insight into the latest market data enabling Moock Environmental Solutions to reach new potential clients with a more targeted service. Additionally, the business received support from DigitalBoost, Scotland’s national digital upskilling programme, delivered by Business Gateway. This supported a digital infrastructure project which involved reviewing systems and advising on a way forward.

Graeme said: “My adviser John has been an immense help for a number of years now, but especially throughout the challenges of COVID and diversifying the business. The funding secured for a new granulator has helped the business create a circular economy and provide an improved service for our customers.

“Business Gateway has been an invaluable resource for my business. The research services have been especially useful in how to promote the business effectively.”

John Strachan, adviser, Business Gateway, said: “It is superb the way in which Moock Environmental Solutions has adapted the business with innovation and diversification.

“It is rewarding to see how Graeme has achieved his goals, despite the pandemic, reaching a new market in which they are thriving by working with our team. We would encourage all businesses to get in touch and make use of the services we have at Business Gateway, and if there are areas where support is needed.”