Sharing Deep concerns

A pioneering collaboration of businesses, aimed at spreading good practice around the Net Zero challenge, is gathering momentum in Darlington. PETER BARRON digs deeper

AS Darlington approaches a momentous milestone in its history with the 200^th anniversary of the birth of the railways arriving in 2025, the town’s pioneering heritage is in the international spotlight.

And two centuries on from the launch of the first passenger railway, Darlington’s modern-day business leaders are again coming together in the spirit of innovation to tackle a challenge facing us all.

Forward-thinking local businesses have united to form a unique collaboration aimed at sharing good practice and developing a deeper understanding of the journey towards Net Zero.

The Darlington Employers Environmental Partnership (DEEP) is a bold attempt at a joined-up approach to sustainability – and it’s one that’s gaining momentum.

“Darlington has a special place in history because of the railways, and 200 years on, it’s great to see that enterprise and innovation is still prevalent in the town,” says Rob Macdiarmid, chair of DEEP.

Now Head of ESG at Darlington-based global mobility solutions provider, ZIGUP (formerly Redde Northgate), Rob was chosen as chair of DEEP because of his specialist background over more than 20 years, including serving as a former Cabinet Office lead on sustainability.

Rob is delighted with the progress that DEEP has made over a relatively short period, saying: “There’s a real sense of momentum that’s really encouraging, and we don’t think another town in the UK has shown the same kind of proactivity in developing a partnership approach to a challenge facing businesses worldwide.”

DEEP was initially developed in early 2023 from an idea put forward by Darlington Building Society for local businesses to come together to share good practice and develop links around Net Zero targets.

The first “network and learn” event was held at Cummins’ Darlington plant, with members getting an insight into how the global engine manufacturer is developing a greener strategy.

After its successful launch, the management of DEEP was taken over by Darlington Cares, which works closely with Darlington Borough Council to provide co-ordinated approach to corporate social responsibility by utilising the skills, expertise, knowledge and volunteering resources of local businesses and their employees.

Darlington Care’s involvement gave DEEP greater structure and introduced a pledge for members to sign (see below).

And, with membership still growing, another network and learn event was held at Teesside International Airport.

This year, another gathering was held at ZIGUP, where the proportion of electric vehicles is being significantly increased, along with the development of a broad range of support services designed to enable a smooth transition towards lower-carbon mobility.

That was followed in October by a meeting at Teesside University’s Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, in Middlesbrough.

Around the same time, DEEP identified the need to target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), so a presentation was made to Darlington Business Club. That led to three new members signing up: Darlington Business Club itself, award-winning TEP Electrical Distributors, and IT company Resilient Business Systems.

And the DEEP steering committee is determined to see further growth in 2025, which is a key year for Darlington because of the bicentennial celebrations around the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

“Although the industrial revolution ended up being powered by fossil fuels, it actually started with renewable energy in the form of water mills, so we are seeing everything turn full circle,” says Rob.

“ZIGUP has always taken its responsibilities seriously around sustainability, and it’s enormously proud of its role in the Darlington economy, so being involved in DEEP is a natural fit for us.

“The challenge is to attract as many organisations as possible to play their part, and learn from each other, because we all have a contribution to make.

“It’s a macro to micro approach in which everyone – from major companies down to individuals – should be asking the question: ‘What contribution can I make?’

“Let’s acknowledge that we all have a responsibility but, at the same time, use DEEP as a way of promoting local businesses, and showcasing Darlington as a progressive place, where we support each other and operate collaboratively.”

Darlington Cares Director, Seth Pearson, is also keen to point out the practical and commercial advantages of being part of DEEP.

“It’s not only about acting on your conscience; it is also about positioning businesses to benefit commercially and achieve growth”, he says.

“Businesses are increasingly judged on their sustainability credentials and being part of DEEP underlines that commitment to the environment. It sends the message that ‘not only do we take our responsibilities seriously internally, but we also look externally and work with others for the greater good’.

“What’s incredibly encouraging is that we are already seeing relationships being forged between members, discussions taking place, that are creating business opportunities.”

Indeed, plans are now being progressed for a “DEEP marketplace” event next year to showcase what local companies have to offer in the environmental space.

At Darlington Building Society, where the idea for DEEP was first aired, there is a commitment “to operate a sustainable business that manages the impacts of climate change and supports the transition to a greener, Net Zero economy”.

The executive responsibility for overseeing that commitment lies with Chief Risk Officer, Paul Edwards, who joined the Society in August. He’s “hugely impressed” by the philosophy behind DEEP and the momentum that’s been built.

“For a lot of businesses, it’s knowing where to start because there’s so much legislation coming through around sustainability,” says Paul. “What DEEP is doing is breaking down the barriers by creating a network based on sharing good practice, and that’s so important.

“Darlington Building Society has been playing a leading role in the local community since 1856 – it’s was one of the main reasons I wanted to join the Society – and it’s typical of the organisation that it should initiate something that’s making a difference in such an important area. I look forward to getting more involved with DEEP now that I’ve settled in at Darlington Building Society, and being part of its continued growth.”

For Darlington Borough Council, DEEP has quickly become an important part of its strategy towards not just becoming a Net Zero authority by 2040, but also its wider objectives for supporting sustainability across the borough.

Councillor Chris McEwan, the council’s Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for economy, said: “It isn’t just a business response that’s needed – it’s a community response, a council response, an NHS response, a collective response that brings everyone together.

“With DEEP, we have different elements of our community coming together, led by some of our most important businesses, to share best practice and learn from each other, and that’s something we need to grow.

“Back in 1825, Darlington did something that transformed the world, and it’s a source of pride again that the town is coming together to address the challenges, and realise the opportunities, that will emerge around Net Zero.”

DEEP’s next Network and Learn event will take place at Hopetown railway attraction in Darlington on the morning of January 29 when members will be given a tour of the site and a presentation on the environmental considerations that went into the development.

And, so, the wheels of innovation in Darlington continue to turn.