Eco Group, a pioneering manufacturing business at the forefront of sustainable industrialised construction, welcomed over 60 secondary school students this week as they presented innovative solutions to tackle society’s key challenges.
The event, held at Eco Group’s headquarters in Annan, was part of the Powering Futures programme, an initiative that prepares young people for the jobs of the future by equipping them with critical skills and sustainability knowledge. The programme involves 1,300 students across 86 schools in Scotland and is supported by 47 businesses and organisations.
Eco Group, led by Founder and Managing Director Eddie Black, specialises in Contract Manufacturing, Organic Brand Manufacturing, and Services to Manufacturing across a range of industries in the UK. One of its pioneering solutions, VASO Build Solutions, uses construction panels made primarily from recycled glass, exemplifying the company’s commitment to decarbonisation and carbon mitigation strategies.
On Monday, March 17, Eco Group hosted S5 students from Annan Academy as they reached the final stage of their 30-week Powering Futures challenge, presenting their findings to business leaders. The programme is SCQF Level 6 accredited, aligning with Higher qualifications and modern apprenticeships, and helps develop critical meta-skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and resilience.
A Platform for Future Innovators
Speaking at the event, Eco Group’s Eddie Black, who served as a judge for the students' presentations, expressed his enthusiasm for supporting the next generation:
“Investing in young people has been a passion of mine since we started Eco over 15 years ago. With the way our company has grown and diversified, we were delighted to host the Annan Academy students and introduce them to a truly sustainable business environment.
“Their presentations were outstanding. The level of thinking, research, and problem-solving they demonstrated was remarkable, and it was a privilege to be in the room with such inquiring minds. We were genuinely impressed by their creativity and resilience—qualities that are essential in today’s fast-changing world. Congratulations to all the students; they were truly inspiring.”
Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry
Annan Academy is one of just four schools in Scotland to have enrolled an entire year group in the Powering Futures SCQF Level 6 programme.
Headteacher Ewan Murray commented:
“By embedding the Powering Futures challenge into the full year group, rather than offering it as an optional course, we ensured that every student benefited from learning essential skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and organisation. These abilities will serve them well as they transition into further education and the workforce.”
Powering Futures Co-Founder David Reid highlighted the impact of the programme on students’ employability:
“The students showcased the skills they’ve honed over the past 30 weeks—teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving, and public speaking. These are all vital attributes for a successful career. Eco Group was so impressed with their talent that they have already identified several students they would like to speak to about potential opportunities.
“This programme doesn’t just prepare students for the future—it empowers them to shape it.”
Shaping a Sustainable Future
The event at Eco Group marked the beginning of a two-week programme in which students across Scotland will present their sustainability solutions to businesses, from the Borders to Inverness. Industry partners are actively involved in the initiative, ensuring that young people gain hands-on experience and develop skills that directly align with employers’ needs in the evolving job market.
About Eco Group
Eco Group is a leading UK manufacturing business delivering innovative technologies, products, and services across multiple industries. From pioneering decarbonisation solutions to offering practical industrial solutions, Eco Group supports UK manufacturing with a dynamic and forward-thinking approach.
Operating from a 3,000-square-metre self-built HQ in Annan, the company’s services include:
Industrialised Construction
VASO Build Solutions
Carbon Mitigation Strategies
Dry Ice Cleaning
IT and Cyber Security
Bespoke Training
For more information, visit: www.teameco.co.uk
Contact: hello@teameco.co.uk
Tel: 01461 500 206
About Powering Futures
Powering Futures is a SCQF Level 6 accredited programme that bridges the gap between education and industry, preparing students for the workforce by strengthening their problem-solving, teamwork, and sustainability knowledge. The programme connects businesses with future talent to support Scotland’s transition to a net-zero economy.
For more details, visit: www.poweringfutures.com
For media inquiries, interviews, or further information, contact:
Jonathan Lee
32West
Mob: 07444 022 038
ENDS