Shell LiveWire & Elevator: Scaling Scottish Businesses for Long-Term Growth

Scotland’s sustainable energy entrepreneurs are scaling up their businesses in an ambitious collaboration with Shell UK and Elevator.

As the country accelerates its transition to net zero, the role of high-growth firms in delivering the energy transition and increasing UK growth has never been more important.

In response, the innovative Shell LiveWire programme has opened applications for its newest cohort. It is one of a range of investments Shell UK is making to help support 15,000 people into jobs, with a focus on the energy transition by 2035.

Last year, 29 firms, made up of business owners, entrepreneurs and key decision makers, took part. Since joining the Shell LiveWire programme, the businesses have reported real, tangible successes, including the creation of over 50 jobs.

Cohort 1 also reported:

• 34% average increase in turnover
• 100% feel more equipped to grow the business after the programme
• 83% have achieved measurable improvements in business performance
• 83% have new contracts / sales as a result of the programme

Shell UK appointed Dundee-based business support organisation Elevator to deliver the programme. Elevator has more than 20 years’ experience delivering business and economic support services through links with regional councils, Scottish and UK governments and a network of partners.

The fully-funded initiative helps those with key decision-making powers to access the skills, networks and resources required to drive innovation within their companies and beyond. Applicants invited to apply must ensure they are making a positive contribution to the energy transition with their business model. This encompasses a wide variety of sectors, including:

• Renewable Energy (solar, wind, hydrogen, biofuels)
• Sustainable Construction & Engineering (low-carbon materials, energy-efficient buildings)
• Green Transport & Logistics (EVs, hydrogen transport, sustainable supply chains)
• Business Services (consulting, software, investment for net-zero solutions)
• Circular Economy & Waste Innovation (recycling, waste-to-energy, sustainable packaging)

Shell LiveWire’s onboarding process starts in June. Expert speakers will deliver inspiring and challenging workshops from then until the programme’s culmination in November.

Anthony Harte, Head of Social Impact, Shell UK, said: "Through Shell LiveWire, we are helping businesses that have the potential to shape the future of energy. We understand the challenges of scaling innovative solutions in a complex market, and this programme is designed to equip ambitious businesses with the tools, connections, and strategic support they need to grow.”

Shell LiveWire is open to all ambitious businesses but those involved in the energy transition will particularly benefit from Shell’s network and expertise.

Rachel Ross, CEO designate of Elevator, said: “We’re looking for ambitious businesses with the potential to make a real impact. If you’re scaling an innovative company that’s committed to playing a part in energy transition - this is your opportunity to gain unparalleled access to industry leaders through coaching, mentoring, masterclasses and the crucial ongoing support network that defines the programme.”

Upon completion of the programme, the cohort will also benefit from access to the Shell LiveWire global alumni network, Shell mentors, supply pipeline, and the company’s prestigious global competition Shell LiveWire Top Ten Innovators.  

More information about the programme and application details can be found at: https://www.shell.co.uk/livewire

Shell LiveWire is one of a range of investments Shell is making to help support 15,000 people into jobs, with a focus on the energy transition by 2035. Visit shell.co.uk to learn more.

Elevator aims to create an innovation-driven society that delivers personal, local and national prosperity and impact. Engaging with partners, founders and alumni, its vision is to ignite, nurture and grow entrepreneurial spirit for a thriving and inclusive society where people are empowered to transform their futures. It operates across Scotland to help facilitate the start-up, acceleration and scale up of new and existing businesses through its unique range of Accelerators, Business Growth programmes and delivery of Business Gateway services in multiple regions.

Case study - it Group Electrical, Dundee: ‘Just jump... two feet in. Give it 100% and you’ll reap the rewards’

When the opportunity came along for Nicola McCabe to join the Shell LiveWIRE programme, she leapt at the chance... even if it meant recording a last-minute application video at 11pm!

Nicola runs it Group Electrical, a leading provider of electrical services in Dundee, alongside her husband, Ryan.

Specialising in compliance packages for landlords and letting agents, the team also provides expert electrical services to commercial and domestic clients.

The business was founded as EICR IT by Ryan around three years ago while he was still working offshore. In January 2023, he decided to make it his full-time focus, with Nicola joining him as Operations Manager.

Within six months, the business went from just Ryan, Nicola and an apprentice, to a team of six, including two electricians and a further apprentice.

The company’s commitment to sustainable solutions and its ambitions for future growth meant it was the perfect fit for Shell LiveWIRE.

We spoke to Nicola about the impact the programme had on it Group...

When we launched, we were EICR IT but, following the Shell LiveWIRE programme, we changed to it Group Electrical as we felt it showed the breadth of our services.

The first year of business was about setting the foundations. It effectively went from a one-man band to a fully-fledged company.

We want to be known as the go-to in the landlord market, however, we do so much more and wanted to throw everything at it. Shell LiveWIRE proved that. We embraced it fully and showed: Just jump... two feet in. Give it 100% and you’ll reap the rewards.

We found out about Shell LiveWIRE right before the application period closed so we recorded our submission video at 11pm... the outtakes are entertaining!

The programme was a great fit for us. We were ambitious for growth and sustainability is increasingly important for us as a business. I did my homework on the previous cohort and knew it was something that could benefit us if we threw ourselves into it.

We took so much from it. We learned from experts, and we learned from each other – from SMEs up to huge turnover businesses - we were all facing the same challenges.

Ongoing learning from Shell LiveWIRE...

Despite the programme ending a few months ago, we are still growing using our learnings and every now and then, I’ll get my notes out and it’ll trigger a new idea.

It can be isolating working as a small business. But Shell LiveWIRE gave us our own little community, which has been so helpful. I took something away from every single aspect of the programme.

I gained so much confidence. I work in a male heavy sector, which left me with imposter syndrome at times. But I’ve learned that I DO know what I’m doing and it’s worth shouting about.

Since the programme, we’ve really homed in on what matters for us commercially. We reviewed our prices, sharpened up our processes and have a true direction forward.

I would tell any business considering signing up for Shell LiveWIRE to just go for it. Taking a step back and time away from your business is crucial to see the bigger picture.

And even now, we’re still learning from Shell and our mentors. It really is a fantastic opportunity.