Founded in 2018 by CTO Professor Davide Mattia and CEO Giovanna Laudisio, Naturbeads has developed technology to address microplastic pollution.

Microplastics – plastic particles which are less than five millimetres in size – persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to pollution in waterways, marine ecosystems, oceans, and soil. They have been detected in over 1,300 marine species, are embedded in the food chain, and have raised serious concerns about their impact on ecosystems and human health. An estimated 2 million tonnes of microplastics are added each year to everyday products from cosmetics to detergents, adhesives, paints, and many more.

EU regulations to ban the use of micro plastics in cosmetics and other products were published in October 2023, with a view to phasing out rinse-off products like shampoos and face washes by 2027, followed by the phase out of further personal and home care products, and agricultural products including fertiliser.

Easton Capital is a division of the Easton Group – a 50 year-old, family-owned property and investment group. Easton Capital provides long term investment to support high growth businesses, and its portfolio includes investments in the green economy, healthcare, whisky production, and biotechnology.

“We are exicted to announce our recent investment in Naturbeads, and proud to support a business that pioneers technology that will combat microplastics pollution.

Naturbeads differentiates itself from other companies in the sector, and has found an effectice, eco-friendly, and scalable solution.”

Created by trusted investment partner LDC – part of Lloyds Banking Group, The Top 50 celebrates entrepreneurs demonstrating remarkable ambition, and is now in its seventh year.

This year the programme received more than 700 nominations showcasing the exceptional individuals building successful and growing businesses right across the UK.

Peter and Steven collected the prestigious award at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly in central London – the iconic home of the world famous arts academy – and are now profiled in the LDC Top 50 website. They also featured in a Times supplement published nationally to celebrate the achievement.

The business leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 for 2024 are making a real impact by creating jobs, promoting social equality, championing sustainability, expanding internationally and integrating purpose into their business practices. They operate from 39 towns and cities across the UK and span every sector of the economy, whilst collectively they employ 5,146 people and generate revenues of more than £1.1bn.

The Easton brothers founded Green Home Systems in 2014 as an energy efficiency specialist that operates throughout Scotland with ambition to scale UK-wide. It installs thermal insulation, smart heating systems, renewable energy technologies, and electric vehicle charge points. The impact-driven company has completed more than 16,500 energy efficiency projects, lifted more than 7,000 families out of fuel poverty, and abated more than 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere.

“It’s been seven years since we launched The LDC Top 50 and in that time we’ve had the privilege of meeting some truly remarkable people. Our business leaders for 2024 show relentless drive and determination in their growth ambitions, and I’d like to congratulate them on everything they’ve achieved so far. This is certainly not the end of their success and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Easton Group directors, Peter and Steven Easton, talk to The Herald Business HQ about fifty years of family business.

The Labour MP was elected in July 2024 replacing the outgoing Scottish National Party candidate and nine year incumbent, Patricia Gibson. The property has been let for the tenure of the parliament and provides an excellent town centre location to represent constituency matters.

Easton Property has over 100 commercial properties throughout Scotland. It is a division of the Easton Group – a family-owned property and investment business with 50 years’ experience of investing in communities.

“We congratulate Irene Campbell on her recent election as Member of Parliament for North Ayrshire & Arran.

We welcome her into her new office and wish her every success as she represents her constituency at a national level.”

Easton Housing has expanded its portfolio with the completion of two new residential purchases in Ayrshire. Located in Dreghorn and Irvine, both properties will be redeveloped and brought up to a modern building standard and then offered to local families for long-term lets at affordable rates.

Easton Housing is a private housing provider with secure and affordable family homes for let throughout Ayrshire. It is a division of the Easton Group – a family-owned property and investment business with 50 years’ experience of investing in our communities.

“The solution to the housing crisis across the country is to encourage bringing empty homes back into use, and private housing providers play an important role in unlocking investment opportunities.

We are glad to be able to bring these formerly-unloved properties back to life with a complete refurbishment, that will allow them to become decent and affordable long-term homes for families.”

Listed Estate Agents has chosen Easton Property for the launch of its new branch opening in Troon. A new six year letting has been agreed for the prominent retail space on Ayr Street in Troon town centre.

Listed Estate Agents are property specialists with an in-depth knowledge of the local housing market. Their mission is to make buying and selling property a seamless, stress-free experience, and offer a full range of services tailored to their clients needs.

Easton Property has over 100 commercial properties throughout Scotland. It is a division of the Easton Group – a family-owned property and investment business with 50 years’ experience of investing in communities.

Co-op Funeralcare has extended its partnership with Easton Property by renewing the lease of its local branch in Port Glasgow. The deal will extend the funeral provider’s tenancy for a further 10 years until at least 2035, by extending the term of their existing lease to beyond 30 years. Co-op Funeralcare has leased and operated at these premises since 2004. The 2,000 square foot property is well located on Princes Street in Port Glasgow town centre.

Easton Property has over 100 commercial properties throughout Scotland. It is a division of the Easton Group – a family-owned property and investment business with 50 years’ experience of investing in communities.

Easton Property has signed a new lease with leading national retailer, DEBRA. The ten year lease will provide DEBRA with over 6,000 square feet of town centre retail space in Kirkintilloch.

DEBRA is a national charity and patient support organisation for people living with a rare skin condition also known as “Butterfly Skin”. The new Kirkintilloch shop will assist with fundraising capabilities, and add to their 100+ store portfolio which generates over £16M annually.

Easton Property has over 100 commercial properties throughout Scotland. It is a division of the Easton Group – a family-owned property and investment business with 50 years’ experience of investing in communities.

A quiz featuring some of the biggest names in Scottish football has helped the Ayrshire Hospice raise an incredible £100,000. The event was well attended by residents and businesses from across Ayrshire, including Easton Group who sponsored the event.

A Night at the Euros Final at Ayr Racecourse brought together some of the top stars of the beautiful game. The football legends battled it out as Scotland v The Rest of the World, with some thrilling quiz rounds.

Playing for Scotland were former stars James McFadden and Robert Snodgrass, and completing the line-up was none other than former Scotland manager Gordon Strachan.

Representing The Rest of the World were former England captain Terry Butcher, former Dutch international Arthur Numan and former Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill.

A charity spokesperson said: “Thank you so much to everyone who attended and we hope you had a fantastic evening.

“We are delighted to announce the evening raised an incredible £100,000! Wow!”

Dignitaries from across Ayrshire recently attended a homecoming celebration at Green Home Systems’ Irvine base to celebrate its ‘Planet Saver – Green Business of the Year’ award.

The Easton Capital backed energy efficiency specialist scooped the prestigious British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Award – presented at the London Stock Exchange – at the end of last year and continued the celebrations with a special event at its headquarters.

A large delegation of VIPs and officials from North Ayrshire Council and Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce had the opportunity to learn more about the work being undertaken by GHS to drive forward the net-zero agenda.

Alastair Macphie, Managing Director of Green Home Systems, said: “These awards celebrate the cream of the crop of businesses delivering growth and prosperity for the UK and local communities, so we were immensely proud to win the regional heat and go on to take the UK title.

“The Planet Saver Award recognises commitment to sustainable best practice and making the world a better and safer place. BCC not only recognised the impact our achievements to-date, but also looked at our future vision and the impact we will continue to make.

“We wanted to reflect and build on this success by inviting dignitaries from across the region to learn more about our key aims – reducing householders’ energy use, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and lifting people out of fuel poverty – and show them the ways in which GHS can make a real difference in communities across Scotland.”

Esteemed guests included Provost Anthea Dickson; Councillor Marie Burns, Leader of North Ayrshire Council; Councillor Anthony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Economy, Climate Change & Place; Wendy McFarland, member of the Council’s Business Development Team; and Claire Baird, CEO of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce.

They enjoyed a tour of the site and met with GHS co-founders Peter Easton and Steven Easton, MD Alastair Macphie and Commercial Director Graeme Carruthers.