Sky Zero Local Heroes Empowers Local Sustainability Trailblazers

Sky Media has announced the eight trailblazing winners of the first Sky Zero Footprint Fund: Local Heroes, an initiative that empowers eco-innovative SMEs by providing TV advertising to amplify their impact.

A spin-off from the award-winning Sky Zero Footprint Fund which has just relaunched, Local Heros celebrates businesses from different regions across the UK and Ireland, awarding a £20,000 local TV advertising campaign, along with up to £2,500 towards creative production through AdSmart from Sky. This means these ‘local heroes’ will be able to engage specific audiences and locations, ensuring they connect with the right audiences to drive meaningful change and support the growth of their businesses.

The eight winning local heroes

From repurposing waste to creating eco-friendly products, these ‘local heroes’ are proving that sustainability and success go hand in hand:

· Scotland: GLORIAH is redefining menopause care with traceable, palm oil-free products in biodegradable, plastic-free packaging. Their award-winning refill scheme is setting new sustainability benchmarks, with a bold plan to hit net-zero by 2027. 

· Northern Ireland: Boatyard Distillery is Northern Ireland’s only B Corp distillery. They’ve ditched plastic, introduced refillable bottles and are on the path to carbon neutrality by 2027. To encourage sustainability, they reward customers with reusable pouches for discounted refills, making it easier to drink responsibly in every sense. 

· North: Suma isn’t just ethical - it’s revolutionary. As a worker-owned cooperative, they’ve cut CO2e by 90%, offer a fully plant-based range, and actively support food banks and community clean-ups. Their equal-wage model and LGBTQ+ advocacy show that doing good is built into their DNA.

· Midlands: Penrhos Spirits turns wonky fruit into premium gin, reducing waste while supporting local farmers. Their 100% recycled aluminium bottles have even inspired industry giants and their zero-waste approach, reusing gin waste as fertiliser and water recycling – demonstrates their commitment to a better planet.

· Wales: Halen Môn’s success is tied to clean seas and sustainable resources.  As a B Corp, they go beyond sea salt - reusing distilled water for seaweed barrels, cutting carbon and minimising waste. As champions of sustainable food careers, they’re proving great taste and green thinking go hand in hand. 

· London: Seep is cleaning up the industry with plastic-free, compostable products designed to break down naturally. Every product and packaging is home-compostable or fully biodegradable, setting a new standard for the cleaning tools category.

· South East: Green Doors turns waste into opportunity. Since 2014, they’ve been rescuing discarded doors and transforming them into high-quality products, tackling construction waste one door at a time. With commitment to practical sustainability, they’re proving that a circular economy isn’t just possible – it’s profitable.

· South West: Grace & Green, founded in a Bristol basement, don’t just create sustainable period products - they believe menstruation dignity should be a universal right. Their innovative all-gender range leads the way for inclusivity, while their Period Dignity initiative tackles poverty, stigma and promotes sustainability for a better future.  

The winning businesses are not only driving sustainability but also actively engaging with their local communities. From supporting local farmers and food banks to promoting sustainable careers and community clean-ups, these SMEs are making a tangible difference in their regions.

David Sanderson, director of AdSmart local and development said, “These winning businesses are raising the bar for sustainability, proving that it’s possible to make a positive impact while scaling your business. We’re immensely proud to support these local heroes by helping them reach the right audiences with targeted regional advertising, enabling them to share their inspiring stories and drive real, transformative change”.

This campaign is part of Sky Media’s continued commitment to championing sustainable businesses, demonstrating how advertising can influence positive behavioural change. For full details and to find out how to apply for the national Sky Zero Footprint Fund, visit skymedia.co.uk/skyzerofootprintfund.