It is time for us all to get on board and work collaboratively to achieve the target of net-zero. The world has seen major devastating impacts of climate change this year through wildfires and severe flooding, highlighting the urgent need for action to be taken.
Earlier this week new plans set out by the government to achieve net-zero were announced. The £620m investment in grants for electric vehicles and charging points, as well as homeowners being able to apply for up to £5,000 to install low carbon heat pumps, is a positive step in the UK’s journey to decarbonise.
However, it is still unclear about the support that will be available for businesses to move towards net zero in their operations and the design of new products and services. The government now needs to ensure that in the upcoming Autumn Budget obstacles to green investment are removed and, indeed, there are grants and direct advice available.
All businesses need to start by understanding their impact. Staffordshire Business and Environment Network (SBEN) has recently launched their Carbon Tracker tool which is free to all eligible Staffordshire organisations. The tool is used to measure and monitor carbon emissions as well as help businesses plan their route to net-zero. This is a good start for any business just starting on their journey to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. To find out more or to apply to use the Carbon Tracker tool visit: https://sben.co.uk/funded-support/sben-carbon-tracker/.
At the COP26 conference in Glasgow from 31 October – 12 November, the focus will be on what UK businesses are doing towards achieving decarbonisation.
British Chambers of Commerce will be attending COP26 in Glasgow and will be presenting a full agenda of business-focused policy debates as well as providing the opportunity for exceptional networking opportunities as members showcase their climate leadership. This truly is a unique opportunity for businesses in our local area to join other chamber members in Glasgow to discuss challenges of the future.
To find out more information about COP26 and what it hopes to achieve visit: https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/news/2021/10/what-is-cop26-and-what-does-it-hope-to-achieve or book your place for the BCC COP26 events at City of Glasgow College here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cop26-registration-170444165086.
At Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, we have recently made some changes to our member forums. Chaired by Ben Martindale from Synectics Solutions, our first Charity Forum meeting took place earlier this month, covering a range of topics from staff shortages and difficulties in recruitment to funding and support needs.
The next charity forum will be held in January 2022 with discussions surrounding volunteering and skill sharing taking place. If you are interested in joining the conversation in this forum, get in touch with Staffordshire Chambers by calling 01782 202222 or email rhouda.elalfy@staffordshirechambers.co.uk.
Finally, Let’s Do Business 2021 will be taking place on the 11th of November at the Uttoxeter Racecourse. This is one of Staffordshire’s largest exclusive networking events attracting hundreds of delegates from a broad range of sectors. The event will showcase the very best local companies coming together and promoting their products and services to decision makers.
This is a great opportunity for businesses to book a stand and raise the profile of their company. You can register your place at the event by visiting: https://www.letsdobusinessexpo.co.uk/.
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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