Energy, Environment & Sustainability Forum Blog
Leading the charge to net zero emissions by 2050
A blog by Dr Scott Elliott
Chair of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Energy, Environment & Sustainability Forum
There is, and can only be, one focus of the Energy, Environment & Sustainability Forum, and that is Staffordshire’s contribution the UK ending its contribution to global warming by 2050.
The UK became the first major economy in the world to pass laws to achieve net zero carbon emissions back in June 2019 and we believe the opportunities that this creates can have only positive consequences for Staffordshire.
Work is well underway on Stoke-on-Trent’s District Heat Network. There is the potential for the utilisation of geothermal energy under the city at depths of up to 3km and through shallower groundwater sources within former coalmining areas. It seems ironic that our energy source of the past could help us in decarbonising the heat required to power our city for the future.
The Chamber has a keen interest in developing the skillset required to install and operate District Heating networks and are working with the Heat Academy to look at running a series of joint events with them to help businesses profit and benefit from opportunities in the design, installation, management, and maintenance of the District Heat Network and to provide apprenticeships and work-related training.
Stoke-on-Trent is currently ahead of the game on District Heat networks and with hundreds appearing across the UK it is important it stays that way so that we can profit from our expertise.
The use of hydrogen as a source of heat and a fuel for transport is set to grow exponentially creating opportunities in creation, storage, and distribution networks and the forum is working to capitalise on the HyDeploy hydrogen project based at Keele University.
The first phase of HyDeploy was to run a live test of blended hydrogen and natural gas (methane) on part of the private gas network at Keele University campus. HyDeploy is the first project in the UK to inject hydrogen into a natural gas network and the next two phases are concerned with a move to a larger demonstration on a public network in the North West. More details here: https://bit.ly/3aDLlpe
We have representation from both, Staffordshire and Keele Universities on the forum which adds a great crossflow of academic and business views and ideas.
We are also delighted to welcome new Chamber patron, ENGIE to the forum. ENGIE are combining their capabilities in energy, services, and regeneration, to transform the former coal fired Rugeley Power Station site into an entirely new sustainable and smart community.
The planned mixed used development has the potential to include more than 2,000 new low carbon homes, including later living communities, as well as a substantial number of commercial buildings. ENGIE is targeting that a minimum of 30 percent of the new homes created on the site will constitute affordable housing. Once redeveloped, the Rugeley site could be entirely maintained
by green/renewable energy, up to 50 percent of which could be generated on site. More information: https://bit.ly/3exFymr
On transport, the forum is monitoring local initiatives to hasten the move from fossil fuels to electric and hydrogen fuels. We need many more vehicle charging points across the county and the forum will be working alongside the LEP to facilitate the creation of EV charging parks at appropriate strategic locations.
I have given a flavour of the myriad opportunities that can come from the race to net zero by 2050. Other big issues are the increasing importance of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) the three central factors in measuring the sustainability and societal impact of an organisation.
And did I mention COP26, Glasgow in November and UN Sustainable Development Goals? I will save them for my next blog!
If you would like to find out more about what we do or are considering joining the Energy, environment & Sustainability Forum, email Vicki Hardie: vicki.hardie@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
If you want to talk about any business issues, you can call the Chambers switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
To join the Forum discussion click here Hot Topics — Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
- Published in News
Digital Forum Blog
A blog by Charlie Houston-Brown
Chair of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Digital Forum
This Forum exists to drive the growing digital sector in Staffordshire enabling business to freely exchange information, share best practice and discuss digital innovation, information communication technology, the digital skills agenda and artificial intelligence (AI). Like the other Chamber forums, the aim of the Digital Forum is to support Chamber policy in its respective area.
For 2021 we have broken down the topics of concern to the forum into four main digital themes: skills; collaborate, connect and incubate.
Having the right skill set is essential if Staffordshire is going to achieve its digital objectives. We invite an external presenter to each forum and were delighted that Tim Chapman from Fujitsu joined us at the last meeting to talk about the new T Levels https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/students/subjects which will provide learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to progress into skilled employment or higher-level technical training, or study in the digital sector. T Levels offer a three A-level equivalence blending classroom learning (~80%) with practical experience (~20%). The core knowledge and understanding are assessed through an examination and core skills through a practical employer placement.
We are also keen to support the Computing at School network to ensure that every child gets the world-class computing education they are entitled to. https://www.computingatschool.org.uk/
On connectivity we are working to ensure that North Staffordshire gets the maximum benefit from the Silicon Stoke initiative which aims to roll out gigabit internet with the help of £9.2 million of government funding.
A successful rollout will give North Staffordshire the opportunity to be at the heart of a tech revolution. We already have the best university in the UK for computer gaming in Staffordshire University and this is just one example of how we can become a ‘smart city’ bringing high wage, high skilled jobs to the area, with all the associated economic benefits.
We have discussed the setting up a digital cluster along the lines of the moving image cluster (https://www.platformstaffs.com/) which was spawned from Staffordshire University graduates setting up their own film businesses in the past 20 years or so. We had 20 attendees at our last meeting discussing this collaborative approach and were joined by Steve Hargreaves, Employer Partnerships Development Manager from Staffordshire University and Rob McKay, Innovation and Leadership Development Manager from Keele University. We welcome any input into this debate and project.
Going forward we will be discussing incubation and what facilities are available to house, support, and nurture tech start-ups, working closely with both Universities and local councils.
The Chamber is fortunate to have Alan Bloomfield and Lewis Kemp as Specialist Digital Advisors. They offer advice and support in digital transformation of business, whether it is broadband availability, through to advice on CRM, ERP systems, website performance, social media etc.
Alan and Lewis are also involved with the Staffordshire County Council Information Technology Business Enhancement Programme (ITBEP).
ITBEP is aimed at SMEs including sole traders, based in Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent. These businesses will receive advice and information on using IT to become more efficient and productive. Businesses will be supported to maximise their digital potential and competitiveness, enabling sustainable growth. Further details at: https://bit.ly/2TuN4aK
If you would like to find out more about what we do or are considering joining the Digital Forum, please email Alan Bloomfield: alan.bloomfield@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
If you want to talk about any business issues, you can call the Chambers switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in News
Sector Forums
Digital
This forum is here to drive the growing digital sector in Staffordshire, enabling businesses to freely exchange information, share best practice and discuss digital innovation, information communication technology and artificial intelligence
Tax & Finance
This forum brings together businesses from the finance and professional services and is tasked with exchanging information on taxation, corporate law and governance, finance, insurance and professional services sector issues. Recent topics for discussion included; making tax digital, GDPR, corporate governance and the Chancellor’s Budget.
Social Value & Procurement
This forum is specifically tailored to bring together business leaders from the Chamber membership who are looking to promote social value, CSR and social enterprises within Staffordshire. Methods to help grow social value within our community and local & national constraints are addressed and discussed.
Transport
This forum is tasked with exchanging information on transport, infrastructure, automation and modernisation in transport, and road, sea, rail and aviation policy. Recent topics covered include: M6 Smart Motorway project, HS2, automated vehicles, and electric vehicle charging points across Staffordshire. It also steers Chambers’ representations on these matters and receives updates on national transport policy.
Planning & Construction
This forum is tasked with exchanging information on planning policy, construction and regeneration. Recent topics covered include: Joint Local Plan for Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Local plans for Stafford Borough, and the NPPF. It also steers Chambers’ representations on these matters and receives updates on developments in planning law.
Employment, Skills & HR
This forum is tasked with exchanging information on human resources, skills, education and training. Recent topics covered include: the living wage, apprenticeship levy, and gender pay gap reporting. It also steers Chambers’ representations on these matters and receives updates on developments in employment law.
Rural Business
This forum is a strategic group to promote the interests of the rural business sector in Staffordshire. It champions and lobbies for specific strategies and policies that will benefit members and ensure the rural sector has a stronger voice in our community.
Energy, Environment & Sustainability
Sustainability This forum is tasked with exchanging information on energy, environmental concerns and sustainability within the private sector. Driving our policy understanding on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
To join the Forum discussion click here Hot Topics — Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
To find out more please call 01782 202222 or email info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network
Influence and Policy
Our influence and policy team aims to represent the interests of Staffordshire businesses at a local and national level. You can get involved to help shape Staffordshire by: Completing our Quarterly Economic Survey, Britain’s most influential private business survey and used by the HM Treasury, Bank of England and the European Commission to assess the health of the UK economy.
Raising your views and concerns at meetings with local authorities and MPs. As well as the host of benefits already available through standard membership packages, Staffordshire Chambers also offers more specific support by working closely with a variety of sectors. These bespoke sector packages offer a support service specially tailored to each specific trade.
In addition, the Chamber helps bring local businesses from a cross section of industries together, providing members with exceptional networking opportunities and new and useful contacts on a regular basis. If you believe that your industry would benefit from a specific sector support group, or would like to speak with any of our influence experts get in touch and see how you could grow.
To find out more please call 01782 202222
- Published in Influence & Network
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