West Mids companies to take advantage of £112bn green economy
West Midlands businesses “need to wake up to the opportunities of the UK's £112bn green economy” which is set to grow by 25 per cent over the next four years. That’s according to Harry Morrison, a director at the Carbon Trust, who spoke to Insider at the launch of the organisation’s Green Growth campaign in Birmingham. Insider can also unveil Birmingham Chamber of Commerce’s programme to help more than 50 West Midlands businesses ‘go green’ over the next three years.
According to recent research by the Carbon Trust, more than half (54 per cent) of business leaders in the West Midlands recognise that they can save money by being more sustainable. However, only about one in four (28 per cent) are actively developing greener products and services.
Morrison said that recognising the benefits of the green economy was “the only show in town” for businesses in the region.
He said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for businesses, but one they need to wake up to. Going green can mean anything from developing the building in which you’re working, or offering more sustainable products and services. But business leaders need to wake up and see what wonderful natural resources and academic resources the region is home to, and seize the initiative.”
Bryn Richards of Aeristech, an engine turbocharging technology company based in Kenilworth, said that the company was “fully behind” the green campaign.
Speaking to Insider, he said: “I think companies across the region have really started looking an environmental issues and eco friendly alternatives as more of an opportunity that a problem. I think we’ll see a massive growth in the sector over the next few years.”
Birmingham-based pubco heavyweight Mitchells & Butlers and construction company Tarmac, headquartered in Wolverhampton, have also thrown their weight behind the Carbon Trust’s campaign. The pair have called on the government to remove regulatory barriers and provide the right incentive to encourage green growth, while recognising that ultimately the responsibility lies with business to show leadership.
Adam Fowle, chief executive, Mitchells & Butlers, said: "Our strategy for the next three years is to focus on ensuring that energy efficiency and carbon reduction is a part of our everyday business culture and we are continuing to invest in a number of energy saving projects across the business."
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce also revealed plans to help 54 of the region’s small and medium sized businesses become more green.
Kate Bullock, environmental adviser for the chamber, said: “We had no problem getting companies on board, and we’re currently trying to roll out the programme across the region. We’ll be advising 54 companies across the West Midlands about how to make their business plan more green and environmentally friendly, including how to save money through new product innovation and making their offices ‘greeener’.”
