Gov launches ‘one-stop-shop’ to help firms cut emissions
- Tuesday, September 12, 2023
- Posted By The Growth Company
Businesses can access free advice and support to reduce their energy bills and cut their carbon emissions via the new government-backed UK Business Climate Hub.
The UK Business Climate Hub includes a free carbon calculator and a suite of new tools to help businesses measure, track and report on their emissions and save money by using less energy.
Within Greater Manchester, GC Business Growth Hub has played a significant role in recent years in helping local businesses on their decarbonisation journey.
Lean manufacturing guidance from our Manufacturing Service, combined with sustainability expertise from our Sustainability and Net Zero Service, has been proven to produce winning results.
Examples include Worsley-based joinery business Bridgewater Laminates, which achieved over £2,500 in annual energy savings while improving efficiencies in its manufacturing process.
Oldham-based Quantum Profile Systems Ltd (QPSL), which produces PVC and aluminium products for the construction industry, successfully integrated net zero into its lean philosophy after creating its own carbon reduction roadmap.
Commenting her experience, QPSL’s Product Manager Diane Luther said:
“No one should miss out on this knowledge. Whether it’s energy or waste and recycling, I always go to the Growth Hub first to ask what they think.”
The portal offers detailed advice on everything from sourcing products from green suppliers and reducing emissions from freight and logistics to the most cost-effective ways of installing solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Research shows 90 per cent of SMEs are keen to tackle climate change, but find it difficult to know how or where to start. Graham Stuart, Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero, explained:
“More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching net zero and we’re determined to empower them to do so. The new UK Business Climate Hub is a one-stop-shop for businesses to find practical advice to reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills.
“Whether it’s fitting a low-carbon heat pump, generating energy with solar panels, or reducing the emissions from shipping goods, the new support will ensure businesses can drive towards net zero.”
The UK Business Climate Hub was developed in partnership with a range of national organisations, including the Federation of Small Business (FSB), the Institute of Directors (IoD), the British Business Bank, HSBC, NatWest, Electricity North West and National Grid, among others.
GC Business Growth Hub was part financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2014-2021, as part of a portfolio of ERDF-funded programmes designed to help ambitious SME businesses achieve growth and increase employment in Greater Manchester. Eligibility criteria was applied. The 2014-2021 ERDF fund was allocated by the European Union that finances convergence, regional competitiveness and employment and territorial co-operation.
Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), formerly the Department for Communities and Local Government was the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which was one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information, visit European Regional Development Fund: Documents and Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you would like to know more please contact us at bgh@growthco.uk