The use of sustainable energy and the move towards a low carbon economy is an increasingly important area for any business to ensure they remain competitive and open to future opportunities, both in terms of their own costs and working with their supply chain. Certainly, national targets of attaining 20 per cent of all the UK’s energy needs from renewable or energy efficient sources by 2020 still remains one of the greatest challenges for the South West region and beyond.
 

Despite the sustainable energy industry making great leaps in moving towards this goal in recent years, there is still a long way to go and both business and the public alike have a paramount role in engaging with new technologies and changing behaviours to achieve it.

To illustrate the point, currently within the South West there has been a sustained growth of 35 per cent + year on year from 2007 in the number of full time employees within the sustainable energy sector and large growth in the associated installations of renewable and energy efficient technologies. However, we are still only approaching two per cent of our total needs from these sources.

Nevertheless, with every big challenge comes a big opportunity and there is certainly a great opportunity for manufacturing businesses in the region to look at their current energy use. With the assistance of organisations such as Regen SW and MAS-SW, which recently received a £4 million funding boost from the Government under the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan, businesses can look at becoming more efficient in their energy use and practices. This will not only help to move the region towards a low carbon economy, but also, and most importantly, both assist in boosting businesses’ bottom line profits and securing energy supply for the future. A win-win for everyone.

Lee Richards
Business Support Manager, Regen SW

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Further News Articles

MAS receives £4million Government Funding Boost

The Manufacturing Advisory Service has received a £4m government funding injection for nuclear and resource efficiency, under the UK Low Carbon Transition Plan.

As the UK’s leading advisor in manufacturing, MAS delivers practical support and advice to UK manufacturers who wish to improve their efficiency, raise their productivity, generate new and innovative ideas and address problems that may be affecting their profitability. MAS embraces manufacturing best practice to support manufacturers across a broad range of some 22 sub-sectors including nuclear, environmental and automotive.

This extra funding will develop MAS’ existing manufacturing support structure and make a significant positive impact when delivering specialist support to SMEs.

Bryan Jackson, Chairman of East Midlands Development Agency (emda), which holds the Regional Development Agency lead role for Manufacturing and coordinates MAS, commented:

"We welcome the additional funding that is being provided for manufacturing. It will have a real impact on small to medium sized manufacturers across the UK, enabling MAS to provide specialist support to businesses that are working within or looking to enter low carbon related markets, an area critical to the future of UK manufacturing."

To view the UK Low Carbon Industrial Strategy, click here

Carbon Trust increases SME Green Loan Fund

The Carbon Trust has announced plans to improve access for small and medium-sized businesses to over £100m in interest-free and unsecured loans. The maximum available amount has been doubled from £200,000 to £400,000 whilst the minimum loan value has been lowered to £3,000.

The move is intended to help smaller businesses survive during the recession, with loans available to SMEs trading for a period of 12 months or more. For more information visit www.carbontrust.co.uk

The UWE international talent project

The University of West England is hosting a talent project aimed at bringing together local businesses with international students. The project boasts numerous benefits for businesses including a better understanding of international markets and language barriers when conducting business across borders. Students are able to assist in a number of areas including cultural advice, market research and translation. Any manufacturers interested in joining the project should email info@swmas.co.uk for more information.

New battery regulations in the UK

The Government’s new regulations relating to the collection, treatment and recycling of batteries in the UK came into force on 5th May. The regulations apply to all ‘producers’ of batteries and accumulators. Batteries within products also count, which includes anything from household items to children’s toys. Additionally producers must now record the weights and types of batteries they place on the UK market as of 5th May. All quantities for 2009, broken down by weight of lead-acid, nickel cadmium and ‘other’ then need to be reported in January 2010. For more information visit www.environment-agency.gov.uk

University of Bath graduate experience scheme

The University of Bath is launching a Graduate Experience Scheme this summer. The scheme will provide businesses with a skilled graduate undertaking a Masters degree to assist with a major project as part of a work placement. The scheme runs until October 2009 and all graduates will be accompanied by an academic with whom businesses can build valuable relationships. Any manufacturers interested in the scheme should email info@swmas.co.uk for more information.

SWSIC supports SWRDA budget decisions

The South West Science and Industry Council (SWSIC) has announced its support for decisions made regarding the allocation of funds by the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA).

The latest SWRDA budget pledges a £260m investment in capital projects over the region in the next two years. The focus will be on innovation, including support for Business Technology Centres and Grants for Research and Development.

To read the full release please click here

2009 Engineer Awards open for entries

The Awards programme that continues to reward excellence in collaboration between universities and industry is now open for entries. Enter the Awards programme now and be a part of this prestigious event.

All technology and engineering universities and their industry partners are welcome to enter now at www.theengineerawards.co.uk

The Awards will be held on Friday 4th December at The Royal Society, London so save the date now!

NetRegs

For more information on the latest free environmental guidance for small and medium-sized businesses in the UK visit their website

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