Member Article

Opportunities for Greater Manchester firms in Low Carbon sectors

MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency has partnered with the University of Salford to hold a one-day conference next week for Greater Manchester’s SME businesses that offer a low carbon, energy efficient or renewable technology or service.

The event, which aims to assist businesses to engage with and explore opportunities in the booming low carbon energy industry, takes place at The University of Salford on Wednesday 11 December (09:00 – 17:00).

Manchester is a dedicated Low Carbon Economic Area for the built environment, at the forefront of a revolution in construction. Home to the world’s most environmentally friendly building, Manchester was first city to build carbon neutral homes, and the region’s universities each run low carbon initiatives. The event organisers see Greater Manchester as being in a prime position to capitalise on opportunities presented by a low carbon future.

The event, ‘Winning More Business – Exploiting Opportunities for Low Carbon Products’, brings together the city’s academic sector, multinational industry, innovative SMEs and energy organisations, in an environment committed to accelerating the adoption of carbon neutral products and services.

Amongst others, the event will include sessions on government policy and sector initiatives, led by Sue Gibson from Gyron LLP, a low carbon supply chain specialist.

Delegates will also be able to learn more about collaboration and innovation in a session led by Joe Flanagan from the University of Salford. The event will also provide further information about local business support and the importance of a low carbon strategy, whilst gaining a wider view of the low carbon landscape in Greater Manchester.

Daniel Storer, Director of Business Development for MIDAS said: “The Low Carbon and Environmental Goods and Services (LCEGS) sector has grown rapidly in recent years, despite the tough economic environment. The sector in the North West is growing faster than anywhere else in the UK with a 5.7% growth rate in 2011/2012 compared to the national average of 4.8%over the same period.

“There’s never been a better time to learn more if you’re looking to win more business or you’re considering diversifying into a low carbon sector. This event is one of a number of initiatives we’re working on to help Manchester’s companies better understand the low carbon energy sector.”

Joe Flanagan, Consultancy Manager Research and Innovation, University of Salford said: “With the current media attention around energy prices there is an increasing pressure on the Government to address this growing issue. It seems that every day there is a new policy or strategy, followed by ongoing debate about how best to bring down energy prices, achieve carbon emissions targets and ensure that our generation capacity can meet our growing demand.”

“This event is therefore very timely, helping Greater Manchester’s SMEs get up to speed with the changes that are going on in the industry and what opportunities or challenges these might bring. Thanks to the support of MIDAS and the European Regional Development Fund, this event will make sure that businesses have all the information and support they need to thrive in this ever changing sector.”

To register for ‘Winning More Business - Exploiting Opportunities for Low Carbon Products’, visit http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/winning-more-business-exploiting-opportunities-for-low-carbon-products-tickets-

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .