The NP11 group of northern local enterprise partnerships, working with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, is hosting an online event on the North’s journey to net zero. The event, which will take place on Friday 19th March 2021, will aim to support Northern SMEs on their journey to net zero, and maximise sign ups to the SME Climate Commitment.
The North has the potential to be the UK’s green powerhouse, generating new sources of growth, job creation, investment and trade opportunities as the UK navigates a new international trading position. Ideally placed to lead the UK’s transition to Net Zero, the North has key opportunities, strengths and expertise around renewable energy generation, storage, and low carbon technologies and processes, which present significant supply chain opportunities for SMEs. The Journey to Net Zero conference aims to equip SMEs with some of the practical skills needed on their own journeys to net zero.
The pan-Northern online event will be opened by Minister for Climate Change and Corporate Responsibility, Lord Callanan, and Net Zero Champion, Andrew Griffith MP. Speakers will include leading LEP Chairs Paul Booth OBE, Claire Haywood DL and Roger Marsh OBE DL, as well as industry leaders sharing practical tips for SMEs.
Panel discussions will centre around the business journey to net zero and the green recovery plan, while individual sessions will be led on topics including:
• Smart meters and energy supplies
• Supply chains for CCUS, hydrogen, wind, and low emissions vehicles
• Clean growth in cities and rural areas
Delegates will also be able to access information about the 11 Local Enterprise Partnerships that make up the NP11.
Attendees from relevant organisations will also be encouraged to sign up to the SME Climate Commitment, which is recognised by the United Nations Race to Zero campaign. It has three primary objectives:
• Halve its greenhouse gas emissions before 2030
• Achieve net zero emissions before 2050
• Disclose its progress on a yearly basis.
The economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic will provide a renewed focus on clean growth and renewable energy. A recent YouGov survey found that members of the public support Government action to simultaneously grow the economy and protect the environment, without one coming at an advantage over another. The North of England continues to have a significant role to play in the UK’s future direction to net zero, despite the challenges this year has presented.
Clare Hayward DL, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “We are pleased to be working with BEIS on this trailblazing event, which is timely for the North and the country as a whole. There is a big opportunity for SMEs to support the North to become the UK’s net zero powerhouse as we start to look for green solutions to Covid recovery. There is potential to deliver a 50% reduction in carbon levels by 2032, and 100,000 new jobs and £2bn pa to the economy by 2050.
“The NP11 is developing a Net Zero North programme for a transformational approach that takes forward the Government’s 10-point Green Recovery Plan.”
Minister for Climate Change and Corporate Responsibility Lord Callanan said:
“Northern England is powering forward with the green industrial revolution and it is great to see how companies are cutting emissions while recognising the benefits of doing so, from creating jobs, attracting investment and opening up new trade opportunities.
“As part of our Together for our Planet campaign, we are inviting businesses from every corner of the UK to join the green business revolution and commit to becoming more sustainable and environmentally friendly - a step that will help businesses grow, seize new opportunities and build back greener.”
Journey to Net Zero North will be held online on the 19th March 2021, 09.00-16.40. For more information or to register as a delegate, visit: https://event.bablglobal.com/beis-business-journey-to-net-zero-north/home.
