Member Article

Green Deal offers growth opportunities for Marches businesses

Businesses across the Marches could see significant growth from a Government scheme which will allow property owners to install energy efficient measures without paying up front costs.

The Marches Environmental Technologies Network Conference heard that the Green Deal, launched last month, could create and support thousands of jobs and grow the green economy.

Delegates were told SMEs and micro-businesses, such as plumbers, electricians and installers of renewable technologies, double glazing and insulation, would be key to the success of the Green Deal which would help them to grow their own businesses and create new jobs.

Paul Hutchens, managing director of Eco2Solar and chairman of metnet in Herefordshire & Worcestershire, said: “The Green Deal is an innovative but slightly complex mechanism to allow people to install renewable and sustainable measures to their properties. These can be installed at homes or business properties without upfront cost, the cost will be be added to the bill of the property.”

Mr Hutchens said there was significant opportunities for both installers and companies in the supply chain, including businesses represented at the conference held last Thursday at Ludlow Racecourse.

The conference heard how SMEs and micro-businesses in Birmingham were to benefit from the biggest housing refurbishment opportunity in Europe through the Green Deal.

Birmingham City Council is working with Carillion Energy to create energy efficient homes and green jobs to deliver a £600 million contract to refurbish 60,000 homes. Around 95 per cent of the work carried out under the scheme will be delivered by local companies, delegates were told.

In partnership with Birmingham City Council, Carillion will also have the opportunity to extend the provision of energy efficiency services to up to 35 other councils and public sector organisations across the wider West Midlands area which could see business wins for companies across the Marches.

Project manager at metnet, Patricia Head, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many delegates to our annual conference where we were able to offer real guidance and advice on how companies could become involved in the Green Deal, but also update them on waste sector legislation and how they could access assistance through the GrowthAccelerator programme.

“The Green Deal will not only have an important environmental impact, but it should also encourage growth in the environmental sector with business opportunities particularly for tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, heating engineers and companies offering environmental consultancy, renewables, energy efficiency lighting and insulation.”

Delegates also heard from guest speaker futurologist Robin Mannings as well as taking part in an interactive presentation from networking guru and business coach, Kevin Parr.

Funded by the ERDF, metnet is a partnership between Herefordshire Council, Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council and Worcestershire County Council administered by Shropshire Council. Further information on metnet is available on the website at www.met-net.co.uk.

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