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Welcome to the latest edition of the Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme newsletter. As we say goodbye to the summer and move into autumn we thought we would also be saying goodbye to all working from home. Alas, the Government announced more restrictions relating to COVID-19 and therefore the team is still mainly home based. However, this has not prevented us from carrying out numerous free remote energy audits for our local businesses and at the last count we had completed 22. So if your business is looking at ways to reduce energy costs, especially during the current climate then please email greenbusiness@coventry.gov.uk to book some time with our specialist energy advisers.
In this months newsletter there are details of our next GreenTalk LIVE webinar. This event will be providing insight into the very light rail (VLR) transit system which is being developed in Coventry, providing the city with an environment-friendly and economic public transport option. Further details on the event and how to register are below.
We also have the latest details on the Binley Cycleway Consultation and free cycle training sessions.
If you have any comments, news or suggestions, please get in touch. To keep up with our latest initiatives and news, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
As ever, the Green Business Programme team are here to provide support and guidance on funding opportunities and advice on how to save money on energy, waste and water bills and maximise low carbon opportunities within your organisation, so please get in touch.
Best wishes
Bernie, Bethany, Clare, Denise, Maciej, Matt and Sara.
A Coventry business gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2021 has created a new product which is already securing orders. GME Springs, which is based in Boston Place, Foleshill, designs and manufactures suspension springs for cars and commercial vehicles including buses, light commercial vehicles and 4x4 vehicles.
GME Springs applied for a £10,000 grant from the Business Support Programme and £4,200 grant from the Green Business Programme, which are both part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and are being delivered by Coventry City Council. When they were successful, the company also added nearly £25,000 to buy specialist tooling. The new equipment has led to the 15-strong business securing an order for a high-level military project and has created one new job for a production operative. The company has also invested in energy efficiency measures including installing LED lighting throughout their premises to reduce their energy costs. Find out more...
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6 October 2020 12.30pm-1.30pm
De-carbonising transport and improving air quality are major issues for expanding cities, which are being compounded by unanticipated challenges arising as a result of COVID-19.
Providing a safe, sustainable and attractive public transport service is key to achieving these aims, which is why Coventry is developing a lightweight and battery-operated urban passenger transport solution designed to make a rail-based system affordable for smaller towns and cities.
This upcoming webinar will be providing insight into the very light rail (VLR) transit system development, the first of its kind in the UK. The VLR system will include lightweight, self-propelled vehicles, which will provide the city with an environment-friendly and economic public transport option.
To guide you through Coventry's Very Light Rail project, this webinar will bring businesses up-to-speed on the city's aspiration to have an operational first route in place in 2025.
By attending this webinar you will learn:
- What urban VLR is
- How the R&D has progressed
- How Coventry plans to ensure urban VLR is suitable for a post-pandemic world
Register for the webinar now.
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Did you miss our GreenTalk live webinar last month on Coventry's Railway Station Masterplan? Don't worry if you missed it, you can still watch it in your own time, recording link is provided below.
Coventry's Railway Station Masterplan recording
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Free cycle training
Free cycle training sessions are available until the end of October to help people to learn to ride, develop their skills away from traffic or build their confidence riding on the road.
Book a free place online.
Binley Cycleway Consultation
Consultation on plans for a new cycleway to connect Binley Business Park to the city centre has begun. Visit Let's Talk for more information. The consultation on phase 1 closes on 31 October.
Cycle Parking for businesses - last chance to apply
Businesses in Coventry can apply for free cycle parking at their premises. The deadline for applications is 31 October, but apply online as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
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Alongside many councils across the country we are helping to raise awareness about the national NHS Test and Trace App.
The NHS Test and Trace App has now been launched to restrict the spread of COVID-19. It will notify users if they come into contact with someone who later tests positive for Coronavirus.
Hospitality venues, including bars, restaurants and a number of other venues will be expected to display a QR code at the entrance to the premises. The QR code will be unique to the venue and will enable app users to check in when they arrive at a location.
App users will be able to report symptoms, and book a coronavirus test using the app. The “Check-in” feature anonymously alerts users who have been at the same venue at the same time.
Find out how to download the NHS Test and Trace App.
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Energy brokers, also known as energy consultants in the energy industry, act as intermediaries between energy producers and energy consumers. Here are some top tips to help you understand how they work.
- Understand that if you don’t pay a bill for the brokers services directly, the broker will include their commissions into the unit rates of the contracts
- Long term isn’t always cheapest, short term contracts are sometimes better
- Ask to see a full range of comparisons in writing as a lot of brokers are not always searching the whole of the market
- Don’t renew early, stick to within six months of your contract end date. Any broker saying they can renew/compare early is comparing from a very reduced number of suppliers
More details.
Why not share this newsletter with your colleagues and ask them to join the Green Business Programme Network to be the first to hear about our upcoming events, latest initiatives and case studies from local businesses who have benefited from grants and support as part of the Green Business Programme.
Our privacy notice outlines how we keep your data safe and secure.
Our Economic Development Service also produce a monthly business newsletter, please subscribe if you wish to receive the latest news.
To help make your business more energy and resource efficient and make the most of low carbon opportunities please contact us:
Follow us @cwgreenbusiness or join our LinkedIn group to share discussions and case studies.
The Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is delivered by Coventry City Council, Coventry University and Coventry University Enterprises Ltd.
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