Launched last week, the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire COVID-19 Business Pledge is open to businesses in Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire to sign up to.

The pledge seeks to promote COVID-secure best practice while providing reassurance to employees and customers of businesses in the local area now that businesses are reopening. The pledge is a marketing tool to help promote that your business is doing the right thing for its customers and staff. 

Sign up to the pledge

A cutting-edge entertainment and events business in Warwickshire is reducing its carbon footprint after investing in two energy efficient machines and installing LED lighting throughout the building thanks to a grant from the Green Business Programme.

Area 51 Design has been supplying creative props, décor, entertainment and shows for over 20 years. With its turnover reduced by 95 per cent due to Covid-19, co-director Rich Moore started to research applying for grants. Area 51 Design successfully applied for a grant of £12,702 towards an energy efficient CNC lathe and Polurea Spray Gun as well as the installation of LED lighting from the Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme.

Find out more...

Coventry City Council are offering a two month 'try before you buy' trial scheme for SMEs around the city to experience how changing to electric vehicles can benefit them, their business and their city! This trial has no hire cost or loan fee, the only payment would be insurance for the two month period. This trial will give businesses a 'real-world' insight into EV's that you would not get from a test drive. The trial enables you to explore EV range, battery range, charging infrastructure and exposure to what Government funding is available.

In order to understand our SME's needs and requirements to make this trial the most beneficial to them, we want to understand your current viewpoints, incentives and concerns about electric vehicles and what support you feel is needed to help businesses make this sustainable leap to a greener future.

Please tell us by filling in our online survey.

Did you miss our GreenTalk LIVE webinar last month on health, well-being and sustainable communities? 

You can watch it on demand now.  The presentations are also available to download.

Smart meters are the next generation of gas and electricity meters which are currently being rolled out in homes and small businesses across Great Britain by energy suppliers. Smart meters digitally measure how much energy you’re using as you’re using it and send your meter reading direct to your energy supplier at agreed intervals – putting an end to estimated bills, and meaning that you only pay for the energy your business actually uses. 

As well as giving you more control over your businesses’ energy spend, smart meters are the foundation for a smarter and more flexible energy system. With future demands for electricity set to increase, it has never been more important to upgrade our energy system to one that is more sustainable and less reliant on non-renewable fuel sources.

Contact your energy supplier to discuss getting a smart meter for your business.

Find out more about the benefits of smart meters for small businesses.

West Midlands Cycle Hire has started rolling out its bikes in towns and cities across the region. The Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) scheme has now been launched in Coventry .

To celebrate the launch of West Midlands Cycle Hire you can enjoy your first 30-minute bike ride absolutely free. Bikes are available to hire 24/7 and a number of docking stations are located at key locations in and around the city centre.

Register for updates and special offers on the website: wmcyclehire.co.uk and follow on social media @wmcyclehire #wmcyclehire.

The Warwick Manufacturing Group based at University of Warwick will be hosting their third SPIN webinar on 6 May 2021.

The theme is around “Sustainable Processes: efficient and effective manufacture”.  The discussion will be focussed on ways that process improvements across the manufacturing system can lead to environmental as well as productivity improvements. 

Register now.