Green Business Programme April newsletter

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April Newsletter

So this month we are starting to see things getting back to a bit of normality and it is great to see businesses re-opening. Here in the Green Business team we are looking forward to grabbing a drink in a, hopefully sunny, beer garden, getting a haircut and hitting the gym once more.  But remember to please stay safe and follow all the government guidelines as you reconnect with your friends and family.  Please make sure you visit the Coronavirus pages of the Council website to see what you can and cannot do as well as find out details around support that is available for businesses.

In this month's roundup we are providing details on the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire (CSW) COVID Business Pledge which was launched last week.  The pledge promotes COVID secure best practice while providing reassurance to employees and customers of businesses in our local area.  Find out how your business can sign up to the pledge below. 

We are excited to be hosting one of our GreenTalk LIVE webinars this Thursday in conjunction with Coventry University and University of Warwick which focuses on the pathway to a circular economy for businesses. There is still time to register for the event which is being held to coincide with 🌍 Earth Day, an annual event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Further information about our webinar and how to register is below. 

To keep up to date with our latest initiatives and news, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

We hope you enjoy this months update and remember to stay safe! 💚

Bernie, Bethany, Clare, Denise, Maciej, Matt and Sara.

GreenTalk LIVE webinar: The pathway to a circular economy

Pathway to a circular economy

GreenTalk LIVE webinar: The pathway to a circular economy, 22 April 2021, 12noon - 1pm

Following the success of Coventry & Warwickshire Green Business Programme's first joint sustainable development goals webinar with Coventry University and University of Warwick, we are delighted to be hosting another one with the two Universities around the development of a circular economy and the opportunities this can create for business.

Speakers will be outlining to businesses how adopting a circular economy within their business plans can drive greater resource productivity, reduce waste, deliver a more competitive economy and help reduce the environmental impacts of production and consumption, all contributing to business growth.

Find out more and register now.

Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire (CSW) COVID Business Pledge

Business Pledge

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

The show must go on for a business that has reduced its carbon emissions

Case Study

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...

Electric Fleet First - Are you thinking Electric?

Electric Fleet Survey

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 last webinar? Play it again

Webinar Recordings

 

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 for small business

Smart meters

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.

Electric vehicle charging for businesses

Plug In Coventry

Find out more about Plug in Coventry

West Midlands Cycle Hire - free ride offer

WM Cycle Hire

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.

Sustainable Processes: efficient and effective manufacture

Sustainable Processes: efficient and effective manufacture

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.

Share with colleagues

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.

Contact us

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.