Sector: Transport, warehousing and logistics

1207

Ambition to export: mapping and accessing new markets workshop

We’re holding a series of international trade workshops for Sandwell businesses. The fourth one takes place on Thursday 22 February (new date!) at our Sandwell Start-Up Hub.

We (the Sandwell Business Growth Team) are holding a series of international trade workshops covering:

  • How to improve your import, export and customs procedures
  • Ambition to export: mapping and accessing new markets
  • Cutting costs and improving productivity through customs
  • Reviewing Brexit: customs compliance and audit for UK importers.

The first three workshops covered a beginners’ guide to importing and exporting, how to improve your import, export and customs procedures, and cutting costs by improving productivity.

The fourth workshop in the series takes place on Thursday 22 February* at Jack Judge House in Oldbury. It’s called ‘Ambition to export: mapping and accessing new markets’. It is an introduction to exporting and fully revised to reflect Brexit issues and current practices.

*Postponed from Friday 12 January.

We (the Sandwell Business Growth team) are hosting the workshop and experts from Falsum Consulting Ltd will deliver the session, which is designed to offer basic grounding in export procedures. It’s a whole-day event, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

The workshop will cover the key points of exporting, including export documentation and working with freight forwarders. It is ideal for any businesses new to export or for anyone whose job has an export connection. 

Whether you work in sales, contracts, finance, customer services, shipping, logistics or you would like a managerial overview of the whole export procedure, attendance will increase your confidence and awareness.

The workshop aims to provide a greater understanding of overseas requirements and export document procedures, such as:

  • Rules and regulators
  • Trading inside the EU
  • Goods on the move – a look inside the freight world
  • Export procedures –  the steps along the supply chain road and what happens to goods when they arrive overseas 
  • The export control system (ECS) and the export accompanying documents (EAD)
  • INCOTERMS® 2020 RULES –  a review of the importance of using shipping terms correctly 
  • Documents – finding out what documents are needed and key documents examined and explained
  • Origin rules – certificates of origin and preference certificates, ATR and EUR forms, invoice statements, approved exporter status
  • Customs control – an introduction to customs procedures, how to handle temporary movements and record-keeping requirements
  • The language of exports – jargon explained, including shipping terms (incoterms), payment terms, customs codes and common abbreviations
  •  Working with a freight forwarder – getting it right
  • Where to go for advice.
Sign up at Eventbrite

This workshop will be ideal for compliance managers, finance leaders, business heads and logistics management.

More international trade support
More international trade support

How smaller businesses in the West Midlands can thrive with diversity: British Business Bank event

On Tuesday 7 November, the British Business Bank will bring together an expert panel to share advice about debt and equity options for smaller businesses. This event is particularly relevant to entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.

The event will be a great opportunity to hear from guest speakers, network with the presenters and ask your own questions. The speakers will include:

  • Tracy Sherratt – senior manager at British Business Bank
  • Harinder Kunor – regional ecosystem manager at NatWest
  • Jim Shirley – founder of Funding Hero
  • Steve Parry – director at Q Commercial Finance
  • Surlender Pendress – co-founder of Love Writing Co.

British Business Bank is hosting it, in partnership with NatWest, Funding Hero and Q Commercial Finance. The event is free, and includes a networking lunch and refreshments.

For more information, and to register your place, visit the Eventbrite page.

Visit our Finance for start-ups page
Visit our Finance for start-ups page

Birmingham Black Business Conference: an event from Legacy Centre of Excellence

The Black Business Conference provides knowledge, services and networks to businesses of all kinds. It takes place on Saturday 14 October at the Legacy Centre of Excellence in Birmingham.

This year, NatWest is the headline sponsor. Actor and presenter Richard Blackwood will host the event, alongside journalist Merisha Stevenson. The day includes a business networking expo, industry-focused workshops and panel discussions featuring renowned black business leaders such as:

  • Paulette Simpson
  • Beverly Johnson
  • Corey Weekes
  • Craig Pinkney
  • Karl George MBE
  • Kenneth Gray
  • Deirdre LaBassiere LL.B (Hons) FTLS
  • Sophie Marie Bennett
  • Yetunde Dania
  • Natalie Scarlett
  • Zoe Bennett, BEM.

There will be plenty of advice, links and resources for both start-up and established companies.

For more information, and to book your free place, visit the Eventbrite page.

We’re looking for your stories for Black History Month 2023
We’re looking for your stories for Black History Month 2023

Sandwell Start-Up Hub: your business co-working environment is now open

Posted on by Marie

Our new co-working environment in Oldbury is open. The Sandwell Start-Up Hub is a spacious, welcoming place for local entrepreneurs and businesses to network, plan, collaborate and learn.

The Sandwell Start-Up Hub is on the top floor of Jack Judge House in Oldbury, opposite Sandwell Council House. Our aim is to help small local businesses on their journey to success by providing an open-plan office with 60 workstations, collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, event space and free WiFi.

The Sandwell Start-Up Hub is a co-working environment where entrepreneurs and business owners can collaborate, network, and receive advice and support from the Sandwell Business Growth Team and partner organisations. More on that support soon!  

Within the Sandwell Start-Up Hub are three areas:

  • Collaboration Zone: for networking and collaborating
  • Quiet Zone: for focused work
  • Event Zone: hosting informative sessions by business support organisations on various topics.

“Get inspiration and share knowledge”

Carlene Taylor and Nasteha Isak are the founders of We Are Able CIC, helping parents and carers of children and young people who have special educational needs and disabilities with impartial guidance and advocacy services. Carlene and Nasteha attended the launch event at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub on Tuesday 26 September. They had accessed support from Sandwell Council’s Business Growth Team earlier in the year.

Nasteha said: “We are really looking forward to taking advantage of the resources and support on offer here. It’s incredible that we get the chance to have somewhere where we can work from, rather than having to use our homes, and we can get inspiration and share knowledge with other people while we’re here.”

Sandwell, the home of start-ups

Councillor Peter Hughes is Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and West Midlands Combined Authority. He said: “The Sandwell Start-Up Hub will be more than just a workspace. It is the Business Growth Team’s plan to create a community of businesspeople who can collaborate, network and learn from one another – as well as from guest organisations delivering useful business workshops and talks.

“One of Sandwell Council’s priorities is to promote inclusive growth that raises people and communities up alongside thriving businesses. The Sandwell Start-Up Hub offers a physical space in which that success can be incubated. With this innovative new Hub, Sandwell will truly become the ‘Home of Start-ups’ for the West Midlands, where entrepreneurs from all sectors are welcome.”

The Sandwell Start-Up Hub will be free for local businesses and entrepreneurs to access until September 2024.

Learn more Book your desk


Pictured left to right: Nasteha Isak of We Are Able CIC, Helen Peach from Sandwell Council’s Business Growth Team, and Carlene Taylor of We Are Able CIC.


‘Celebrating Black History Month’: a free event from NatWest

On Monday 9 October, NatWest is marking Black History Month with a free event to celebrate the year-round success of the black business community in the region. It takes place at the NatWest Accelerator Hub in Birmingham city centre, and the keynote speaker is inspirational hair care entrepreneur Kamesse Davis from Sandwell.

Kamesse founded Nylahs Naturals in 2013, without any business capital, whilst working as a careers adviser and raising two young children. Other black business people will also be there to share their stories and advice, incuding:

  • Denise Morris, founder of TAG Network Midlands
  • Oyinkansola Adebayo, who runs the Niyo group of companies
  • Drew Currie, who runs ‘Show Me The Money’ funding events across the country
  • Keith Shayaam-Smith, CEO of 7E Youth Academy and Chairman of The Legacy Centre of Excellence.

As well as the expert panelists, there will also be time for questions and networking.

This event is for anyone at any stage of their business journey, from initial idea to experienced business owner. If you’d like to be inspired, offer your time for others, or be an ally of the black business community, this event is for you.

For more information, and to register your free place, visit the Eventbrite listing.

We’re looking for your stories for Black History Month 2023
We're looking for your stories for Black History Month 2023

“Start Small; Dream Big”: help children in our primary schools to achieve their potential

Posted on by Marie

The Careers and Enterprise Company has selected Sandwell-based SIPS Education to deliver its ‘Start Small; Dream Big’ programme for primary schools in the Black Country. Now SIPS Education is looking for local businesspeople to inspire the next generation. Will you take part in employer encounter experiences for our young people?

Studies show* that, by the age of six, children have already started to adopt limiting stereotypes based on gender, ethnicity and social background. By age nine, some have already started to abandon their biggest ambitions.

Start Small; Dream Big is a £2.6m pilot project, funded by the Department for Education, set up to address these findings. It aims to raise awareness among primary school-aged children of the world of work, raising aspirations and combatting stereotypes. Delivered overall by the Careers and Enterprise Company and Teach First, its aim is to reach 600,000 children in 2,250 primary schools across the country, between now and 2025.

The Careers and Enterprise Company has selected SIPS Education as its delivery partner for schools across Sandwell and the rest of the Black Country. The West Bromwich-based not-for-profit organisation will play an important part in encouraging children from disadvantaged backgrounds to dream big about their future careers. SIPS’ work will include supporting senior leaders, teachers, parents and children with information and resources. It will build children’s understanding of the links between the things they learn in school and the world of work.

Serving schools across the region: about SIPS Education

SIPS Education (www.sips.co.uk) started in 2013. It provides professional services for secondary schools, primary schools, nurseries and special schools across the region. These include HR, financial services, software support, IT technical support and project work, catering delivery and consultancy, health and safety consultancy, data protection consultancy and support, school improvement solutions, managed work experience, and music and arts services.

SIPS Education is a co-operative and therefore governed by its members, not shareholders. CEO Brian Cape previously told us: “Our people feel it’s important to be able to put schools (members) first and we’re proud to be part of an organisation that doesn’t make profits from children”.

Brian, who is also a Sandwell Business Ambassador, explained how Start Small; Dream Big will work.

“Start Small; Dream Big will integrate with children’s learning by linking lessons to careers. It will also give them an opportunity to explore different jobs and meet inspiring employers.

“We want children in our region to reach their full potential by finding something they love, and pursuing it with confidence and ambition. So I would love to see local employers and entrepreneurs get involved and help to dispel those limiting beliefs and stereotypes that hold children back.”

How you can support the programme

SIPS is asking employers to pledge a number of days/hours for their teams to support Start Small; Dream Big. You could support multiple schools at both school-based and regional events, or one school within your local area. SIPS is keen to stress that any time you can give is valuable to our amazing young people.

So can you pledge a day or so to help SIPS and our local primary schools with Start Small; Dream Big? Please email wrl@sips.co.uk for more information. Tell them the Sandwell Business Growth Team sent you!

Or you can sign up for the information sessions in late January and February 2024.

SIPS is also looking for suitable people to become Enterprise Advisers. As well as local organisations that can offer work experience placements. Again, email wrl@sips.co.uk with your details.

* PDF opens in a new tab: ‘What works? Career-related learning in primary schools’ – Dr Elnaz Kashefpakdel, Jordan Rehill and Dr Deirdre Hughes OBE.

We amended this article in January 2023 to include the information sessions and remove a mention of SIPS’ provision covering Coventry.

More ways to give back
More ways to give back

‘How to improve your import, export and customs procedures’: workshop

We’re holding a series of international trade workshops for Sandwell businesses. Join us at the second one on Thursday 19 October at our new Sandwell Start-Up Hub!

We (the Sandwell Business Growth Team) are holding a series of international trade workshops just for you. Over the coming year, we’ll cover:

Our first workshop was in September – a beginners’ guide to importing and exporting.

The next one takes place on Thursday 19 October at our new Sandwell Start-Up Hub (on the top floor of Jack Judge House in Oldbury). It’s called ‘How to improve your import, export and customs procedures’. It will guide you through advanced customs compliance standards and legislation surrounding compliance in international trade.

We (the Sandwell Business Growth team) are hosting it and Sam Ballard-Robinson of Falsum Consulting Ltd will deliver the session. It’s a whole-day event, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

During the day, we’ll explore the ‘Three Pillars of Customs Compliance’ and how these impact your business. You will gain knowledge about what to check and how to implement changes within these three pillars.

This practical guide will look at ‘Classification, Valuation, and Origin & Preference’, ensuring you have the knowledge to capture and record the required details.

Focusing on Customs Special Procedures, Sam will give you detailed information on Inward and Outward Processing, Customs Warehouses (and how they operate) and more. We will also cover Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) and the benefits and pitfalls of using AEO.

During the day, we will:

  • Focus on how the Three Pillars of Customs Compliance affect day-to-day activities within a business trading internationally
  • Be guided through the Transit System and GVMS (Goods Vehicle Movement Service)
  • Understand the need for import and export licensing
  • Clarify the differences between the data elements and box numbers in CHIEF and CDS
  • Get an overview of the different valuation methods and how to build up the customs value of goods for duty and import VAT purposes
  • Understand the importance of tariff classification and origin and preference rules within international trade
  • Highlight the different customs’ special procedures and when they can be used
  • Review record-keeping and reporting requirements and explain the benefits of obtaining MSS reports.

This workshop will be ideal for you if you have an established understanding of customs procedures, or you’ve already attended sessions that introduced these topics. We also recommend it for supervisors and managers, who will benefit from a deeper awareness of their required tasks, responsibilities and controls.

Sign up at Eventbrite

“Saluting our Sisters”: your stories wanted for Black History Month 2023

Posted on by Marie

Every October, Black History Month is a great time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of black people to British society.

In 2023, the theme is ‘Saluting our Sisters’ – honouring in particular black women and their crucial role in shaping history, inspiring change, and building communities. At Sandwell Business Growth, we want to hear and share your stories.

As the official Black History Month website states: “Black people have always been at the forefront of social justice movements, fighting against oppression and paving the way for change. However, despite their countless contributions to society, the achievements of black women, in particular, have too often been overlooked or forgotten. That is why, this year, we will be celebrating the exceptional achievements of black women”.

The ‘Saluting our Sisters’ celebrations in October will showcase black women who have made huge contributions to the world: literature, music, fashion, sport, business, politics, academia, social and health care, and more.

So we want to do the same here at Sandwell Business Growth. We are keen to celebrate in particular the achievements of black women business owners and entrepreneurs in our borough.

Celebrating Black History Month in Sandwell

Calling black businesswomen in Sandwell: do tell us if you’d like us to share your stories and successes. We are always looking to celebrate your business and tell people about the brilliant things you do. Drop us a line with your latest updates. Or complete our ‘Made in Sandwell’ form to have your own business profile here on the Sandwell Business Growth website. You can do this any time of year, of course – not just for Black History Month.

Take a look at Black History Month events happening in the West Midlands.

Engaging with black history all year round

The Black Curriculum empowers young people and educators to engage with Black British history 365 days a year. Have a look at the Black Curriculum website and join the movement.

Resources for women in business
Resources for women in business

Trading Standards Business News

The quarterly digital magazine from Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA).

Bonfire Night, rugby and e-scooters: the latest in Trading Standards Business News

Posted on by Marie

The autumn 2023 edition of Trading Standards Business News (TSBN) is available online.

Central England Trading Standards Authorities (CEnTSA) has published this digital magazine.

CEnTSA is a collaboration between fourteen trading standards services within local authorities across the West Midlands – including Sandwell. Together they aim to maximise the impact that individual services have, supporting businesses in our region to trade legally and fairly while promoting economic growth.

TSBN is full of advice to help you and your business thrive while staying on the right side of the law. Each edition covers a wide range of business sectors and signposts you to further information.

The magazine includes articles for retailers, SMEs, food businesses, international traders and entertainment venues. It also has information on seasonal safety and avoiding fraud.

So what’s inside the autumn 2023 edition of TSBN?

You can read the latest TSBN in a browser on your computer or download the TSBN app for Apple and Android devices. The digital magazine content is interactive – so clicking on the web links will take you to the relevant page or website.

The autumn 2023 edition of TSBN contains tips and guidance on Halloween and Bonfire Night safety, general business fire safety advice, plus a focus on health and safety in pubs and bars during the men’s Rugby World Cup.

There is information on cyber security, and the sale of age-restricted items such as knives, fireworks and alcohol. For anyone involved in the food industry, you’ll find guidance on use-by dates and pest control – plus the latest on avian influenza.

Editor Frances Darling said: “Autumn brings with it Halloween and Bonfire Night, both of which have significant safety implications for many businesses, so we have provided relevant product safety guidance to help you stay legal and protect your customers.

“The safety theme continues with articles covering fire safety and regulatory requirements relating to e-bikes and e-scooters; the fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries in these products is currently a very urgent topic.”

This edition also looks at the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and gives an update on the work being done to improve compliance levels amongst letting agents.

Where you can read Trading Standards Business News

Read the autumn 2023 edition of TSBN.

Read past editions of TSBN here.

Sandwell Council’s Trading Standards Team is here to help
Sandwell Council's Trading Standards Team is here to help

Get Connected in Sandwell: breakfast networking

Come and join the Sandwell Business Growth Team, Sandwell College and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce for a breakfast networking event in Oldbury on Thursday 21 September.

We’re hosting the event at Jack Judge House (Halesowen Street, Oldbury B69 2AJ) which is soon to become home to the Sandwell Start-Up Hub.

Learn about the Sandwell Start-Up Hub

The event is free to attend. It’s a great opportunity to network with other businesspeople and learn about funded courses and grants/business support for your Sandwell business. You can have breakfast for free too: bacon, sausage or a vegetarian option.

Find out more and sign up at Eventbrite.

Sandwell Start-Up Hub launch event

Come to our Sandwell Start-Up Hub launch on Tuesday 26 September at Jack Judge House in Oldbury.

Our new hub offers desks, resources, collaborative spaces, free WiFi and networking opportunities.

Free desk space in Oldbury

The Sandwell Start-Up Hub has open-plan office space within a hot-desking environment, equipped with 60 desks and free WiFi. There, you can work alongside entrepreneurs and new businesses, and access meeting rooms.

We understand the importance of having a productive workspace so we’re excited to provide it to local businesses at no cost for the first year (until September 2024).

Interior of the Sandwell Start-Up Hub, with clean open space, round tables and a communal kitchen

Location and layout of the Sandwell Start-Up Hub

The hub is on the top floor of Jack Judge House in Oldbury (B69 2AJ). This is the former Oldbury library building, opposite Sandwell Council House (where the library is now housed).

It has three areas:

Collaboration Zone
Where entrepreneurs can engage in meaningful networking and spark collaborations.

Quiet Zone
For focused work, allowing you to immerse yourself in your tasks without distraction – for maximum productivity.

Event Zone
Where we will host business support organisations to deliver informative sessions on a variety of topics.

Grow together at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub

We’ve designed the Sandwell Start-Up Hub to be more than a physical space. Together we will build a community of like-minded individuals, supporting one another’s growth.

Whether your established business is looking to collaborate, or you’re a new entrepreneur seeking resources, we want this hub to be your gateway to success.

To find out more or register for the Sandwell Start-Up Hub, contact the Sandwell Business Growth Team at Sandwell_StartupHub@sandwell.gov.uk. We will send you a registration form to complete. Eventually, you will be able to book your desk through the MySandwell app.

You can also join the launch event on Tuesday 26 September. We’re holding this from 9.30am to 11.30am at the hub. Find out more and sign up at Eventbrite.

Sandwell Start-Up Hub: welcome to your free, inspiring co-working space in Oldbury

Posted on by Marie

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or do you have a growing business in Sandwell? Come and work in our supportive, innovative co-working environment at Jack Judge House in Oldbury.

Sandwell Start-Up Hub is our exciting initiative, launching on Tuesday 26 September 2023.

Designed to give local businesses the tools they need to flourish, our new hub offers desks, resources, collaborative spaces, free WiFi and networking opportunities.

Free hot-desking and meeting space in Oldbury

The Sandwell Start-Up Hub has open-plan office space within a hot-desking environment, equipped with 60 desks and free WiFi. There, you can work alongside entrepreneurs and new businesses, and access meeting rooms.

We understand the importance of having a productive workspace so we’re excited to provide it to local businesses at no cost for the first year (until September 2024).

Interior of the Sandwell Start-Up Hub, with clean open space, round tables and a communal kitchen

Jack Judge House: location and layout of the Sandwell Start-Up Hub

The hub is on the top floor of Jack Judge House in Oldbury (B69 2AJ). This is the former Oldbury library building, opposite Sandwell Council House (where the library is now housed).

It has three areas:

Collaboration Zone
Where entrepreneurs can engage in meaningful networking and spark collaborations.

Quiet Zone
For focused work, allowing you to immerse yourself in your tasks without distraction – for maximum productivity.

Event Zone
Where we will host business support organisations to deliver informative sessions on a variety of topics.

Grow together at the Sandwell Start-Up Hub

We’ve designed the Sandwell Start-Up Hub to be more than a physical space. Together we will build a community of like-minded individuals, supporting one another’s growth.

Whether your small established business is looking to collaborate, or you’re a new entrepreneur seeking resources, we want this hub to be your gateway to success.

To find out more or register for the Sandwell Start-Up Hub, contact the Sandwell Business Growth Team at Sandwell_StartupHub@sandwell.gov.uk. We will send you a registration form to complete. Eventually, you will be able to book your desk through the MySandwell app.

You can also join the launch event on Tuesday 26 September. We’re holding this from 9.30am to 11.30am at the hub. Find out more and sign up at Eventbrite.

Black Country Chamber Business Awards 2023: submit your entries now

Posted on by Marie

Don’t miss your chance to submit an entry for the Black Country Business Awards – celebrating ‘talent, tenacity and transformation’ in our region.

The annual Black Country Chamber Business Awards will this year announce winners in thirteen different categories. The awards are free to enter and the deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday 11 September. For 2023, the theme is celebrating ‘talent, tenacity and transformation’ in our region.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Thursday 9 November.

Dudley-based MET Recruitment won last year’s Excellence in Professional Services Award. The company’s commercial director Nella Share said: “Our experience has been so valuable. It has opened doors to new relationships and allowed us to demonstrate the high standards we offer on a regional stage.”

Lisa Cowley, CEO of the Beacon Centre (the 2021 winner of Large Business of the Year) echoed Nella’s words. Lisa said: “Both the event and the award have led to opening doors to new local connections and supporters, as well as providing a fantastic news story for us to share across all of our channels and giving a boost to employee morale. If you are considering entering your organisation, I would really recommend doing so.”

Celebrating social value at the Black Country Chamber Business Awards

James Cash is managing director of Superfast IT, which won Outstanding Support to the Armed Forces in 2022. He said: “I strongly encourage other companies to explore these opportunities and enter the awards. Winning isn’t just an honour, it reflects alignment with values that strengthen our community and drive progress across the region.”

Halesowen BID won the Business Commitment to the Community Award in 2022. BID manager Vicky Rogers said: “As an organisation dedicated to developing and providing local services and support, awards like this strengthen our commitment and motivate us to continue our work.”

This year, Sandwell Council is sponsoring the Business Commitment to the Community award. We believe that giving back and doing good are important cornerstones of any successful business. You can read how this plays a key role in our tendering and contracting process on our brand new CSR and social value page.

Will it be a starry night for our Sandwell business community?

At the 2022 Black Country Chamber Business Awards, at least one Sandwell organisation was represented as a finalist in each of the fourteen award categories. Five Sandwell businesses were overall winners, while four took ‘highly commended’ awards. We’d love to see you shine again this year!

For more information, and to enter the awards, visit the Black Country Chamber Business Awards website.

Go green, save money: new UK Business Climate Hub

Posted on by Marie

The government’s new UK Business Climate Hub gives you practical advice for reducing your business carbon footprint and saving on energy bills.

Through the hub, you can get advice on everything from paying less for electric vehicles and sourcing products from green suppliers, to installing solar panels and making money by selling green energy back to the grid.

The website includes a free carbon calculator and other tools to help your business measure, track and report on emissions.

Research shows that 90 per cent of SMEs are keen to tackle climate change, but don’t know how or where to start. Also, 85 per cent of customers are more likely to buy from businesses with a reputation for sustainability. So going greener makes good commercial sense.

Graham Stuart is Minister of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. He said: “More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching net zero and we’re determined to empower them to do so. The hub also has the opportunity to empower small firms to take ambitious steps towards net zero, ultimately ensuring that they also benefit from the economic opportunities created in a net zero economy.”

‘A valuable tool for business leaders’

Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group chief executive and co-chair of the Net Zero Council, said: “None of us will get to net zero without all of us getting to net zero, so ensuring that every business and every sector has a clear plan for delivering this non-negotiable target is key. I hope the UK Business Climate Hub will be a valuable tool for business leaders looking for guidance and support in this vital endeavour.”

The Broadway Initiative is managing the UK Business Climate Hub. The collaboration developed it in partnership with associations such as the Federation of Small Business and the Institute of Directors. They had support from the British Business Bank, HSBC, NatWest, Electricity North West, Northern Powergrid and National Grid. The hub is the UK partner of the international SME Climate Hub.

Find out more at the UK Business Climate Hub website.

Visit our climate resilience page
Visit our climate resilience page

Green Advantage: join the skills bootcamp in business sustainability

Posted on by Administrator

Green Advantage is a five-session course for managers who want to explore environmental challenges on their business.

Give yourself an informed approach to environmental issues and start your journey to sustainability. Through Green Advantage, you can have five interactive workshops, peer networking and one-to-one business coaching over twelve weeks. The course is designed to fit around full-time work.

The Department for Education via the West Midlands Combined Authority has funded Green Advantage, as part of the government’s Skills Bootcamps. Aston University is delivering it. The next cohort will start their sessions in September 2023.

Develop a road map to sustainability for your business

During the course, you will develop a bespoke sustainability roadmap for your enterprise. Maybe you will take practical actions to lower emissions and save energy. Or perhaps you will decide to overhaul your business model and values completely.

The cost of the Green Advantage course varies, according to your business size. SMEs must contribute £296.95 per learner, while for large businesses it’s £890 per learner. It is free for self-employed people. The next cohort starts in September 2023.

For more information visit the Aston University Centre for Growth page.

Get more ideas for achieving net zero
Get more ideas for achieving net zero

Drive the green transport revolution with Clean Futures Accelerator

Posted on by Administrator

Sign up for the Clean Futures Accelerator and get up to £50k to help develop green transport ideas.

Clean Futures Accelerator is a six-month programme which will give twenty selected SMEs up to £50K each to trial their ideas for making transport more sustainable. The deadline for applications is Sunday 10 September 2023.

Transport is responsible for 24 per cent of the UK’s emissions, and the sector represents a huge opportunity to decarbonise. As a region with a strong history in vehicle manufacturing, the West Midlands is well-placed to drive the green transport revolution.

The accelerator is part of the wider West Midlands Innovation Accelerator. It is based around five challenges in the rail and automotive manufacturing sectors and their related supply chains.

These are:

1. Greener electric vehicle components

2. Circular economy of transport

3. Road freight alternatives

4. Greener transport infrastructure

5. Future fuels.

Successful Clean Futures applicants will receive bespoke technical and commercial support, alongside networking and showcasing events. The programme offers access to a range of facilities and support, from the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation, the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, and the Centre for Advanced Low Carbon Propulsion Systems at Coventry University.

Eligibility for Clean Futures Accelerator

The Clean Futures Accelerator is open to SMEs in existing supply chains, as well as those looking to move into new sectors. It also welcomes bids from consortiums of partners with one lead applicant. Ideally, applicants would have a base in the West Midlands. You must be willing to match fund your grant with in-kind support, such as labour or materials.

For more information, and to apply, visit the Clean Futures website.

Get more ideas for green growth on our climate resilience page
Get more ideas for green growth on our climate resilience page