Chief urges firms to be zero heroes
BUSINESSES are being encouraged to apply for an online programme which will help to cut their carbon emissions.
Leader of the council, Councillor Neil Emmott, has led the calls for businesses to sign up to the ‘Journey to Net Zero’ programme.
Launched by GC Business Growth Hub, the programme is aimed at businesses across Greater Manchester who are just starting out on their path to net zero emissions.
The programme will be delivered through 10 themed online workshops, one-to-one advice and shared learning so that companies can understand the risks to their business from climate change.
Places for the first cohort were fully subscribed, but limited places remain for the second cohort and businesses can sign up here: businessgrowthhub. com/ netzero.
Councillor Emmott, who is also the Greater Manchester Combined Authority portfolio lead for Green City Region, said: “Greater Manchester is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2038.
“To do this, we all need to make changes, small and big, to achieve an urgent and significant reduction in carbon emissions.
“Small and mediumsized enterprises (SMES) are responsible for nearly half the UK’S businessrelated emissions, and large companies are increasingly focusing on their supply chain to reduce their environmental impact.
“I would encourage every organisation to jump at the chance to join this innovative programme and capitalise on the many opportunities awaiting them in the net zero world.”
GC Business Growth Hub is part of The Growth Company and partfunded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The fully-funded programme is delivered by the Hub’s environmental specialists who collectively have more than 150 years’ experience in supporting SMES to become cleaner, greener and more profitable.
Since 2012, the net zero specialists have helped SMES in Greater Manchester save two million tonnes of carbon and #500 million in energy, material and waste costs.
Jenny Heil, business development manager at Smith Goodfellow PR in Stockport, said: “Just a few weeks in, the Journey to
Net Zero programme is proving extremely valuable. Each session is informative, providing an in-depth and rigorous exploration of the challenges and wider context.
“Where the programme really shines is in the practical tools and strategies it is providing within a realistic framework, enabling small businesses like ours to be proactive in making improvements without being over ambitious.
“We’re really excited to see where this takes us.”