In this episode we speak to Anna Bright, CEO of Sustainability West Midlands.  Sustainability West Midlands is the sustainability champion for the West Midlands. They are a not-for-profit company that works with our members in the private, public and third sectors.  Anna has been working with organisations to improve their sustainability for over 20 years and has a private sector background in water, waste and wastewater management. As Chief Executive at Sustainability West Midlands she has...

In this episode, we speak to Robin Carruthers, Operation Manager at Central Mailing Services, a business based in Birmingham. Robin Carruthers shares their sustainability journey, which aims to become carbon neutral by 2028. He highlights some of the projects and initiatives they have undertaken or planned, such as solar panels, electric vehicles, waste segregation, ISO standards, staff engagement and local partnerships. Useful links: Register for an energy audit (West Midlands...

In this episode, we speak to Peter Wells, Sustainability Manager at Datagraphic.  Key Topics: Carbon reduction plan: Datagraphic has an ambitious and validated plan to achieve net zero by 2050, with a 50.6% reduction by 2028, aligned with science-based targets and UN SDGs. Solar PV installation: Datagraphic can run its entire operations on sunlight when the sun is shining, thanks to the large-scale solar PV installation across both sites, supported by Coventry Council grants. Scope 3...

In this episode, we talk with Matthew Rhodes, Director of Camirus.  Matthew has been a leading voice for the decarbonisation efforts of the West Midlands in the last two decades. Leading a portfolio of collaborative innovation projects centred around energy, industrial decarbonisation, and regional economic development, Matthew shares valuable insights from his extensive experience in assisting businesses in reducing their carbon footprint since the early 2000s.  Listen in to discover more...

In this episode we discuss how the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme can help businesses lower their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills.  The Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme* aims to provide information and expert advice and support to businesses enabling them to make significant decarbonization and money saving changes to their business. This Programme is part of the wider West Midlands Business Support activity funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). *Area...

In the first part of this episode we speak to Waco Yokoyama, Consultant and Circular Economy Specialist at Gemserv. Waco provides a concise explanation of the circular economy and highlights the main benefits for businesses, including cost reduction, increased sales, and decreased reliance on specific raw materials. She also discusses how the circular economy principles can be applied differently across sectors and emphasises the barriers to implementation and potential solutions. In the...

In this episode of the Green Business Podcast, Jonathan Howl interviews Adam Bastock, the Founder of Small99, a platform that guides small businesses to net zero through practical tips.  The following topics are covered in this episode: The importance of net zero and the benefits for businesses who embark on the journey Where businesses should start, taking into account their type, size, and sector. The role of employees in achieving net zero and the best approach to take (top-down or...

In this episode, we discuss what carbon accounting is, how businesses can start their net zero journey and overcome the challenges they might face along the way. In the first part of this episode we talk to Lara Longhurst who is the Chief Operations Officer at Hippo Digital. Lara shares with us their journey towards achieving net zero and talks about the support they have received from Coventry University through their Carbon Accounting Programme.  In the second part, we talk to Prof....

In this episode, we speak to Jonathan Howl, Business Advisor for the Green Business Programme, who offers a summary of our team’s achievements over the last 12 months*. Listen and learn more about: Most popular energy efficiency improvements Payback periods  How much can SMEs save on energy bills  *The stats provided by Jonathan Howl in this episode are based on figures from November 2022. This episode was recorded in December 2022. The Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business...

In this episode, we talk to Middlemarch Environmental, a UK-wide wildlife trust consultancy, about what local businesses can do to protect the nature in Coventry and Warwickshire.  Our guest James Calow, Senior Ecologist at Middlemarch Environmental, talks about easy action you can take, as a business or individual, to protect the biodiversity of our region. James also talks about the support he has received from the Green Business Programme, and how this has enabled his organisation to...

In this episode, we speak to Margot James, Suzanne Ward and Cllr Jim O’Boyle about Coventry's Climate Change Board, its members, purpose and objectives. In the second part, Cllr O’Boyle speaks about the challenges Coventry faces regarding climate change and the support needed to achieve Net Zero. Speakers: Cllr Jim O’Boyle - Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council  Margot James - Former Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative...

In this episode we speak to Martin Gambling, Managing Director of GRM Consulting, a small business based in Leamington.  Martin shares with us their journey towards achieving Net Zero as a small business, hoping to offer some inspiration and solutions to other SMEs who might be struggling at the moment. This episode is hosted by John Bates and produced by Maria Covlea. For any feedback or comments please contact me on [email protected] IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note the Green...

In this episode we speak to David Pipe, Senior Officer at Coventry City Council, part of the Transport Innovation Team. David explains what plans the council has got in place to make transport in Coventry greener and more accessible for everyone. This episode is hosted by John Bates and produced by Maria Covlea. For any feedback or comments please contact me on [email protected] Useful links:  Sign-up for our next face to face event Electric Fleet First Programme  Podcast...

In the first part of this episode we speak to Bean Beanland, Director for Growth & External Affairs at the Heat Pump Federation, about how heat pumps work, how they can benefit SMEs, and most importantly the role they play in the fight against climate change. In the second part we speak to Chris Dooling, Managing Director at VWG Mechanical and Kyle Grocott, Managing Director at Phoenix Renewables, part of Phoenix Gas Works. VWG Mechanical and Phoenix Renewables have been commissioned...

In the first part of this episode we speak to Sunil Budhdeo who is the Transport Innovation Manager at Coventry City Council. Sunil explains the concept of the 'Urban Air Port' project and how this will benefit the City.  In the second part we speak to Tommy Sandhu, Company Director at Smart Learner Driving School, about the Electric Fleet First Programme and how switching to electric vehicles could not only benefit the environment, but also your business! Listen and learn more...

In our first episode, last month, we discussed how the Green Business Programme can support local SMEs in their fight against  climate change. We heard from a local SME how they’ve managed to reduce their energy bill by 40% after installing solar panels. In this episode we will investigate this further and try to find an answer to the question – can solar panels be a solution to help combat climate change and rising energy costs, in rainy England? Guest speakers: Anna Livesey - Climate...

In this episode:  Green Business Programme overview  SME guest speaker shares their views about the programme  In this episode we speak to Jonathan Howl, Business Advisor at the Coventry and Warwickshire Green Business Programme about who is eligible for the programme and how you can get a free energy audit, and a grant that could help local SMEs lower the price of energy bills.  In the second part we speak to Karl Haggett, Associate Director of Alchemie – a company that has benefited...