Low carbon event hailed a success

THE FIRST low carbon best practice forum to be held in the West Midlands has been hailed a success by the businesses that attended it.

The innovative event enables businesses spearheading the drive towards a low carbon economy to share their experiences and learn the lessons from their peers.

More than 70 topics spanning the breadth of the low carbon agenda were discussed in detail on the day with businesses sharing knowledge on issues as diverse as carbon footprinting, sustainable working practices and renewable energy solutions.

Held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, the event was supported by Advantage West Midlands and attracted more than 230 delegates and exhibitors.

Businesses were also able to share their knowledge to a wider audience through a series of webinars.

Tim Baldwin, AWM’s head of sustainable development, said the event showed businesses in the region were already embracing the opportunities presented by low carbon technology.

“Advantage West Midlands recognises that the low carbon economy presents a key regional opportunity for new private sector growth and to create new green jobs and businesses,” he said.

“For example, our Smarter Working West Midlands programme is working with SMEs to encourage the adoption of new and more sustainable ways of working that will improve productivity and reduce carbon emissions.”

He said that by sharing experiences of reducing carbon emissions, developing new ways of working and accessing new markets, businesses could inspire and encourage one another.

Simon Griffiths, chief executive at MAS-WM, said the West Midlands was in vanguard for a lot of this new technology and it was the job of his agency and others to make sure companies made the most of the opportunities available.

“The Low Carbon Forum is unique in that it allows each delegate to tailor the discussions they are involved in, so each company – regardless of expertise – can benefit fully from the interactive sessions.

“Better still, it is led by industry people who have often been there, know what SMEs are going through and understand what it takes to make it work,” he said.