CO2Sense Joins Roundtable with Business Leaders in West Midlands

CO2Sense Joins Roundtable with Business Leaders in West Midlands

On Friday 13th December 2024, Hugh Goulbourne, CO2Sense Director joined over 40 small and medium-sized business (SMB) leaders in Tamworth to discuss what West Midlands companies need from the Government to grow and seize new commercial opportunities. The event was hosted by Sarah Edwards MP, with keynote speaker Mayor Richard Parker.

A Collaborative Effort

This was the first in a series of roundtables that CO2Sense is partnering on alongside Progressive Britain, Labour Renaissance and a coalition of businesses and UK-based investors. These events aim to gather insights from the SMB community and present them to Government Ministers in the Spring.

This initiative follows the launch of Progressive Britain and Labour Renaissance’s ten-step plan for SMBs. You can find more details about this policy programme here. Insights from these discussions will also contribute to the final report shared with the Business and Trade Select Committee.

Key Themes and Takeaways

The Tamworth roundtable highlighted many different opportunities and challenges for SMBs, with attendees identifying specific areas where Government support could make a meaningful impact:

Supporting Renewable Energy Initiatives

  • Reducing energy costs was a key focus, with attendees advocating for increased investment in renewable energy and clean technology. There was a shared understanding of the role sustainable innovation plays in creating long-term business resilience and reducing overheads for SMBs.

  • Community energy entrepreneurs were particularly emphasised, highlighting the need for supportive policies to enable grassroots projects to thrive.

Investment and Finance

  • Attendees called for the creation of investment funds offering affordable and patient finance for SMBs. Many felt that existing platforms, such as the British Business Bank, have not adequately addressed their needs.

Simplifying Compliance

  • A one-stop portal for business compliance was proposed, integrating services like HMRC, the Information Commissioner’s Office and Companies House. This would help SMBs stay on top of annual returns and fees with ease.

Regional Grant Funding

  • The Mayor’s development of a “One Stop Shop” for grant funding opportunities was widely appreciated, highlighting the vital role of devolved powers in supporting regional businesses..

Skills and Support Services

  • Discussions emphasised a need for a refreshed approach to Skills England and greater alignment of local authority business support services with the real needs of SMBs.

Looking Ahead

The next roundtable event will be held in January in the North East (Tyneside), hosted by Mayor Kim McGuinness.

If you’re part of a community energy group or a clean technology entrepreneur interested in getting involved, we would love to hear from you.

Get in touch.

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