Lead Organisation
Sustainability West Midlands
Project Delivery team: Anna Bright (Project Manager), Andy Whyle (Associate), Amanda Campbell (Associate), Debbie Ward (Associate)
Overview
SWM were commissioned by CUS to deliver 10 masterclasses as part of the Clean Futures Programme. This is one of the five West Midland Combined Authority (WMCA) Innovation Accelerators, funded by Innovate UK with a total of £33 million, set up to help drive forward the West Midlands Plan for Growth by supporting and accelerating innovation in Cleantech and MedTech. The Clean Futures Programme is focussed on supporting SMEs in the development and diversification of transport and associated manufacturing supply chains in the West Midlands, enabling the transition from fossil fuel to clean-tech solutions.
Aims
Through engagement with SMEs, CUS had identified a gap in business awareness of how to evaluate their carbon footprint and put in place carbon reduction plans.
They required partners to deliver several online webinars to support businesses around the imperative to decarbonise and develop a carbon baseline (including all three scopes of emissions), as well as how they can design and implement carbon reduction plans.
Outputs
SWM designed and delivered a series of webinars covering the following topics:
- An introduction to sustainability
- Sustainable procurement
- Demystifying the circular economy
- Sustainability measurement, reporting, tools & certifications
- Sustainable supply chain risk management
Each webinar included content on the basic terms and definitions; frameworks and legislation at international, national, regional and local level; case studies from local businesses including Arrow County Supplies, Clean Tech Business Group, Hill & Smith plc, Kindred CSR, Lyreco, Recognition Circular, Staysafe PPE and Turner & Townsend; group discussions; and signposting to help and support. The webinars were delivered on Zoom between October 2024 and March 2025.
SWM helped to promote the webinars which were well attended by a range of businesses from across the region.
Testimonial
“Sustainability West Midlands has been an excellent partner for the Clean Futures Catalyst, providing invaluable support for our clients in the West Midlands. Their extensive connections and expertise have helped raise awareness of the need for sustainable processes and activities. They have helped our clients understand the benefits and importance of sustainability.”
Lindsey Martin, Project Manager – Clean Futures, Coventry University Services Ltd
For further information on the project or to work with us in one of a variety of ways, please see our consultancy page or contact the SWM team on enquiries@swm.org.uk.
