|
|
Sustainability
West Midlands
May Newsletter
News | Funding | Events
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Future Proofing the Midlands
I started my career the same year that the Climate
Change Bill became an Act in Parliament - 2008. The House of Commons Library briefing
on the Act states that:
'Under the Climate Change Act 2008, the UK is
legally required to adapt to climate change.'
This has resulted in the production of the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment
(CCRA) and the National Adaptation Programme
(NAP) every five years, the latter of which outlines what the
Government intends on doing to adapt to the risks identified by
the former. The third and latest iteration was published in
July 2023.
Seventeen years have passed since the Climate
Change Act was established. Yet on 30 April this year, the
Climate Change Committee, the official Government adviser on
climate change, stated in their latest review of adaptation progress:
‘The UK’s preparations for climate change are
inadequate.’
And
‘The Government must act without further delay to
improve the national approach to climate resilience.’
This is in spite of clearer and clearer evidence
of climate change no longer being a thing of tomorrow. It’s
happening outside your window,right now.
I often feel demoralised that, for my entire
career, progress has been, at best, slow and piecemeal despite
the Climate Change Act’s clear ask of Government, and the
evidence that is now staring us in the face. SWM is trying its
best to lead on the delivery of relevant work – be it
place-based action plans, guidance,tools or advice – to a range
of stakeholders, but we know we can only scratch the surface of
what’s needed.
This continued lack of progress is why we are
tackling the issue head on in this year’s SWM Annual
Conference, taking place at Conference
Aston on 3 July.
Everyone reading this, whether you’re a small
business owner,community group or local authority officer, will
be affected by climate change impacts and, as such, you will
find the content of the Annual Conference of use to you. So I
would recommend signing up now to learn more
about what you can and need to do to deal with this ever more
urgent issue.
You can also warm up to this topic in advance of
our Conference by registering for a hybrid event
focusing on how businesses can become more climate resilient,
that we’re running in partnership with Unity Trust Bank on 10
June.
Alan Carr, Senior Sustainability Adviser, on
behalf of the SWM team
|
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome
to our New Members!
|
|
|
|
|
|
We would
like to welcome
hb Birmingham, Be.EV, ASBP and
Blockchain Advisors to SWM!
You can
learn more about them by clicking on their logo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sustainability West Midlands News
|
|
|
|
03
July, 08:30 - 14:00
SWM
Annual Conference 2025
Join us on 03
July 2025 for the SWM Annual Conference
2025, Future-Proofing the
Midlands: Climate Adaptation & Business
Resilience. This year’s
conference explores what businesses, policy
makers, and the public sector can do to
accelerate adaptation delivery for a
climate resilient Midlands. We will be
convening panel sessions with experts,
giving you space to learn how you can become
more resilient to climate impacts, and as
always, there will be plenty of time for
networking and collaborating.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsorship
and exhibitor opportunities at our
Conference
In addition to
attending our Conference, why not throw
your support behind it and SWM’s objectives
by sponsoring or exhibiting, and in the
process giving you the opportunity to
promote your organisation to 150+ people?
We aim to make our conference support
options as flexible as possible, and they
also include additional free conference
tickets depending on what level you choose.
Packages will be allocated on a first-come,
first-served basis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SWM
have an exciting opportunity for a
passionate and proactive Office Manager to
join our team!
We’re working to
make the West Midlands a more sustainable,
fairer and greener region for everyone,
guided by our Sustainability Roadmap to
2030. The purpose of this role is to
provide the efficient and effective running
of our office and finance systems to
support the delivery of our vision and
Business Plan to 2030. This is an ideal
opportunity for someone with a gift for
organisation and attention to detail, adept
at bookkeeping, and who enjoys a diverse
range of activities. Reporting to the Chief
Executive, Anna Bright, the role will
be attractive to experienced administration
professionals who are lifelong learners and
able fit in quickly.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NHS
England adopt SWM adaptation framework
SWM has been
working with our Scottish partners Verture
for a couple of years on a package of
support for the NHS, that aims to help NHS
Organisations adapt to climate change. One
of these is a climate
adaptation framework, and we are
pleased to announce that this has recently
been adopted as official guidance by NHS
England.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
04
June, 10:00 – 13:00
Closing
the Skills Gap in the Low Carbon Economy:
LCEGS Report Insights
We are hosting
an event to address skills challenges in
the rapidly growing Low Carbon
Environmental Goods & Services (LCEGS)
sector in the West Midlands. Based on the latest
LCEGS report, which SWM
supported, the event will explore sector
trends, growth forecasts, and the workforce
gaps, focusing on technical expertise and
green leadership. Attendees will gain
insights from the report, case studies from
local employers, and opportunities for
collaboration to help future-proof their
businesses for the green transition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
June, 15:00 – 17:00
Weathering
the Storm - Climate Resilient Business
Event
Join SWM and
Unity Trust Bank for this event which will
help businesses understand how they may be
impacted by extreme weather events and how
they can enhance their ability to recover
quickly. We will also explore the business
opportunities that arise from responding to
a changing climate, providing
practical tools and contact
information to help build resilience.
Focused on actions that are simple and
achievable for small businesses, the event
will address issues that are within your
control or influence.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
June 13:30 - 15:30, or 08 July, 10:00 -
12:00
Overview
of a new climate adaptation funding
opportunity
SWM is a partner
in the MACC
Hub, through which comes a new
funding opportunity for community
adaptation activity.
The MACC Hub Flexible Fund
call will fund up to 10 projects, each
receiving £50-55,000 for up to 12 months.
Lead applicants must be based at a UK
academic institution eligible for UKRI
funding. The call strongly encourages
academic-community collaborations.
Two workshops are being run to
introduce the call, and to give you an
opportunity to identify collaborations.
Both workshops will include identical
content, so you do not need to attend both.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24
June, 13:00 - 16:00
Venturefest
Mobile Hub: Black Country Innovation
Services
Innovation is a
process of taking your ideas from inception
to impact. Join the Innovation Alliance for
the West Midlands, SWM and partners for the
next Venturefest Mobile Hub in partnership
with the Black County FE Innovation
Service, focused on helping businesses
seeking technical and innovation support to
create impact from their ideas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
09 June, 09:30 - 12:30
Climate
Policy Impact Simulator an interactive
workshop: for policy makers, advisors and
businesses
The Globe Group and sben
are running The Climate Policy Impact
Simulator, which offers a unique workshop
to explore the impact of different climate
policies and interventions using an
interactive simulation tool and policy
sandbox. Designed as a practical testbed,
the session allows participants to
experiment with policy combinations, assess
potential outcomes, and better understand
the complex systems driving emissions
reductions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16 - 19 June, 09:30 - 16:30
Birmingham Decarbonisation
Summer School 2025
The University of Birmingham is organising the third
Birmingham Decarbonisation Summer School.
It aims to bring early career researchers
and engineers to work together on a
technical solution and business model for a
real-world Energy Transition challenge
proposed by the university’s lead
industrial partner, SSEN Transmission.
Participants will have two
days of workshops with some opportunities
of working in groups to develop their
technical solution and business model, and
then pitch to a judging panel mainly formed
by industry experts on the third day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24 June, 08:50 - 12:30
sben Annual Network Event
This year’s Staffordshire Business
Environment Network (sben) Annual Networking Event will
showcase Staffordshire’s new and exciting
Green Supplier Directory. It is for sben
members but non-members can join too.
sben are also pleased to
announce that the keynote speaker will be
Jason Howlett who is a leading Industry
voice on the need for decarbonised assets
to be deployed at scale across the entire
grid.
The event will also allow you
to take the opportunity to meet local
suppliers and find out how you can improve
your business to be more sustainable,
efficient and help you save money!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
03 September, 09:00 - 17:00
Cenex Expo 2025
With over 4,000 visitors in
attendance last year, the Cenex Expo offers a wide range of
exhibitors, an extensive seminar programme
and many networking opportunities. As part
of the outdoor exhibition there is also the
opportunity to ride and drive the latest
research and development vehicles.
Supported by government agencies, the event
brings together the people who will deliver
the net zero and connected automated
mobility future.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Make UK
Manufacturing Awards are
still open for entries.
They celebrate
outstanding achievements in the UK
manufacturing sector. These awards
recognise businesses and apprentices
excelling in areas such as innovation,
sustainability, talent development, and
health and safety. Categories include
Business Growth, Energy
and Sustainability,
Innovation, and more. The awards aim to
highlight the diverse strengths and
contributions of manufacturers of all
sizes. Winners will be announced at
regional dinners in the autumn, with
national winners revealed at the Gala Dinner
in January 2026. Applications close on 27
June 2025.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ecobirmingham are
looking for an Energy Advisor to join their
team!
An exciting
opportunity has arisen to support
the ecobirmingham team in
delivering their mission across the city.
As a charity dedicated to inspiring
sustainable living in Birmingham, they are
seeking an energy advisor to support
further projects. The primary aim of this role is to
provide advice and guidance that helps
residents stay warm and comfortable at
home, save money, improve health, and
reduce carbon emissions. They are
looking for a motivated individual to
deliver and develop their energy projects
across the city over the next twelve
months.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
West
Midlands Futures Green Paper – Consultation
The purpose of
the West Midlands Futures Green Paper is to
support a conversation across the region
about the West
Midlands Combined Authority’s
long-term strategic priorities as they
embark on a ten-year programme of regional
transformation to unlock inclusive growth
and increase residents’ living standards.
Stakeholder
input is now being sought to better
understand views on the Green Paper. You
can add your thoughts up to and including
08 June.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BizEd Projects CIC and Sarah Stone Consulting collaborate
on a new book focusing on green jobs and
skills.
The report
explores who’s being left behind in the
UK’s green transition and why. Drawing on
interviews, case studies and sector
analysis, it highlights gaps in access, the
hidden green workforce, and the role of
charities and FE colleges in building inclusive
pathways. It calls for urgent investment in
community-led training, better
employer-college collaboration, and a
broader definition of what a green job
really is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SWM
Supporting Member The Crown Estate has
signed a £24bn joint venture with Lendlease
to unlock tens of thousands of homes and
millions of square feet of commercial space
across six major sites in London and
Birmingham.
The deal was
struck by Crown Estate chief executive Dan
Labbad – the former global head of
Lendlease Construction – and his old firm’s
current group CEO Tony Lombardo. Lendlease
will continue as development manager across
the sites, while The Crown Estate brings
new financial firepower and long-term
investment backing following fresh
borrowing powers granted under the Crown
Estate Act 2025. The Smithfield area is the
site earmarked for the majority of
regeneration in Birmingham.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Planning
permission approved for ‘greenest
crematorium in the West Midlands’
Worcester
Crematorium is set to become the first in
the West Midlands to install electric
cremators, following the approval of
planning permission by SWM Member Worcester City Council for
a major refurbishment.
The existing
three gas-powered cremators will now be
replaced with two electric models, as part
of a broader scheme that will also include
a refurbished chapel and a new roof with
solar panels.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Industry
urged to support Part Z initiative calling
for embodied carbon regulation.
Alongside a
group of leading industry experts and
organisations, new SWM members The Alliance for Sustainable
Building Products (ASBP) is
supporting a revamped campaign which is
calling for the regulation of embodied
carbon through the building regulations.
The Part Z initiative has
received more than 200 statements of
support from across industry since its
launch in 2021 and is backed by all of the
main construction and professional
organisations, including CIBSE, RIBA, RICS
and UKGBC. You can support the regulation
of embodied carbon here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SWM
Member collaboration in action!
Midlands Arts Centre
used the services provided by A Good Thing
- both SWM members - to get hold of a large
number of aprons donated by West Midlands
Police.
The police service listed
6,000 disposable single-use plastic aprons
for donation to the local community on
circular economy app A Good Thing in
November 2024.
Lizzie Moran, Head of
Technical Resources at Midlands Arts
Centre, spotted the listing and knew she
could make good use of the aprons: “At
Midlands Arts Centre, course participants
in our ceramics classes use exactly this
sort of apron, so we would be very happy to
put them to good use!”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funding
for Members and Non-members
|
|
|
|
- Apply
by 02 June. The Roots & Routes Fund is
a collaborative grant initiative supporting youth-led
organisations in England focused on climate justice.
Offering grants up to £20,000 for one year, the fund is
open to organisations with at least 55% of leadership aged
18–30 and led by individuals from communities most
affected by climate injustice. It supports projects
empowering young people to challenge oppressive systems
and drive long-term, systemic change. The fund is a
partnership between several foundations, including the
Blagrave Trust and OVO Foundation.
- Apply
by 02 July. UK
registered SMEs can apply for a share of up
to £5 million to develop innovative farming solutions.
This must align with private investment from selected
investor partners. One of the aims of this Innovate
UK and Defra funding opportunity is to help the
agriculture sector move towards achieving net zero
emissions by 2050 and become more climate resilient.
Recently announced on-going funds
- The Barrow Cadbury Trust Energy Confidence
Bursaries aims to reduce climate
impact. They have teamed up with Phil Beardmore, of Energy
Confidence, to support some of Birmingham’s third sector
organisations to review their current environmental
performance and develop strategies to mitigate the climate
impact of their operations. They have set aside funds for
up to 10 bursaries in the first instance. The Trust will
meet half the costs of Energy Confidence’s initial
assessment and ongoing support.
- The
Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme
is open to SMEs operating in the West Midlands and
Warwickshire area. The programme aims to help
organisations future-proof their business while saving
money and reducing carbon emissions. With grants of up to
£100,000 available, at a 50% intervention, your
organisation could transform its energy use, cut costs,
and play a vital role in achieving net zero.
- The
Shropshire Net Zero Leaders Programme
will provide in-depth and long term support to 25
businesses in the Shropshire Council area, to help them
measure carbon emissions, develop a Net Zero strategy and,
crucially, to deliver carbon reductions. We are delighted
to be working with our members The Clean Tech Business Group Ltd
to support Shropshire businesses with this challenge. The
support is free as the project is funded by the Government
through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
|
|
You can
find all other available and rolling funding opportunities by
clicking the button below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Event: Flood & Coast
2025, taking place at The Telford International
Centre from 3–5 June, is an essential event for professionals
working in flood and coastal risk management. This year’s
conference focuses on government growth ambitions, cross-sector
collaboration, and equipping the sector with the knowledge and
skills needed for effective action.
Event. The next ‘The
Female Floor’ co-working day,
organised by Birmingham and Solihull Growth Hub, will be on 3
June at Solihull College and will include a talk by by Michelle
Johnson from Ideal Intelligence, who will be sharing insights
on how to use AI in your business and everyday life — a great
chance to learn, ask questions, get inspired and have lunch!
Event: The Festival of
Sustainable Business 2025, hosted by Future Leap at
Bristol Beacon on 9-10 June, is the South West’s leading event
focused on sustainability. Bringing together over 70
exhibitors, keynotes, panel discussions, and workshops, the
festival offers businesses essential insights and tools to
transition to net zero.
Event. The MACC Hub,
in which SWM is a partner, is convening monthly webinars on
adaptation. The first of these takes place on 10 June. The
Climate Change Committee (CCC) invites the research community
and practitioners to provide evidence on adaptation in the UK
related to setting ambition, identifying actions, enabling
delivery and monitoring progress. This webinar
will allow you to learn more about this and how you can
contribute.
Policy. In their first report
of this Parliament, the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
says poorly designed retrofit schemes, a “skills crisis” and
costly assurance failures have significantly set back efforts
to decarbonise home heating and bring down energy bills and
pushed the UK’s clean, secure energy targets farther off track.
News: Birmingham Friends
of the Earth needs help to fund energy-saving plans
to continue to support communities, people & planet. With support, they have an opportunity
to decarbonise The Warehouse where they reside. Ensuring it can
continue to support vital activism and communities for many
years to come through a number of energy efficient
renovations.
|
|
|
|
We'd love to hear
from you! If you have any stories or
updates you'd like to share with our
community, please reach out to us at comms@swm.org.uk.
Your stories help inspire and connect us
all.
Additionally, if
you're interested in submitting a member
offer, you can do so through our Member Offer Form.
We look forward
to hearing from you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright
(C) 2025 Sustainability West Midlands. All rights
reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have signed up
for communications from Sustainability West Midlands.
Our mailing address is:
Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your
preferences or unsubscribe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
