SWM News September 2017: Our Annual Conference

In early September, our work on setting out the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) environmental priorities for Councillor Harley, the new portfolio lead for the environment, was approved by the Mayor and a packed WMCA Board. The Mayor congratulated SWM on a ‘first class job.’ However, the reality is that this represents a team effort from many SWM partners, members and networks over the last two years.

Our Annual Conference on 28 November 2017 is the next opportunity to help shape delivery of the WMCA sustainability priorities.

Andy Street will share with us his aspirations for the region building on his 2020 aims. We'll also be running workshops where you can contribute to discussions about the sustainability priorities for the region and how we can drive delivery. Your input is critical!

We're also very excited that the winners of the Climate-KIC Birmingham City Energy Challenge will be announced as part of the conference. The Energy Challenge is an opportunity for entrepreneurs and visionaries to bring forward energy solutions that correspond to challenges in the West Midlands. The theme is “Innovations to engage customers and users as active participants in the regional energy system.” There are two prizes of €10,000 up for grabs.

Full details of the event and how to register are available on our website. We look forward to seeing you there.

Anna Bright, Chief Executive, on behalf of the SWM team.

• By 11 October. Round 16 of the Business Growth Programme is open with funding of £10,000 to £167,000 to help your business grow.
• By 1 November. Field Studies Council Kids Fund is an educational charity aiming to raise awareness about the natural world.
• By 10 November. GBSLEP has opened its latest ERDF Priority 4 (Low Carbon) call.
• By 21 November. Aviva Community Fund will finance over 500 projects between £1,000 to £25,000 that make a positive impact in communities.
• By 4 December. Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust Sustainable Future Fund supports low-carbon alternative projects valued up to £100,000.
• By 30 March 2018. GBSLEP is looking for proposals for its Sustainable Urban Development programme; £11m of ERDF is available.
• By March 2019. SMEs can obtain free energy audits and grants towards energy efficiency measures in the Greater Birmingham, Solihull and Black Country areas.

Since 1 April 2017, we have promoted £492 million of accessible funding.

• Climate Change Solutions will be showcasing achievements and opportunities for low carbon clean energy technologies on 5 October in Coventry.
• Fit for the Future Network will run ‘The Road to Sustainable Transport’ event on 10 October in Birmingham; free places for SWM members.
• MEBC is holding events on the 12 and 26 October to help the HS2 team to engage with local businesses to support their programme.   
• SWM is running Fit for the Future II, funded by BEIS, on 17 October. The conference is for LEPs, local authorities and combined authorities.
• Coventry City Council is leading workshops on 26-27 October into Passivhaus building to help achieve carbon reduction targets.
• Climate Change Solutions is holding their annual event on 1 November in Birmingham and our CEX Anna Bright will be on the expert panel.
• Energy Systems Catapult is hosting the latest Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Network event on 14 November.
• EBRI is holding a free Master Class on bioenergy in Birmingham on 15-16 November.

A full list of our members are on our website.

• SWM is recruiting! We are looking for a new Chair and Office Administrator. Be quick! The deadline is tomorrow.
• SWM welcomes our new Volunteer Communications Officer Gareth Evans. Gareth joins us for nine months as part of his Geography Degree at Coventry University.
• SWM convened the latest Innovative Low Carbon Working Group meeting on behalf of Birmingham Science City on 21 September.
• Energy Systems Catapult is recruiting a new Data Scientist and a Technical Test Lead with closing dates quickly approaching.
• Environmental Legislation Update volume 3, issue 4 has been released with updates ranging from air quality to Brexit.

SWM members can send their events, research or other contributions to enquiries@swm.org.uk to be included in the next issue for no extra charge. Not a member? There are many advantages to SWM membership; find out more here.

• DCLG has published new guidance towards gaining ERDF funding for low carbon projects under priority 4.
• Business. SWM is contributing to SME2017 at the NEC on 3 and 4 October, offering decision makers expert advice on how to grow and innovate.
• Awards. Applications for the BusinessGreen Technology awards close at 5pm on 6 October for clean technology firms to submit entries.
• Water. Applications are now open for the 2017 Marches Blue Business Award. The deadline is 31 October.
• Education. The EAUC Emerging Leaders programme can help participants develop problem solving and reflection skills.
• Transport. The approval of the WMCA Transport Plan will contribute to the delivery of new tram, rail and cycleways in the local area.

We hope you enjoyed reading our newsletter. If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, are interested in becoming a member or have news stories, events, case studies and reports, please visit our website or contact us.