Welcome to the SWM Newsletter - April 2017

Like many of our partners, members and networks, over the last month we have attended a variety of consultation events, roundtables and discussions about developing the UK industrial strategy. We’ve provided a detailed response, which you can read here.

When composing the response and recommendations it was striking to consider how much further along the West Midlands is in its thinking and actions compared to UK policy. We looked at some of our recommendations for the UK Government and Industrial policy and how the West Midlands scores. The results may surprise you. Read our full analysis here. With one week until the election of our own mayor we have the opportunity to choose someone to best take forward the West Midlands and deliver against the sustainability goals defined in the Strategic Economic Plan. Make your vote count!

We hope that the snap general election announced for the 8 June is an opportunity for all parties to set out their commitments to environmental protection and to show leadership on climate change, particularly in the face of Brexit. If the election results in further delays to the publication of Defra’s long awaited 25-Year Environment Plan and the Clean Growth Plan, this can only mean more uncertainty for the green economy.

Anna Bright and Dr. Simon Slater, on behalf of the SWM team.

The rest of this newsletter is packed full of our events, resources and funding – get involved..

• Governance. Could you be our next Young Director? We’re looking for someone to join our board who is passionate about changing the way people think and act to build a better future for our businesses and communities. Full details are available on our website and the deadline for applications is 31 May.
• Funding. The latest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) low carbon call in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP area is open; the deadline is 13 May. We can provide free technical assistance to prospective applicants; contact us for more information.
• Funding. The Low Carbon Growth Support Project was launched yesterday in Wolverhampton and provides free energy audits and funding towards energy efficient equipment for SMEs in Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country. Contact us to find out more.
• Work with us. We’ve published fresh case studies reflecting work we’ve done for different partners including a review of corporate responsibility for Severn Trent.
• Resource. SWM has just completed an analysis for the West Midlands Combined Authority and Energy Capital looking at energy and low carbon strategies published within the West Midlands region.
• Partnerships. As part of edie Live at the NEC in Birmingham, SWM Chief Executive Anna Bright will be will be on the Strategy and Innovation Stage on Tuesday 23 May chairing the session entitled ‘The role of innovative partnerships: can collaboration change the world?’
• Innovation. The next Innovative Low Carbon Working Group that we convene on behalf of Birmingham Science City will take place on Wednesday 7 June. A representative from Energy Capital is confirmed as speaking. More details to follow in May’s newsletter!
• Promoting the Midlands in Japan. Last month, SWM went to Japan with our Board member Matthew Rhodes as guests of the UK Government promoting low carbon investment opportunities for the Midlands Engine, West Midlands Combined Authority and Energy Capital. Dr. Simon Slater, SWM’s Associate Director of Policy and Partnerships, has written about the trip.

For more information on how to become a SWM member or get involved in our projects see work with us on our website, or contact us.

• Welcome. We’re delighted to welcome our new members DONG Energy, Innovation Birmingham, University of Warwick and West Midlands International Service. Go to our website to find out more about the benefits of membership.
• Jobs. Groundwork West Midlands is recruiting for several vacancies including an ERDF Low Carbon Advisor and Business Engagement Coordinator for Environmental / Energy Management.
• Resource. LCMB has recently published a useful guide that looks at improving higher education performance through good estates management.
• Transport. Cenex is helping consumers to make informed choices when they come to assessing their low carbon vehicle options by running an event in Nottingham on 5 May.
• Megatrends. Veolia is running an event on 10 May in Birmingham looking at improving resource efficiency and how megatrends could impact your business.
• Business support. sben, in partnership with the Carbon Trust, is running a workshop on 17 May in Burton-on-Trent for SMEs to find out more about the Green Business Fund.
• Energy. The Joint Research Platform, being launched by the Energy Institute at the University of Birmingham, will establish closer ties with cutting-edge renewable energy technology in the UK and Europe. An event introducing the concept is taking place on 17 May.
• Hydrogen fuel. Climate Change Solutions, is running an event on 17 May at the Energy Systems Catapult offices in Birmingham. It will provide an update on innovative hydrogen fuel cell projects currently taking place in the West Midlands.
• Business support. Aston University has launched its second cohort of the Aston Programme for Small Business Growth, developed to support early stage business leaders to achieve sustainable growth.

A full list of our members and event listings are available on our website.

• Innovation. Venturefest West Midlands is returning to Birmingham on 27 June looking at supporting business growth through innovation.
• Midlands Engine.  As part of the recent publication of the Midlands Engine Strategy, the government has announced a cash boost of £54.2 million for Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP to help create jobs, support businesses and encourage growth.
• ClimateLaunchpad is back for businesses that can demonstrate innovations and ideas that make a positive impact on the environment. 
• Funding. Support is available for communities that will experience disruption as a result of the construction of HS2.
• Funding for community projects that support the advancement of environmental protection and other factors is available from the G&H Roberts Community Trust.
• Funding. Free low carbon innovation and renewable energy generation support and grants for Worcestershire businesses are available as part of the new Low Carbon Opportunities Programme run by Worcestershire Business Central.
• Funding. The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV) has opened a competition for up to £55 million in projects to develop connected and autonomous vehicle testing infrastructure.
• Funding. The government is investing £13 million in innovation projects to address the global need for clean, affordable and secure energy via the fifth round of its Energy Catalyst initiative.
• Funding. Up to £470,000 is available for organisations with innovative projects that lead to people walking and cycling more.
• Funding. Low Carbon Workspaces helps SMEs in the Black Country identify opportunities to reduce energy use. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to help pay for energy efficiency solutions.  The programme runs until November 2019.
• Innovation. GBSLEP is inviting individuals passionate about innovation to apply to join its new Innovation Challenge Forum, with one of its roles to review incoming proposals submitted to the LEP for their innovation potential. 
• Awards. Applications are invited from businesses, community groups and education establishments to the 2017 round of the Making Birmingham Greener and Healthier Awards. You have until 31 May to apply.

A full list of our members and partners’ events are available on the events page of our website.

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