multiple large scale markets including hospitality, sanitation, water management, agriculture, property and construction.
RedCAT is currently based at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce’s offices. Chamber chief executive Miranda Barker, who is also a Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) board member, has been one of its driving forces.
She says that the £1.5m RedCAT received from the government will lead to £10m of investment and support so far, creating around 100 jobs.
Miranda, whose background is in the environmental sector, is excited by its prospects and says the backing ABS has received highlights the difference RedCAT can make.
She says: “We’re looking to create manufacturing opportunities and jobs in Lancashire and to see low carbon innovation from the county exported overseas as part of the move towards the global net zero carbon target.
“ABS was being courted by the Oxbridge golden triangle as well as the Manchester and Liverpool city regions.
“The investment has secured them for Lancashire and in the next couple of years they will create another 50 jobs.”
Stewart Thompson
Stewart says: “This is just the first phase of planned investment by the Morris family, who own GES, to increase production capability to meet customer demand as well as well as develop new products here in Lancashire.”
Ged Heffernan is managing director at Nelson-based consultancy Fern Innovation, which provides support to start-ups and SMEs. He has also been working with RedCAT to help businesses and says: “When it comes to innovation you don’t have to invent new technologies. Often it is about using existing technologies in a different way.”
RedCAT has other functions. It is partnering the Chamber Low Carbon pan-Lancashire support programme looking to help every SME in the county transition to net zero and is building close links with the Low Carbon Manufacturing Building Demonstrator in the new Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at Samlesbury.
Miranda Barker
Ian Trow, a consultant with RedCAT, has been working closely with ABS and is delighted the business was persuaded to scale-up in Lancashire.
He says it is a good example of the role the programme can play. And he adds: “The RedCAT goal is to facilitate the value Lancashire can bring to scale up industries. It is about making things happen.”
Global Energy Systems (GES), a leading air source heat pump manufacturer based in Lytham, is also benefitting from RedCAT support, which has helped the growing business secure funding towards the construction of its new factory.
Stewart Thompson, the family-owned business’ national sales manager, says GES is well poised to take advantage of the UK’s net zero ambitions.
He explains: “There are about 1.5million fossil fuel boilers sold every year in the UK, currently the air source heat pump (ASHP) market in the UK is around 40,000 units.
“The government has a target that industry will install 600,000 ASHP’s per year by 2028.”
We’re looking to
create manufacturing opportunities and jobs in Lancashire
Its activities are also attracting the attention of green entrepreneurs. Richard Hagan, managing director of award-winning Rochdale manufacturer Crystal Doors, has opened an office in the chamber building to be close to its operation.
Crystal Doors has been at the forefront of digital manufacturing and has received the Queen’s Award for Sustainability. The aim of the Lancashire office is networking and collaboration as it works to develop new sustainable products as part of the circular economy.
Richard, a native of Burnley, believes good things are happening in Lancashire. Miranda Barker agrees. She says: “Richard’s decision to open an office here highlights the business network we are building and underline’s RedCAT’s role in supporting innovation and growth in the green economy.”
LANCASHIREBUSINESSVIEW.CO.UK
The new GES facility at Lytham, which represents a “significant investment” by the business on top of the funding received, will initially enable it to increase production four-fold.
Becky Toal Managing director
@CrowberryEnergy crowberry-energy
SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT - GETTING
THE BASICS RIGHT As more businesses become aware of the sustainability movement and increasing compliance for environment, social and governance issues (ESG) the question of how to manage sustainability is front and centre for many directors.
For 16 years, Crowberry Consulting has provided sustainability consultancy across the UK, along with in company training for directors on sustainability matters. Founder and managing director Becky Toal explains how to get the basics right.
1 - Establishing a Sustainability Policy
Understanding the cultural context of your organisation is the first step to determining your Sustainability Policy. What are the internal and external issues along with the interested parties that can impact on environmental, social and economic performance of your business? Understanding the issues and engaging with interested parties and stakeholders is key to developing your sustainability issues. The Sustainability Policy sets the direction of travel and can include reference to achieving International Standards or use of standards for guidance for example ISO 26000 Social Responsibility Guidance.
2 - Establishing Sustainability Objectives, Targets and KPIs
The board can establish sustainability objectives, targets and KPIs to ensure continuous improvement in sustainability performance. Many companies choose to align these to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but this is not mandatory. There are a wide variety of sustainability frameworks to support business including the Global Reporting Initiative. There are sector programmes such as the SME Climate Hub for carbon management and working towards net zero.
3 - Monitor, Review and Report
Checking progress to sustainability metrics is vital to demonstrate success. A review of the journey on sustainability management can help businesses to apply for awards in the community and to become an employer of choice. Ultimately, businesses may have to mandatorily report on ESG and sustainability metrics to allow shareholders to judge their investments more wisely.
For support with your sustainability journey, including application of International Standards, talk to us on 01257 231171 or email
mary@crowberryconsulting.com or visit
www.crowberryconsulting.com
37
GREEN ECONOMY
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