Climate change and the need to adapt to a host of associated threats is the single biggest challenge of our generation. Changing weather, issues around supply chains, energy price volatility, access to technology, water stress, employment, skills and equality rights – all of these issues linked to climate change and the move to a low-carbon economy will all begin to press down on small businesses across the globe. UK SMEs will feel the effects - many already are - so there is an urgent need to adapt and mitigate. But we cannot forget that there are also vast and exciting opportunities for SMEs to be found to along the journey to Net Zero.
Our virtual conference took place during COP26 and focused on actions that small businesses can use to take action on climate change. From what net zero means to how to apply it in your professional and personal life you'll find inspiration, stratgies and hear from other businesses how they are rising to the challenge.
With leading expert names from Government, regulation and policy making appearing as keynotes and motivating case study sessions from other SMEs who have seen real, material benefits to their business since taking their steps along the journey, you are sure to leave far more informed and inspired about this major issue than you arrived. We will also help you form an action plan for your next steps and how you can find ongoing support, guidance and collaboration so this is the perfect one-stop shop to build your knowledge and find motivation to join the journey.
This video has 12 chapters which correlate with the speakers below. To skip to the chapter you require, hover over the dots in the playback bar to select your chapter or click the chapter icon in the bottom right of the pop-up box if you are viewing on a mobile device.
Session 1 – “Information”. A scene setting session to help you understand what Net Zero means and why it matters to you
Chapter 1 – FSB and the Race to Net Zero – Martin McTague, Policy and Advocacy Chairman, FSB
Chapter 2 - Keynote from UK Government – Andrew Griffith MP, UK’s Net Zero Business Champion
Chapter 3 - Update from Seema Malhotra MP, Shadow Minister (Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy)
Chapter 4 - Setting the Scene: Why Net Zero matters to small businesses – Martin Baxter, Director of Policy and External Affairs, IEMA
Chapter 5 - Panel Discussion – Net Zero: The challenge and the opportunity for UK SMEs.
- Dave Sharp, Host
- Martin McTague, Policy and Advocacy Chairman, FSB
- Martin Baxter, Director of Policy and External Affairs, IEMA
- Becky Toal, Managing Director, Crowberry Consulting
- Sat Pillai, Partner, Sustainable Initiatives, Circled Up and Chair of Environment Policy Unit, FSB
Session 2 – “Inspiration”. Motivating case studies from FSB members across the UK who have embedded sustainability into their SMEs and seen real benefits
Chapter 6 – Graham Oakley, Laundry Efficiency (England)
Chapter 7 – Mareanne Bradley, Specialist Group (Northern Ireland)
Chapter 8 – Frankie Hobro, Anglesey Sea Zoo (Wales)
Chapter 9 – Kenneth McKenzie, Highland Farm Cottages (Scotland)
Session 3 – “Action”. Directing you to the tools, resources and support open to you as you go on to form your Net Zero action plan.
Chapter 10 – Introducing FSB’s Net Zero Report and New Sustainability Hub - Friederike Andres, Policy Advisor, Federation of Small Businesses
Chapter 11 – Large Business Net Zero Support for SMEs Panel Discussion
- Libby Sandbrook (session chair), England Director, Business in The Community
- Richard Eadie, Head of Investor Relations, Severn Trent Water
- Abe Tilling, Regional Managing Director of Corporate and Commercial Banking, NatWest
- Liz Slee, Head of Public Policy, Research and Media, HomeServe Foundation
Chapter 12 – Exploring the Broadway Initiative SME Support Hub - Edward Lockhart-Mummery, Broadway Initiative