Shropshire businesses offered free training to capitalise on green opportunities

Shropshire businesses are being offered the chance to upskill their workforce and capitalise on the growing green economy through a free training programme.

The Shropshire Chamber of Commerce is running a UKSPF Upskilling Programme fully funded by the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund. The programme provides a number of courses that Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), based in the Shropshire Council Local Authority area, can access to upskill their workforce to increase productivity and grow*.

Save Our Shropshire (SOS) has been selected to support the programme for SMEs on how to achieve UK targets for tackling climate change. This will enable a thorough understanding of “Carbon Literacy” from the Carbon Literacy Project. Understanding in simple terms the complex language of responding to the change in the climate, will help companies secure their future. The certificate will increase business delegates’ credibility and the company’s credentials.

Shrinking environmental footprint

The course delves into practical ways for businesses to shrink their environmental footprint. This includes examining energy use, travel practices, and product development to minimize their impact. Participants will explore opportunities in emerging green sectors like installing air-source heat pumps, insulation, and solar panels.

The course also encourages supporting local and sustainable food systems, alongside creating and selling reusable or easily recyclable products. Additionally, fostering electric vehicle infrastructure, advocating for better public transport, and promoting nature conservation are all on the agenda. By embracing these strategies, Shropshire SMEs can become more environmentally responsible while potentially uncovering new revenue streams.

Medium-size companies may need to report in their annual returns Scope 1,2,3 emissions, for instance, and they will benefit from knowing how to do this. Many companies could also save money by switching to renewable energy.

Business Opportunities

"Climate change is clearly with us, and businesses across Shropshire can leverage major business opportunities by addressing the challenges that action on climate change requires." said Richard Watkins, from SOS.

"Many major businesses and local government organisations are now insisting that suppliers demonstrate that they have proper credentials in reducing their emissions of harmful gases and are taking steps to make sure their supply chain is “net zero”.

"Investments will also be based on companies that show genuine responsibility for the environment.  So, if businesses do not learn how to plan and manage these issues as part of their strategy, they could lose customers and investors."

Save Our Shropshire (SOS) boasts extensive experience delivering climate-related courses across the UK, holding a prestigious Platinum certification with the Carbon Literacy Project. Together with Anne-Marie Soulsby, a sustainability expert from The Sustainable Life Coach, they will guide participants through the often-complex world of "going green" in a clear and engaging manner.

The course equips attendees to seize both cost-saving and revenue-generating opportunities associated with sustainability. By the end, businesses will walk away with actionable steps to make a genuine difference for the environment and their bottom line.

Limited availability

The course is completely free for Shropshire SMEs but has limited spaces available. The first sessions will be held in Shrewsbury on Wednesday, June 19, and Oswestry on Thursday, July 11. Businesses are encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible to secure a spot.

For more information and to register, visit the Save Our Shropshire website: saveourshropshire.org/low-carbon-business-for-sme and watch the 'Dragons Den' video of why getting green conditionals in order is important to businesses.

*Please note, that charities are not eligible.