Fylde Council and Chamber Low Carbon launched their partnership Carbon Reduction Business Support Programme on Thursday 26 October with a support roadshow across three Fylde venues.
The roadshow, made possible by Fylde Council’s successful UK Shared Prosperity Fund bid, gave 24 Fylde businesses of all sizes and growth stages the opportunity to get practical support and expert advice on topics of concern such as reducing their carbon footprint, managing winter fuel bills, and obtaining certifications.
Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Thursday’s Chamber Low Carbon launch, part of our UK Shared Prosperity Fund business support programme, has been a great success and we wish to thank our partners and all those businesses who attended. The event provided crucial assistance to those looking to secure future public sector contracts, initialise the support available, and network with their fellow Fylde businesses.”
“We value all the businesses in Fylde, the contribution they make to the local economy, and the important role they play in the fight against climate change. Our Economic Development Team can provide a wealth of advice and facilitate further business support, whilst our www.investinfylde.co.uk website is an excellent resource both for businesses already present in Fylde and those interested in establishing a presence here.”
The roadshow helped highlight numerous important issues facing local businesses. The public sector procurement process, required by many suppliers post 2024 and particularly for new NHS contracts, was a very popular topic for enquiries. Several businesses took this opportunity to sign up to the Green Rose scheme, which provides in-house ISO 140001 attainment support, and to the wider support on offer on how best to conduct their Carbon Reduction Plans.
Expert advisors from relevant organisations were on hand to provide advice. Attendees were able to seek advice from BOOST Lancashire on various forms of business support available to them through Fylde Councils UK Shared Prosperity Fund allocation, such as strategic growth planning and overcoming sector challenges. The Aerospace, advanced manufacturing and engineering, automotive and space businesses were keen to speak to the specialist advisor from the Northwest Aerospace Alliance team regarding further networking opportunities. The AFC Community Foundation provided information on their alternative recruitment and back-to-employment schemes available, including the new apprenticeship grant offer via the Council.
Fylde Council’s Economic Development Team, co-hosting the event, welcomed the opportunity to meet employers and those with growth ambition. An important survey will soon be sent out to businesses to help this team develop future business support, land and property use strategies.
Decarbonisation is a tool to get to Net Zero and involves devising and implementing new and innovative methods to reduce carbon emissions. A business with a decarbonisation plan not only demonstrates their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, which in turn can improve opportunities for winning new work contracts, but also enables them to be one step ahead of competitors and save money on energy and other associated costs.
The ‘Chamber Low Carbon’ project can assist your business in:
- Helping reduce your carbon footprint.
- Reducing costs and improve performance.
- Advising on the installation of on-site renewable energy generation.
- Supporting your employment growth and upskilling ambitions.
- Helping you develop low carbon technology and innovation, and bring those products to market.
If you feel your business could benefit from this project, or if you want to know what other support is available, please get in touch. Visit our dedicated business website InvestinFylde.co.uk or email Invest@Fylde.gov.uk and our team will be in touch.
To read more about Fylde Council’s UKSPF programme, including the approved Investment Plan, visit the Fylde Council website.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
