Alison Heppenstall

Looking for an impartial review of carbon reporting solutions for UK SMEs? Sponsored by British Business Bank our report provides: 🗂 A comprehensive list of carbon reporting solutions  🤷‍♂️ Guidance on choosing the right solution for your business 💡 Advice tailored to the needs of your business And much more!

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The Net Zero transition is a major opportunity for SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises), but many lack the time and capacity to prepare. UK Finance launched our SME sustainability report; 'Unlocking the SME Net Zero transition'. This sets out the challenges faced by SMEs in aligning with the Net Zero transition, before delving into practical solutions based around three themes of resourcing, finance and policy.    This valuable report will help to provide a richer understanding of the opportunities, barriers, motivations and needs of SMEs as they consider improving their environmental performance. Read the full report >> https://lnkd.in/e9ei9XsA #NetZero #SMEs #Finance #Banking #Sustainable #Economy

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The impact of developing infrastructure on sustainability goals One of the challenges in reaching sustainability goals alongside cost is the infrastructure needed to support measures. It is not enough to develop innovative ways to harness green energy, the UK needs to change supply lines and develop battery storage to ensure that energy can be distributed and stored. Whilst it seems technology has worked out how to generate renewable energy either through measures such as ground source heat pumps, solar panels or biomass boilers, the infrastructures haven’t quite caught up.... #sustainability #netzero #RenewableEnergy

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#TopTipsForTendering: Register with the Supplier Development Programme (SDP) & Public Contracts Scotland (PCS). Scottish SMEs can join a beginner workshop, on 8 May at 10:30am, to learn all you need to know about finding & winning #PublicSector contracts: https://bit.ly/3U0o1YM #HelpingYouBidBetter #PowerOfProcurement #TenderTraining #SMEs #Scotland

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In this new edition of the Climate Risk Podcast, Jo Paisley talks with Robin Millington, CEO of Planet Tracker, about how and why businesses should be thinking about their dependencies and impacts on nature. Listen to "Why Nature Belongs in Corporate Thinking" today! https://lnkd.in/e9XASjKA #naturerisk #climaterisk #sustainability #biodiversity #climatechange

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Social Value and SMEs – How to understand the new standards, innovate and score well – e50k Strategic Advisory To book onto this event please click on the link in the comment section. 💡 Brief Overview The need for Social Value and ESG delivery commitments continues to rise, but, how can SME suppliers compete, innovate and score well in procurement? Quincey will lead attendees through what the standard for the Primes currently looks like, why and how they can innovate despite their size, and the practical steps they can take to help them score highly. 💡 Speaker The webinar will be presented by Quincey Katie Ankrett, APMP, CP, the Director of e50k Strategic Advisory – a Make UK Defence Fit for Defence Partner. Quincey is APMP UK certified with over 10 years’ experience in Social Value, innovation creation and public sector bidding working on contracts from £70k up to £4.5bn and is a regular webinar and conference speaker. 💡 Who should attend? At an organisational level this webinar is aimed specifically at micro, small or medium SME companies (those with 0-150 employees or turnovers from up to £25 million) and will be of interest to anyone responsible for ESG, business growth via bidding or social value delivery or tender writing.    💡 Takeaways - An understanding of what the standard now expected by the Primes – so you can align and/or compete - How to create new Social Value ideas regardless of size - The Social Value USPs of SMEs and some practical steps to take when bidding Interested in becoming a member? Contact defence@makeuk.org #makeukdefence #defencesupplychains #ukmanufacturing #ukmfg

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"We will never compete with the 'big guys' on Social Value we just can't commit the capital or resource in the same way!" If you recognise this comment from within your MSME or SME business then this webinar is for you - click on the link below via Make UK Defence to join Quincey Katie Ankrett, APMP, CP to unlock your SME Social Value USPs

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In 2008, the UK introduced the Climate Change Act (CCA) to reduce the UK's carbon emissions to net zero (against 1990 levels) by 2050. As part of this, 5-year budgets have also been established which the Climate Change Committee (CCC) monitors. That means a 68% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and consequently 78% by 2035. To ensure the building industry is doing its part to support the cause, the BESA #NetZero Hub 🌱 is regularly updated with the latest guidance and regulations so that you don't have to trawl government sites to find out what the next steps are for you or your business. Unsure about how you can play your part in achieving this goal? There's lots of information, lots to consider and lots to do - so let us help you by giving you the facts and making suggestions about how you can help achieve net zero. Visit the #NetZero Hub today: https://lnkd.in/eNhQKxKD #BuildingServices

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🌍 Addressing the Lack of Clarity and Consistency in Emissions Reporting in the UK 🇬🇧 One of the key challenges in the sustainability sector is the lack of clarity and consistency in emissions reporting. This issue not only hinders accurate assessment of environmental impact but also complicates efforts to drive meaningful change. The UK, in particular, has struggled with disparate reporting methodologies and standards, making it difficult for businesses to align with best practices and regulations. At KORA, we understand the need for a unified approach to emissions reporting. Our comprehensive mobility and energy data platform offers a solution to address these concerns by providing a standardised framework for accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting. By leveraging KORA, organisations can streamline their emissions reporting processes, ensuring transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. In a time where environmental accountability is paramount, KORA empowers businesses to effectively measure and manage their carbon footprint, paving the way for informed decision-making and sustainable practices. https://lnkd.in/eD8XrXKg Join us in driving the conversation towards consistent emissions reporting and a greener future. #Sustainability #EmissionsReporting #EnvironmentalImpact #ClimateAction #UKBusiness #KORA #SustainableFuture

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🚨New Webinar Alert🚨: Social Value and SMEs – How to understand the new standards, innovate and score well – e50k Strategic Advisory To book onto this event please click on the link in the comment section. 💡 Brief Overview The need for Social Value and ESG delivery commitments continues to rise, but, how can SME suppliers compete, innovate and score well in procurement? Quincey will lead attendees through what the standard for the Primes currently looks like, why and how they can innovate despite their size, and the practical steps they can take to help them score highly. 💡 Speaker The webinar will be presented by Quincey Katie Ankrett, APMP, CP, the Director of e50k Strategic Advisory – a Make UK Defence Fit for Defence Partner. Quincey is APMP UK certified with over 10 years’ experience in Social Value, innovation creation and public sector bidding working on contracts from £70k up to £4.5bn and is a regular webinar and conference speaker. 💡 Who should attend? At an organisational level this webinar is aimed specifically at micro, small or medium SME companies (those with 0-150 employees or turnovers from up to £25 million) and will be of interest to anyone responsible for ESG, business growth via bidding or social value delivery or tender writing.    💡 Takeaways - An understanding of what the standard now expected by the Primes – so you can align and/or compete - How to create new Social Value ideas regardless of size - The Social Value USPs of SMEs and some practical steps to take when bidding Interested in becoming a member? Contact defence@makeuk.org #makeukdefence #defencesupplychains #ukmanufacturing #ukmfg

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🙌 Public Sector contacts: #DYK that the Phase 5 Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund application portal is now **OPEN**? ✅ The Low Carbon Skills Fund provides grants for public sector bodies to unlock heat decarbonisation on estates. ✅ The portal opened Wednesday 17 April at 2pm and will close on Wednesday 1 May at 2pm. This means applicants can apply any time during this window. ✅ The fund is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and is delivered by Salix. ✅ The LCSF will provide up to £16 million of grant funding for the financial year 2024 to 2025. It is for use by eligible public sector bodies to access skills or expertise to unlock heat decarbonisation on their estate. ⚡️ How we can help: Here at DEG, we have extensive experience of #decarbonisation across a range of building types, sizes and uses. If you are a public sector energy professional - and you're on a mission to decarbonise your buildings (with, or without the support of the Low Carbon Skills Fund), drop us a DM / or comment below - we welcome the opportunity to help. #LowCarbonSkillsFund #Salix #PublicSector #LowCarbonTechnology Photo credit: Unsplash / Benjamin Elliott.

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https://lnkd.in/eJcKvUuJ CPI has published its Manifesto for the General Election. We have three specific asks of the next Government: 1. A fully funded green industrial growth strategy to secure a greater share of global decarbonised industry for the UK. 2. Revisions to Simpler Recycling, EPR and DRS to drive improvements in the quality of recovered paper. 3. Support for industrial competitiveness in skills development, health and safety, international trade and careers promotion. I'm looking forward to the debate with the parties during the campaign and to working with the new government to drive this pro sustainable growth policy forwards.

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Such a helpful synopsis. Fascinating to see that the drivers could apply to so many aspects of business practice that have a wider social benefit, and they sit along a continuum from direct business benefit to enforcement through regulation.

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Whichever party wins the upcoming Election, the transition to net-zero is going to have to factor in their plans. But, in the short-term it will be costly and require co-ordination. This briefing, funded by the Nuffield Foundation and written by Patricia Sanchez Juanino analyses the current policy framework and looks at the options available to effectively handle the green transition. #ClimateChange #GeneralElection2024

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New insights from Josh Burke + the The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) team: Extending #carbonpricing in the #UK to heating and road transport (ala Germany and the EU ETS2) would help reduce emissions, esp in domestic heating (as fuel duties already send some pricing signals in the transport sector.) The revenue raised could also help address any disproportionate impact on lower-income households. BUT of course, this policy extension alone would not be sufficient to get the UK to net zero. https://lnkd.in/e5Gc_49a

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Should we scrap net zero as a slogan? That's what Chris Stark, the outgoing chief executive of the UK's Climate Change Committee (CCC), is suggesting. Stark argues that the phrase has become "unhelpful" because it's become too associated with the dissenting voices rallying against it. He suggests keeping net zero as a scientific target but dropping it as "a badge we keep on every programme." Stark makes a good point. We're already seeing net-zero targets slip from 2035 to 2050, including the UK's. Without meaningful progress, there's a danger that net zero is perceived as an impossibly Sisyphean effort. But the mountain that is climate change is getting steeper, and we're in real trouble if we can’t encourage people to push the boulder of decarbonisation. No one wants to say it or hear it, but the reality is that achieving net zero will require sacrifices from governments, businesses, and individuals - at least in the short term. After a rough few years, that's a bitter pill for many to swallow. Even sensible steps like switching to heat pumps have met with resistance. The UK Government watered down support for its scheme, while Germany ditched a ban on gas boilers after voters bridled at the costs. So how do we change mindsets? As writer and journalist Richard Fisher argues, part of the problem is that we mostly think in the short term. Companies are accountable to shareholders' profits and quarterly reports. Governments think in election cycles. And as individuals, we tend to exhibit "present bias" – favouring short-term payoffs over long-term rewards. Governments and organisations will need to set and follow ambitious science-backed targets. But they should focus on communicating tangible and achievable benefits first and foremost. Lower energy bills. Protecting our natural habitats and wildlife. Future-proofing our homes. These are not radical goals. But they are more meaningful and relatable than net zero. The thing is, net zero is achievable. But we must convert more people to the long-term cause - and quickly. Inspirational pragmatism has a better chance of winning people over from populist cynicism and short-termism than far-off targets or doom-mongering.  

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Companies which took part in The Scottish Government’s first ever business delegation at COP28 say they expect to generate an estimated £66.74 million in net zero export sales over the next three years according to a new report published today. A total of 19 net zero focussed Scottish companies attended the programme of business activities at the global climate summit in Dubai last year, facilitated by the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and supported by the First Minister Humza Yousaf and the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy & Net Zero Màiri McAllan MSP. Of these companies, 14 reported forecast export sales of £66.74 million over three years, with three already reporting business won due to their participation. 94% of the delegation also stated they found the programme valuable, with 545 new contacts made. Net Zero Secretary Màiri McAllan said: “I welcome the findings that the Scottish Government’s first ever business delegation at COP28 say they expect to generate over £66 million in net zero export sales over the next three years. “They helped to showcase Scotland’s net zero ambitions on a global stage, in renewable energy and other key areas of interest, and demonstrated that Scotland is best placed to attract vital investment into our net zero industries, particularly in the North East. “Our attendance at COP28 not only enabled us to share our progress towards a just transition to net-zero which protects jobs, and help lead the way in meaningful dialogue on global climate action, but also allowed us to advance international relations with countries who share our interests and ambitions.“ Read more ➡️ https://buff.ly/3UjvBz7 The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network is here to support your business - reach out to share your views, concerns and opportunities. #SCCnews #businesssupport #businessnetwork #businessvoice #businessleader Sign up for the Scottish Chambers of Commerce enewsletter at https://buff.ly/3CpsQnu

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Greenwashing in the IFA world, if it happens, will happen in the main for different reasons than it does in other sectors; as many IFAs do not yet recognise green characteristics as a product feature that will win lots of new custom. It will however give IFAs a "stick" reason to be much more diligent about the investment solutions they use and the claims made by the investment providers. The lack of prescription in the SDR rules means that this due diligence requires scrutiny of areas that many firms will not have much expertise in, areas where both nuance and nascence collide. But, despite the need to be cautious and measured about green investment claims, we must as a profession remain enthusiastic about the compelling need to invest greenly and sustainably -to help manage personal, financial and systemic risk. Greenhushing is as great a risk.

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Adaptation Reporting Just Got Easier! https://lnkd.in/dh-R_qpk At CAG Consultants, we understand the challenges local authorities and organisations face with climate change adaptation reporting under the UK's Climate Change Act 2008. We're here to simplify your journey. Our team of experts is equipped with the latest tools and insights to ensure your adaptation strategies are robust and compliant. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance existing plans, we can help you assess risks, manage reporting, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Let's make your adaptation efforts seamless and successful. Contact us (hq@cagconsult.co.uk) today and find out how we can support your adaptation reporting needs. #ClimateChange #AdaptationReporting #LocalAuthorities #ARP4 #Sustainability #ClimateAction

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