Over 200 local business leaders came to the finditinbirmingham.com breakfast networking event at the ICC earlier this month.

The event discussed ‘Birmingham Energy Savers’, Birmingham City Council’s £1.2m green retrofit project. There were free bacon and egg baps, tea and coffee, Danish pastries and fruit and yoghurt for everyone.

Edward Leddy-Owen, the Regional Microgeneration Coordinator from the Energy Saving Trust, ran a workshop on how to get MCS accreditation. And Jane Newman, Birmingham City Council's Principal Employment Development Officer, led a workshop where she talked about funding and training available to local green businesses.

UES, a social enterprise which installs green technology, and JMP, which develops sustainable travel solutions for businesses, manned exhibition stands at the event.

Speakers

Speaker Jenny Howarth, the Birmingham Energy Savers Procurement Officer, gave a presentation where she said: “We want to make Birmingham the hub of the European low carbon economy. This scheme – which we’re hoping will offer £13m funding by November - will have long-term economic, social and environmental benefits. It will help people in fuel poverty and help Birmingham reach its target of 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2026.”

“We’re looking for suppliers who have MCS accreditation, prioritise customer satisfaction, can offer value for money and are flexible. All our opportunities will be posted on finditinbirmingham.com – so if you’re not registered, do it now!”

Speaker Bill Munn, a Director at Thomas Vale - a construction firm working on a Birmingham Energy Savers pilot - gave a presentation where he said: “Every £1 spent on construction generates £2.84 for the local economy. And Thomas Vale is committed to creating local jobs and promoting sustainability.  

“We choose suppliers who are CSCS affiliated, use apprentices, prioritise sustainability and work with the community. We look forward to working with you through our procurement portal.”