Green tech businesses helped by a £3 million government fund have showcased a host of go-to-market innovations generating jobs and onward investment in Hampshire.
The firms were among 35 exhibitors at the annual conference of the Future Solent low-carbon partnership which attracted more than 200 representatives of companies, local authorities, universities and research bodies.
The event, at Portsmouth Dockyard, was a chance to check on progress with the Solent’s Green Growth funding programme announced by Business Secretary Vince Cable exactly a year ago.
Companies in receipt of grants work in partnership to develop and share best practice on sustainability with business support networks including Portsmouth and Southampton universities.
Among those exhibiting was Tapflo who design and build sensors that can boost the energy efficiency of pumps used in manufacturing processes by up to 70%. Based in Chandler’s Ford, Tapflo’s UK division has used £80,000 from the growth fund to create five new jobs.
Also at the conference was Business Edge, a Waterlooville company whose high-speed, oil-free compression technology makes air conditioning systems up to 40% greener. The firm has received £100,000 from the fund to recruit a team of mechanical designers.
Business Edge Managing Director Mike Creamer said: “The growth fund programme is a very joined-up process. We found it a straightforward way to get a grant. The partnership support has enabled us to meet and develop valuable contacts.”
The keynote speaker was Dr Susie Tomson, sustainability manager for Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR). She outlined the sustainability aspects of the permanent base the Olympic sailing legend is building in Portsmouth for an America’s Cup bid in 2017.
As well as creating 80 jobs, the project on the Camber quay is expected to generate around £80 million for reinvestment in the Solent region.
Dr Tomson said sustainability was “at the heart” of the project, citing a zero waste-to-landfill policy and a low-carbon approach to energy and water use, packaging and transport.
She added: “At BAR we have a fantastic opportunity to engage with organisations in the Solent region through our standards of operation, design, technology and innovation as we strive to win the America’s Cup. We hope they will follow our lead and move towards a low-carbon economy.”
Delegates were also given an update on progress with a wider energy strategy for the Solent going up to 2020. A key strand is to maximise the uptake of business opportunities involving renewable resources. Much of the thinking is informed by Lord Stern’s much publicised government report on decarbonisation of cities. More details of the Solent strategy will be published during 2015.
The conference featured a panel discussion on issues raised by the audience including progress with internationally agreed carbon reduction targets and how to prompt more local councillors to become active advocates of green energy.
On the panel were Stewart Dunn, Chief Executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Charles Burt, Principal Environmental Scientist for GEP Environmental, Sarah Duckering, Business Engagement Lead at the University of Portsmouth, and Ben Earl, Water Efficiency Manager for Southern Water.
As the conference drew to a close, attendees voted electronically on a series of questions with 80% of respondents saying they believed Future Solent activities could bring positive benefits to their businesses. Ninety-three per cent said the day had been useful to them.
Jimmy Chestnutt, Future Solent Chair, said: “We had a thoroughly insightful and interesting day which demonstrated how economic growth and job creation can be pursued in absolute harmony with protecting the environment. As the take-up of green growth funding shows, the Solent is witnessing the unfolding of a positive and exciting low-carbon story. ”
The ‘Energising the Solent’ conference, held at Action Stations in the Dockyard, was sponsored by Southern Water, SSE Power Distribution and the Regional Growth Fund.
Among the exhibitors were local authorities, the sustainable transport charity Sustrans and businesses including the Hampshire-based food packaging solution specialist KCC.
Future Solent is a partnership of business leaders, politicians and green technology experts keen to stimulate sustainable growth while reducing our carbon footprint.
Grant funding to eligible companies is distributed on behalf of Future Solent by Eastleigh Borough Council.
