Oxfordshire businesses rush to join launch of new low-carbon business network

Oxfordshire Greentech, Oxfordshire’s new low-carbon business network, will launch at the Said Business School, Oxford, today (6 February 2019) along with the release of the findings of a new study into the strength of the low-carbon economy in the county.

The launch has already garnered considerable attention, with more than 250 local businesses and organisations signed up so far, requiring a move to a larger venue.

The network, which is being set up through a partnership between Cherwell District Council, international sustainability charity Bioregional and Cambridge Cleantech, aims to boost the growth of the low-carbon sector in Oxfordshire.

Nicole Lazarus of Bioregional said: “After the IPCC report, action on climate change has never been more important and urgent. The situation calls for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-transfer on unprecedented levels, and we believe that Oxfordshire is the perfect place to start something big.

“We are proud to be part of a county that fosters a world-leading culture of smart technology and social enterprise. Oxfordshire Greentech will draw together such innovative game-changing organisations from across sectors to turbo-charge our transition to a truly low-carbon economy.”

Cherwell Councillor Lynn Pratt, lead member for economy, regeneration, and property said: “This is a wonderful example of partnership working, creating sustainable economic growth which will be a flagship example for other counties to follow. The launch of Oxfordshire Greentech is an important milestone, and I warmly invite all Oxfordshire businesses to attend and be part of this exciting new network.”

Executive Director of Oxfordshire Greentech and compere for the event, Martin Garratt, said: “I am delighted that there is so much interest in the launch, and I am looking forward to welcoming all the delegates from across the private, public and academic sectors. We have a fantastic line-up of speakers for the breakfast event and will also be announcing the findings of a new study on the strength of the Greentech cluster in Oxfordshire.”

Speakers include Barbara Hammond, Chief Executive of Low Carbon Hub, Oxford City Councillor Tom Ward, and local businesses including Gareth Dinnage, MD of environmentally conscious printers Seacourt. A full agenda is here.

According to a report published by Oxford University Centre for the Environment, with adequate support and initiative, Oxfordshire has the potential to become a leader in the global low-carbon economy.

Oxfordshire has a history of successful community participation and is home to one of the largest community energy projects in the UK, the Low Carbon Hub (LCH).

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Oxfordshire Greentech is a business network supporting the growth of the low-carbon sector in Oxfordshire. It will bring together businesses and organisations to encourage innovation, collaboration and knowledge transfer, to facilitate the transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon future in Oxfordshire and the world.

Oxfordshire Greentech is part of the OxFutures programme, which is a £3.2m project to boost low carbon economic development in Oxfordshire. It is supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and run through a collaborative partnership led by Low Carbon Hub and including Cherwell District Council, Bioregional, Oxford City Council, the University of Oxford, and Oxford Brookes University. http://oxfordshiregreentech.co.uk/.

Bioregional is a charity and social enterprise with headquarters in London and an office in Elmsbrook, NW Bicester. Bioregional works with partners to create better places to live, work and do business. www.bioregional.com

Cambridge Cleantech has a vision of establishing Cambridge as a leading cleantech community in Europe. Its mission is to enhance the area's global competitiveness by co-ordinating, supporting and promoting commercial opportunities for our members. www.cambridgecleantech.org.uk

The Low Carbon Hub is a pioneering social enterprise working to put renewable energy at the core of UK's energy system. www.lowcarbonhub.org



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