News and Events
South west sustainable energy industry creating new jobs for the region
The government's low-carbon-economy summit, held today in London by Lord Mandelson, is set to show how sustainable energy businesses will be at the forefront of helping lead the UK out of recession.
South west sustainable energy chief Merlin Hyman, who is at the summit today, believes that the region is ideally situated to take full advantage of this push from central government. "The message from Whitehall is clear," said Merlin, chief executive of Regen SW: "the UK will strive to be the best place in the world to build a low-carbon business. This is great news for the south west: not only do we have exceptional natural resources, but also we have enterprising, resilient sustainable-energy businesses that are continuing to grow and take on new staff."
However, Merlin pointed out that the leaders of many countries - including President Obama in the USA - are putting huge investment into green jobs, making the sector highly competitive: "We now need the government to follow this positive rhetoric with the major investment in incentives, skills and business support that we need if the south west and the UK generally is going to seize this opportunity."
Earlier this week, Regen SW took 16 small and medium-sized sustainable energy businesses from around the south west to Ecobuild, the UK's biggest ‘green' building show. Many of these businesses reported that they are currently recruiting extra staff and see no signs of a downturn in their growth.
"This is extremely promising," added Merlin, "and these businesses not alone in battling against current economic trends. Our most recent research showed that there are over 7,000 workers in the south west sustainable energy sector, and over 60 per cent of these say they will recruit or train new managers or staff, expand existing UK markets, or develop new UK markets over the next few years."
Today's summit, held at the Royal Society in London will be addressed by Peter Mandelson, Ed Milliband, and Lord Stern.
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Notes to editors
About Regen SW
Regen SW, which receives its core funding from the South West of England Regional Development Agency, is the sustainable energy agency for South West England. It was previously the region's renewable energy agency, and it now has an extended remit to include energy efficiency.
Regen SW's purpose is to speed up the transition to a low carbon economy in the South West England. It works to accelerate the uptake of renewable energy, champion energy efficiency initiatives and to grow the region's sustainable energy businesses.
The South West RDA has invested more than £3.3 million of funding to Regen SW since 2002.
About the South West RDA
The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It works in partnership with public, private and social purpose organisations to drive up the region's productivity by giving people the skills they need, encouraging enterprise, improving infrastructure, regenerating places, and promoting the strengths of the region. For more information see www.southwestrda.org.uk
For further information
Please contact James Reddy, Regen SW communications manager on 01392 474322/07967 835947 or email jreddy@regensw.co.uk
