The BDC is part of a new initiative to help Yorkshire SMEs future proof their business
The Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) has partnered with Leeds-based consultants Green Gain and Resource Futures to help Yorkshire’s SMEs become more resilient and sustainable as part of the Resource Efficient Business (REBiz) programme.
The REBiz programme provides advice and financial support for small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in West and North Yorkshire looking to lower energy usage, reduce water and waste costs and minimise environmental and social impacts. As part of this programme, the BDC will provide technical and analytical support evidencing the sustainability of bio-based products. This builds on our 10-year experience in converting bio-based resources (plants, microbes and process waste by-products) into profitable bio-based products and processes.
Helen Shiels – Business Development Manager at the BDC, adds:
This is a brilliant opportunity for Yorkshire businesses to access funded support to explore new ways of doing business, and retain the value of the bio-material resources within their supply chains
Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is delivering the programme in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and with the York & North Yorkshire (YNY) Local Enterprise Partnership, with funding support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Northern Powerhouse Growth Deal.
Green Gain – an independent Leeds-based consultancy – is project managing the support and will help guide businesses on how to move towards a circular economy business model or scale up their sustainable products and services. Green Gain is supported by two delivery partners: Resource Futures and the BDC.
Steve Ogden, Green Gain who is project managing, summarises the programme:
The aim of this service is to provide free assistance to SME businesses to stimulate the development of circular economy business models, products and services. A wide range of technical consultancy support is available to businesses who are moving to, or seeking to scale-up, circular economy business models, products and services.
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the Circular Economy (CE) represents a systemic shift that builds long-term resilience, generates new businesses and economic opportunities and provides environmental and societal benefits. The CE is designed to transform the way resources are used in design and manufacturing. In contrast to a ‘take-use-waste’ linear economy model, the principals of CE are ‘reuse-recycle-repurpose’. This way the resources are kept in a supply chain loop for longer, to get their maximum value. The ethos of CE is being adopted by many organisations worldwide as it benefits the business by lowering energy usage, reducing water and waste costs and minimising the impact on the environment.
Support provided through the REBiz programme will help Yorkshire businesses to develop CE business models, reduce costs and stimulate the growth of more sustainable products and services. REBiz will be a key support programme in the lead up to Circular Yorkshire month in November 2020.
For an initial discussion, please contact Helen Shiels helen.shiels@york.ac.uk, 07880 182863 – who will connect you into the project.
Notes to editors:
The Resource Efficient Business Programme is receiving £2,822,718 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regeneration.
The Northern Powerhouse is a key aspect of this Government’s approach to addressing the productivity gap in the North and ensuring a stronger, more sustainable economy for all parts of the UK. Alongside over €1.5 billion of European Regional Development Fund support for businesses and communities across the North, the government has awarded £3.4 billion in three rounds of Growth Deals across the Northern Powerhouse.
The Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership works with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to help businesses in our region grow and become more productive. The Combined Authority works in partnership with local councils and businesses to ensure that everyone in our region benefits from a strong, successful economy and a modern, accessible transport network. By championing the region’s interests nationally and internationally, we secure the investment to deliver better transport and housing, help businesses to grow and create jobs. We want our region to be recognised globally as a strong, successful economy where everyone can build great businesses, careers and lives.
The York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership unlocks economic growth through its work with its partners helping the area’s businesses to start-up and grow. It does this by attracting public and private sector investment for its growth industries, skills needs and infrastructures like broadband, housing and roads.
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