Join this free masterclass to learn more about the business benefits of becoming more sustainable.

Clean Futures offers this masterclass in collaboration with Sustainability West Midlands.

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At a local level, the West Midlands Combined Authority plans to become a net zero economy by 2041 and to achieve this has set out five-year plans and has numerous associated frameworks and policies including their Circular Economy Routemap. Alongside policy drivers, the benefits of becoming a more circular business are numerous and can include reduced greenhouse gas emissions as a result of virgin materials and water saved, waste diverted from landfill and incineration, hazardous waste eliminated, jobs created and additional sales. Research from DEFRA suggests that businesses could save £3 billion annually through short-term investments by making their processes more resource efficient.

We’ll cover:

• What is a circular economy? The basics, key terms and language
• Global influences and legislation including forthcoming changes to waste regulations effective from March 2025
• Product design
• Waste management and resource efficiency
• Supplier and contractor management
• Inspiring case studies from local businesses
• Your needs: Group discussion on challenges of becoming more circular, and support required
• Where to go for help and support
• Signposting to further masterclasses for support

What you’ll take away from this session

You’ll leave this masterclass motivated to improve the sustainability of your business with focus on introducing or building on circular economy principles and through engagement with your supply chain, and with the right knowledge and tools to do so.

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The Clean Futures initiative enables West Midlands businesses in the transport sector to adopt and develop sustainable technologies and practices through essential knowledge and guidance for growth and prosperity.

Clean Futures is one of the 5 West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Innovation Accelerators, funded by Innovate UK with a total of £33 million, set up to help drive forward the West Midlands Plan for Growth by supporting and accelerating innovation in cleantech, medtech and digital.

Eligibility

SMEs falling into the West Midlands area from the transport sector and its supply chain. Space permitting, organisations from the UK are welcome.

Previous webinars can be viewed here.

The masterclass will be delivered by Anna Bright (Chief Executive) and Andy Whyle (Associate) from Sustainability West Midlands (SWM). SWM have been established for over 22 years with the mission of making the West Midlands more sustainable, fairer and greener for all. They are an independent, not-for-profit membership organisation.

Anna has been working with organisations to improve their sustainability for over 20 years and has a private sector background in water, waste and wastewater management. She has worked with businesses, universities, colleges, local authorities, the health sector and the West Midlands Combined Authority to help shape the way that they mitigate and adapt for climate change. Anna is on the board of the Midlands Net Zero Hub, the Midlands Engine Green Growth Board and she is a Trustee for the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust.

Andy is a sustainability specialist who has over thirty years’ experience working in a multinational corporation (Ricoh Company Ltd.) and with their supply chain. His specialisms cover sustainability leadership, circular economy, natural capital development, networking and collaboration. Andy has provided training for businesses on behalf of Leicestershire Growth Hub, Warwickshire County Council, and Telford & Wrekin Council, focussing on SME engagement in net zero and sustainability.

Enquiries

For enquiries please contact the Clean Futures Catalyst Team or register for this event.

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