Last week, a fascinating report landed in my email inbox. Published by the Carbon Trust and Shell UK, “ Low Carbon Entrepreneurs: the new engines for growth ” looks at the critical role that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) can play in the low carbon sector. This includes both nuclear and renewable power, transport and activities within various manufacturing and services industries that essentially contribute, either directly or indirectly, towards reducing environmental impacts or adapting to environmental changes. Whilst some may believe that it is still a relatively small industry, it was one of the few sectors to grow during the recent recession and it is estimated that such green business accounted for over a third of the economic growth in 2011/12. Indeed, the low carbon economy is estimated to be worth over £120 billion to the UK and currently employs 940,000 people. And the good news is that the market is set to grow, driven by small dynamic companies that are...
Entrepreneurship, innovation and the economy