Headline sponsor announced for Sustainable Business Series

The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) has announced Lloyds Bank as the headline sponsor of the Chambers flagship campaign on environmental sustainability and net zero, the Sustainable Business Series.

The Sustainable Business Series aims to increase awareness and stimulate action on businesses contributions to net zero, through utilising sponsor, member & stakeholder knowledge, best practice and guidance.

The series covers key topics businesses will need to consider when adapting to the net zero transition. It will also showcase best practice environmental leadership, guidance and support that businesses can access.

Gary Lapthorn (pictured), head of sustainability and responsible business at Lloyds Bank said: “We're delighted to be the headline partners for the Chamber's Sustainable Business Series 2023.

“At Lloyds Banking Group, our purpose is Helping Britain Prosper. We have an important role to play in creating more sustainable and inclusive communities including supporting our clients to transition to a low carbon future.

The vast majority of SMEs (93 per cent) say that sustainability challenges are important to them, with 83 per cent reporting it has become more important in the last year, despite other challenges facing their businesses.

“According to our Net Zero Monitor, the biggest challenge faced by SMEs on their journey to Net Zero is insufficient budget and/or the high costs (43 per cent) of transitioning their business.

“We are connected to almost every community in the UK and are committed to partnering with others to use our scale and knowledge of the UK economy to help support progress towards net zero, creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for people and businesses, and shaping finance as a force for good.”

Kuran Singh, policy advisor at the GBCC added “We are very much looking forward to working with both Lloyds Bank and fellow headline sponsors University College Birmingham to showcase their expertise on sustainability and Net Zero issues.

“Through their support, we aim to deliver a campaign that builds upon the success of last year's campaign”.

Register for the Sustainable Business Series events and webinars here