Event launched to offer net zero support for businesses

The Birmingham office of national law firm Mills & Reeve is hosting an in-person panel event discussing achieving net zero and the practical steps for businesses on Thursday 19 January, at its office on Colmore Row.

The event aims to support businesses to help the region achieve its ambitious sustainability targets.

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has outlined a vision to see the West Midlands become a net zero region within the next two decades.

According to recent data from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the region 's carbon emissions have more than halved between 2005 and 2020, while the newly announced Net Zero Five Year Plan seeks to cut them by another 33 per cent by 2026.

Energy insight platform provider, Enerlytic is co-host for the event providing expertise and key insight into energy data, improving efficiencies and greater cost-saving opportunities.

The event aims to help businesses by providing practical solutions to address challenges and harness the benefits of collaboration and technology to support these commitments.

The event will be chaired by Jessica Wilkes-Ball, sustainability manager of Mills & Reeve. Panelists include:

Hannah Drake, founder and CEO, Enerlytic

Mark Davis, chair in Economic Sociology, University of Leeds

Neil Pearson, head of ESG and Social Value, Mills & Reeve

The panel discussion commences from 2:30pm to 4pm before a Q and A and networking opportunity.

Jessica Wilkes-Ball (pictured), Sustainability manager at Mills & Reeve said: “Since COP27 and the recently unveiled Net Zero Five Year Plan for the West Midlands, there is real impetus behind the region 's sustainability efforts, but we 're not there yet.

“We 've seen a real increase in focus from our clients and the business community around Net Zero and Carbon Transition Plans and we feel we can play a role in educating and guiding businesses in the necessary steps required to achieve them.

“We are honoured to be welcoming expertise from Enerlytic and the University of Leeds at our upcoming event and collectively, will provide practical and insightful discussion for them. Businesses still have time to register for the free event and we look forward to seeing them there. ”

To register for the event, please click here.