Six British firms that are capitalising on the opportunities being afforded by the low carbon economy are embarking on the first ever green trade mission undertaken by the UK Government.
The six companies range from an independent
brewery in Suffolk that launched the UK’s first zero carbon beer and is turning its waste into green gas, to a global insurance broker helping clients prepare for and manage extreme events and climate-related risks. They are joining Climate Change Minister Greg Barker this week on a trip to the
US to explore the
trading opportunities there for
UK green businesses and highlight the opportunities for investment back in the UK.
"My message will be that Britain is open for green business
investment," said Barker as he unveiled the mission today.
Green economyThe global market for low carbon goods and services is currently worth over £3 trillion and is expected to growth to around £4 trillion by 2015. In the UK, that market is estimated to currently worth £106 billion and the six companies on this week’s five-day visit to the US will be showcased as examples of this growing sector.
"The companies joining me on this US trade mission are living proof of the economic benefits of the new green economy and can therefore help me make the case that going green is good for the economy, as well as energy security," said Barker.
UK companies
Most of the UK companies on the trade mission are global players or already have a firm footing in the US market. They include Intelligent Energy, a global clean power systems company; Willis Group Holdings, a risk management advisory firm and insurance broker; and Jupiter Asset Management, which provides investment vehicles for those wanting to back environmentally sustainable companies.
Renewable energy firm, RES Group, meanwhile, has built around 15 per cent of the US’ current wind energy capacity, while home insulation business, Mark Group, launched in the US and other international markets in 2009.
Green SME Flying the flag for UK green
small to medium-sized companies yet to make the leap into the US, is Adnams of Southwold. As well as embracing sustainable practices, it has launched a carbon neutral beer, East Green, and last year opened the UK’s first anaerobic digester that uses brewery
waste to create green gas that is fed into the National Grid.
"Adnams has been investing in green technology for a number of years now, knowing that it not only makes sense for the environment, but also for the long-term sustainability of our business," said Andy Wood, chief executive of Adnams. "I am delighted to join the Minister on the Department’s first green trade mission and look forward to learning more about the US market and to be part of a showcase of UK companies investing in environmental initiatives."
The five day visit will take the companies to Washington D.C, Philadelphia, Charlotte (North Carolina) and Columbia (South Carolina), where company representatives will meet with politicians, business groups, investors and regional development bodies.
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