Future North West: Our Shared Priorities

Thursday, 26 August 2010 11:17

Future North West: Our Shared Priorities provides a high level statement of strategic priorities and framework for activity over the next 20 years.

This statement builds on a substantial programme of work by private, public and third sector partners from the length and breadth of the North West. This work was originally undertaken to support the development of the North West Regional Strategy (RS2010) but now underpins Future North West.

Read more: Future North West: Our Shared Priorities

New research shows significance of BAE Systems

Monday, 23 August 2010 11:29

Newly elected mp Graham Jones requests research into value of BAE Systems in the North West

Research released today by Lancashire Economic Partnership has reignited the debate on the importance of BAE Systems to the UK economy and specifically the manufacturing industry in the North West of England.

The research which was undertaken at the request of Graham Jones MP reveals that BAE Systems plays a vital role in the North West of England’s economy making a considerable contribution to employment and also investing heavily in Research and Development. The research clearly indicates the extent to which other businesses in the region depend indirectly on BAE Systems’ presence in the North West.

Read more: New research shows significance of BAE Systems

Businesses urged to use free service

Wednesday, 18 August 2010 14:25

Business Link Northwest chief’s message to region’s businesses

The Head of Business Link Northwest is urging small and medium sized businesses to continue making use of its free service while ministers decide on the future shape of government business support.

Read more: Businesses urged to use free service

MPs Back Lancashire Manufacturing

Friday, 23 July 2010 10:35

Local MPs met recently with representatives of a group established to champion manufacturing in Lancashire to discuss how they can work together to support the sector.

The meeting held at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Industry highlighted the vital importance of manufacturing to both the national and local economies.

According to Mike Damms, Chair of the group, “Manufacturing is back on the national agenda and we are delighted to hear that our local MPs are already committed to the sector and have a real understanding of the issues faced by local firms.  It is great to know that we have some real allies in Westminster from across all parties during these difficult economic times”.

The group is a working group of Lancashire Economic Partnership and is comprised of representatives of key local businesses, Universities, business support organisations.  Further meetings with MPs are due to be held over the coming months.

Green Energy With Added Financial Rewards

Thursday, 01 April 2010 08:30

Envirolink Northwest is welcoming the launch of feed-in tariffs (FIT), a new government scheme designed to benefit businesses across the UK with financial and environmental rewards.

The scheme, which will launch on 1 April 2010, will enable businesses installing small scale renewable energy generating technologies such as wind turbines and solar photovoltaic panels on their premises, to claim payments for the electricity they produce whilst at the same time benefiting from reduced energy bills.  The tariff levels have been calculated to offer a 5-8% return on initial investment in the technology. In addition, electricity produced that is surplus to requirements can be sold back to the grid, producing another revenue stream. The government is guaranteeing these payments for up to 25 years depending on the technology. It has also been confirmed that installations commissioned since July 2009, when the policy was announced, will benefit from the scheme.

Stuart James, Business Development Manager, Lancashire  - Low Carbon at Envirolink Northwest commented: “Businesses across our region should make sure that they benefit from the launch of the FIT scheme. Not only does it offer a significant opportunity to reduce the region’s CO2 emissions but the guaranteed income levels mean that businesses can generate their own electricity for free once the capital costs of the equipment have been covered. With energy prices set to continue rising the business benefits of generating your own energy have never been better. “

Envirolink Northwest is funded by Government, local authorities, industry and the NWDA to support the development and growth of the environmental technologies sector.

Liam Fisher, Sector Development Manager for Energy and Environment, NWDA commented:

“Energy and Environmental Technologies is one of the region’s most important business sectors, with regional companies able to supply parts, components, products and services across the range of renewable energy technologies.

“The NWDA welcomes this announcement, which will enable businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, become more self sufficient in energy and earn extra income.”

Envirolink Northwest offers, at no cost to businesses, impartial advice and guidance to those looking to install renewable technologies.  The tailored support includes access to in-depth up-to-date knowledge of renewable energy options, advice on finance and grant funding, help with planning and connecting to the grid. Links to regional suppliers of renewable technologies, and  invitations to events and workshops to share best practice complete the package. 

For further information on how your business can become involved in the FIT scheme and gain access to the services provided by Envirolink Northwest please contact Stuart James on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,  call 01925 813200 or visit www.envirolinknorthwest.co.uk.