Claire’s Column – Green Success for Surrey

Published on: 9 Oct, 2012
Updated on: 12 Oct, 2012

Claire Dee

In this regular monthly column – a must read for all those interested in Guildford business – Claire Dee reports on Surrey’s successful green economy

A recent report published by the Green Alliance, along with the RSPB, WWF, Greenpeace and Christian Aid, revealed the strength and success of the south east’s green economy.

Green Economy: A UK Success Story shows that while the general economy will not return to 2007 levels until at least 2014, the green economy will have grown by 40% in that same period. And the south east region is one of those leading the way with nearly 120,000 low carbon and environmental jobs in 2010/11 – more than motor trades (80,400) and telecommunications (36,600) put together.

The region also witnessed £297m of renewables investment and around 2,500 renewables jobs in the last financial year; and from 2007 to 2010 saw a 153% increase in installed renewables capacity.

This is great news on so many levels, not least to silence the cynics who believe focusing on environmental initiatives is ‘a nice to have’ rather than ‘must do’ as the impact on the bottom line is minimal.

Clearly not. The appetite for eco-friendly business is growing and with it more jobs and investment.

As an executive member of the newly formed Defra-backed Surrey Nature Partnership I embrace this wholeheartedly, and call upon Guildford companies to become involved in supporting their local greenspace: after all, it’s good for business.

For further information and the full report visit www.green-alliance.org.uk

Claire Dee runs her own communications consultancy near Guildford and is an active member of the local business community including sitting on the Surrey Chambers of Commerce council. To learn more visit www.clairedeecommunications.com