NatWest and Keele University are partnering together in an innovative project designed to put the environment at the forefront of regional innovation.

The partnership means that local businesses banking with NatWest can now benefit from access to Keele University’s Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND)*, an ERDF-funded programme that supports Staffordshire-based SMEs looking to reduce their energy consumption and lower their carbon emissions.

The launch event includes a tour of the Low Carbon Energy Generation Park and SEND control centre at Keele University, followed by a climate and energy crisis roundtable discussion where businesses will have the opportunity to ask questions and seek support.

Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and environmental non-profit The Globe Group CIC are also part of the initiative, with the four organisations united in seeing an opportunity to support local enterprise to benefit from the opportunities unlocked by the transition to net-zero.

With the ongoing energy crisis, many businesses are concerned about their rising energy costs and the roundtable is an opportunity for SMEs to discuss their business needs and find out more about the fully funded SEND research projects on offer, which aim to find affordable and practical solutions for SMEs.

To reserve your free place, visit the Events page on the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce website.

---

*The Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND) project (ref. 32R16P00706) is part-funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the England 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Growth Programme, and is available to ERDF eligible companies. The project is also receiving funds from the Midlands Engine.

---