Watch the event recording here
On 24th February, Future Leap held the hybrid event “Financial Support for Your Business Journey” at the Future Leap Hub in Bishopston. Before the event, attendees had the opportunity to network either virtually or over breakfast provided by the Future Leap café team. The event was kindly sponsored by HSBC Plc to announce their new Green SME Fund.
Future Leap’s Head of Partnerships and Sustainability, Katherine Piper, welcomed the virtual and physical attendees from businesses who are looking to progress on their sustainability journey and thanked HSBC for sponsoring the event. She went on to provide an explanation of the how the Future Leap Network operates and the benefits provided to its members before giving information on the upcoming Festival of Sustainable Business and inviting attendees to apply the sustainable business awards. Winners of the awards will receive complementary invitations to the gala dinner.
- Following the introduction, Katherine introduced the event’s speakers:
- Daniel Proctor, Director & Co-Founder of Future Leap Finance
- James Morvan, Engagement Lead for the Clean Air Zone for Bristol City Council
- Marion Britton of The West of England Combined Authority
- Claire Bees & Chris Hill of HSBC
Daniel Proctor, Future Leap Finance
Daniel began by introducing himself and talking about how he had been inspired by the large sustainability-minded community in Bristol and the surrounding areas. He introduced Future Leap Finance, a new offering in partnership with Future Leap. Future Leap finance aims to offer members of the network access to the financial solutions they need to develop their sustainability-focused products and services. The financial solutions will be provided by a panel of lenders with practices in place for environmental responsibility.
James Morvan, Engagement lead for the Clean Air Zone, Bristol City Council
James spoke about his role in preparing individuals and businesses for the implementation of Bristol’s Clean Air Zone in Summer 2022. He explained the changes that will come into effect when this is implemented and gave details of financial support available to individuals and businesses in who are based withing the boundaries of the Clean Air Zone. More information is available on the Bristol City Council and Clean Air Zone websites.
Marion Britton, West of England Combined Authority
Marion talked about the financial support that WECA is providing to businesses within WECA local authorities to help reduce their emissions. Their target is for the region to reach net zero by 2030. They are approaching this by providing green business grants of up to £15k, complete with a carbon survey, 12 months energy report check and decarbonization report. For more information, go to the WECA website.
Claire Bees & Chris Hill, HSBC
Claire and Chris began by talking about their passion for sustainability and how HSBC have committed £2bn in helping businesses transition to net zero. They are targeting 100% renewable energy by 2023. They encouraged businesses to discuss their sustainability strategy with their finance provider as they may be able to support their progress and provide introduction to sustainability advisors.
Claire and Chris discussed some of HSBC’s sustainable finance options as well as their Sustainability Hub, which is an online resource to help businesses at all stages of their sustainability journey. This is open to all businesses, you do not need to be HSBC customer.
Q&A
Following the presentations from the speakers, a Q&A was held to allow attendees to gain insight on the various financial support provisions presented by the speakers as well as wider questions around the financing of sustainable business.
60 second pitches
Following the Q&A some attendees presented 60 second pitches for their businesses:
Damian, Termex Cellulose Fibre
Net zero insulation, made from newsprint and cardboard. Recently began trading in UK & ROI
Ben, Lyte Bikes
E-bike subscription company.
Mauro, Susy.House
Online toolkit for homeowners to reduce their carbon emissions.
Simon, Future Leap
Carbon footprinting, profiling and support.
Ed, Garrett Creative
Independent branding agency. Work with businesses in sustainability focused businesses.
Closing
Katherine closed the event by sharing Future Leap’s upcoming events, inviting business to apply for the 2022 Sustainable Business Awards and thanking the speakers, attendees and sponsor HSBC for making the event possible. Virtual breakout rooms and physical networking within the hub followed the end of the event.
