WMG Net Zero Innovation Network

The Net Zero Innovation Network is a cohort-based programme run by the WMG SME team at the University of Warwick, bringing together manufacturing businesses to discuss how sustainability can be embedded into their operations and to inspire new partnerships and projects supporting the UK's sustainability goals. The cohort is pre-funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Participants take part in a technical innovation project aimed at implementing positive environmental and economic change, best-practice visits to observe sustainability approaches at other UK manufacturers, collaboration events with expert speakers and workshops, an online Net Zero Readiness Assessment tool, and support to develop a ten-year net zero roadmap and action plan. The page states that grant funding of £10,000 to £100,000 is available to support implementation of sustainability and energy efficiency projects and equipment. New cohorts start periodically, with dates listed for specific locations. The page includes case studies of alumni businesses that reduced energy consumption, cut packaging emissions or reduced waste through participation. Interested businesses are directed to contact WMG for an informal, no-obligation discussion.

Essential criteria are that the business is a small or medium-sized enterprise based in the West Midlands Combined Authority area; manufacturers and high CO2 emitters/energy users are stated as preferable but not essential criteria.