The Stern Report (see resources below) has made clear the huge business opportunities presented by the shift towards a one planet economy through the emerging ‘sunrise sectors'.
The markets for low-carbon technologies are expected to be worth at least $500bn and the South West has the potential to be a leader in this field - for instance the growing renewables sector could employ an additional 10,000 full time employees in the region by 2010. This coupled with the opportunities for businesses to help assist communities to be resilient to key sustainability challenges - including climate change and peak oil - provide a raft of possibilities for the forward thinking entrepreneur or enterprising community leader. The 'Grant for Research and Development' (a Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills business support initiative) supports technological entrepreneurs and innovators to get their products one step closer to the marketplace by funding research and development work. In the South West, the grant for SMEs is delivered by the Regional Development Agency. Further information and application documents available from www.southwestrda.org.uk/grd
Check out the Shaper's Leadership for Sustainability module for ideas on transformational leadership for 21st century sustainability. Please have a look at '10 Things You Can Do Today!', 'Resource & Energy Efficiency Advice' and 'Shaper Stories!' for general ideas and support for business.
