On Saturday 26 October, thousands of UK businesses signed a mass letter to the UK Government calling for a new era of UK climate leadership. Coordinated by the UK Business Group Alliance for Net Zero (BGA), the letter was sent to the UK government, calling on them to use the UK’s presence at COP29 to reassert the UK’s global climate leadership position through announcing an ambitious and investable 2035 National Determined Contribution (NDC), which is underpinned by credible delivery mechanisms and encourages other countries to follow suit.
West London Business, the voice of enterprises across the world’s most connected place, is proud to have been one of those signatories, and this is why.
We represent a varied collective of businesses, investors and financial institutions across our sub region, from all sectors and sizes, such as London Heathrow Airport, Dina Foods, Envopap, Garden Studios and the Clayton Hotel Chiswick. Many businesses have set their own net zero targets and are aligning their activities to the goals of the Paris Agreement, an international treaty to tackle climate change. An NDC that recognises the critical role of business in financing and implementing net zero, and is supplemented by clear delivery plans, would provide stability and further strengthen investor confidence in the London and wider UK economy.
West London Business through our Green Business Action programme delivers free support to aid London’s SMEs to plan their transition to net zero. SMEs collectively contribute up to 36% of the UK’s carbon footprint. However these are often the employers with the least amount of resources to tackle this, and this is where Green Business Action fills the gap. Understanding your carbon footprint provides opportunities to address carbon emissions, as well as making your business more competitive, efficient and resilient.
Since we launched our flagship green business programmes in April 2021, we’ve helped over 700 London companies progress their strategy towards net zero. By March 2025, this is expected to grow to 1,000 organisations that will be leading London’s transition to a thriving, low carbon economy. Companies are encouraged to commit to reducing their carbon emissions by 90-95% by 2030 from their baseline carbon footprint.
London-based businesses that have 2 or more full-time staff and a turnover from £50,000 to £43 million are eligible for this free support, subject to checks. Participants have access to: A 12-month subscription to a business carbon footprint calculator; 1:1 support; learning portal, resources, live webinars, plus events across sustainability areas e.g. carbon footprint, carbon reduction plans and net zero target, waste, environmental management, green finance, engagement and leadership.
Free expert advice can also be given on commercial premises to make them more energy efficient and reduce bills through energy audits. Participants also join a network of SMEs leading the way on addressing climate change across London.
We have been working with London businesses for over 30 years. For nearly ten of those, climate change action has become increasingly important to them. We know that the appetite for net zero leadership across London is evident. We urge the government to listen to and act on the advice that we and other businesses leading in this area can provide. We have many notable examples of leading British businesses who can be inspiring examples on a global stage. Often the many challenges of running a business remain the same across geographical boundaries – and net zero business commitments are no exception.
While ambitious targets signal a direction of travel, climate leadership is ultimately built upon delivery and implementation of plans. By setting an NDC that is backed up by an updated and credible UK Net Zero Strategy, which includes strong and long-term sectoral policies and clear timelines, we can work collaboratively globally to create a virtuous circle of private investment, accelerated action, and increasing ambition.
The UK must lead by example as we cannot do this alone. West London Business will be attending COP29 (virtually) to express that London business is ready to work with those in other countries engaged in raising global standards and support them in raising ambition levels and delivering on net zero commitments.
West London Business firmly believes that by UK industry working together with investors, financial institutions and government at home and abroad, we can together be a powerful catalyst for global change.
To apply for free net zero business support, visit www.greenbusinessaction.com.
The mass letter sent to the UK Government can be read here – https://www.corporateleadersgroup.com/news
Feature Image is Andrew Dakers, Chief Executive of West London Business (the author of the article)
