01/12/2010
Financial industry experts are urging Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in construction to explore how the low-carbon agenda could benefit their business, reports Microsoft News.
It is expected that the worldwide value of low-carbon products and services will reach 4 trillion in five years, prompting the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) to push SMEs in the right direction. It is thought that by developing their low-carbon goods now, with the aim of becoming more energy-efficient, SMEs could see an extra 40 years of business.
Paul Morrell, a construction tsar, has commented on the benefits of the diversifying into low-carbon services to SMEs, claiming it will "act as a springboard to growth for more than 200,000 small businesses in the sector", as well as helping to "develop skills and expertise that would be of great value to other sectors." SMEs looking to adapt their businesses and grow their low-carbon offering can do so with the support of the sales finance options offered within the UK.
"Success in moving to a low-carbon construction industry would provide UK firms with the chance to grow overseas, as other countries seek our expertise and skills in this area" claims Morrell. However the president of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Peter Hansford, was quick to point out that the responsibility lies not only with SMEs, but with the Government as well.
"Government must take a lead role in making sure these goals become reality. Close collaboration between industry and Government will be fundamental in overcoming regulatory barriers" said Hansford, who believes the Government's pledge to create a Green Investment Bank, and support the construction industry in achieving its aims, is only the start of the reform, reports The Construction Enquirer.
Deborah Bates