Building on the success of the first 'Driving Net-Zero' business breakfast, the Mid South West (MSW) Region is preparing to host the second event in its three-part series.

Partnering with Carbonfit, this event will be held at the Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre in the heart of the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough and will bring together local businesses keen to start their sustainability journeys.

The 'Driving Net-Zero' business breakfast series is designed to inspire and equip local enterprises with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly green economy. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the financial and operational benefits of adopting sustainable practices and learn how to leverage the new Net Zero Transformation programme. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from industry experts and peers who have already begun their journey towards net-zero.

Funded by Innovate UK's Fast Followers programme, the MSW region is among 25 Local Authority areas across the UK to receive a share of £6 million aimed at advancing Net Zero initiatives. The Driving Net Zero Transformation Programme supports businesses in Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon, Fermanagh & Omagh and Mid Ulster in reducing carbon emissions and finding cost-saving opportunities through enhanced efficiency.

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The next business breakfast, scheduled for Thursday 5 September 2024, will run from 9:00am to 11:30am. Attendees will hear from key industry leaders, including Wilson's Country, a local agri-food business sharing insights from their Net Zero journey and representatives from Danske Bank and the British Business Bank, who will discuss the future of green finance and its impact on businesses.

Councillor Kevin Savage, Vice Chair of the Mid South West Governance Steering Group , stated: "The Mid South West Region is home to one-third of Northern Ireland’s businesses, with strongholds in advanced manufacturing, agri-food, construction, and engineering. These sectors have traditionally carried a heavy carbon footprint, making it essential that we support their transition to net-zero. This isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about ensuring our region’s economic future."

Claudine McGuigan, representative of the MSW Region Programme Management Office, said: "Our programme provides three key areas of support to local businesses. The business breakfast events, like the one on 5 September, allow for peer networking and learning from industry experts. We also offer a webinar series, with the next session scheduled for Thursday 26 September 2024, and one-on-one support for up to 90 micro and SME businesses, including 30 from the ABC area."

Annemarie Roddy, Associate Director at Carbonfit, encourages businesses to seize this opportunity:

"Our first event in Cookstown was a tremendous success, and we’re excited to bring this initiative to ABC. There’s still time to register, and I urge all local businesses to get involved. This programme offers unparalleled support to those ready to start their journey towards net-zero."

The third and final business breakfast will take place in the Fermanagh and Omagh area on Thursday 17 October 2024 with Industry Experts from Foyle Food Group sharing their insights.