The transition to net zero will provide the economic opportunity of the century. The Net Zero Council has launched to ensure the UK takes advantage of this opportunity, by providing the structure for greater collaboration between government, business and the finance community.

The meeting brought Ministers and officials together with CEOs from some of the most significant players in the UK economy, alongside a highly experienced joint secretariat bringing the combined expertise of the Broadway Initiative, Aldersgate Group and the Green Finance Institute. Leaders from Siemens, the Federation of Small Businesses, the National Grid, Barratt Developments, Rolls Royce, HSBC, Octopus, Impax Asset Management and Lloyds of London gathered to discuss action across the economy to achieve Net Zero, with other Council Members scheduled to join future meetings.

Broadway Initiative helped to consolidate the Net Zero Council to drive forward the vision for net zero and is now acting as joint secretariat alongside the Green Finance Institute and Aldersgate Group. Broadway is calling on all participants to grasp this collaborative moment and drive towards achievable change.

Broadway Initiative Convenor Edward Lockhart said: “The formation of the new Net Zero Council is a giant step on the journey to net zero. For the first time it brings together leadership from across business sectors, finance and the relevant government departments. In doing so, it creates the mechanism capable of giving businesses vital clarity and consistency to design a low carbon future that works for us all. To be successful the Net Zero Council must be inclusive and open in the way it works. Thanks to all the business groups who have worked alongside the Broadway Initiative to bring this collaboration together. Let’s make the most of it.”

Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said: “Small businesses play a vital role in helping the UK achieve its net zero targets by 2050, by decarbonising their own businesses, delivering green jobs, and supporting the transition. There’s a lot of potential for small firms to go further in their net zero journey but the right policy framework is needed. We’re glad to be a part of the Net Zero Council and look forward to working with the Government and like-minded peers to bring down net-zero barriers and incentivise greater investment with smart policies that work for the five and a half million small businesses in the UK.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

• The full membership of the Net Zero Council is: Siemens, the Federation of Small Businesses, the National Grid, Rolls Royce, HSBC, Octopus, Impax Asset Management, Cemex, Atkins, Severn Trent Water, Electron, SSE, NatWest, Barratt Developments and Lloyds of London
• The Broadway Initiative works to 'mainstream' sustainability into the UK economy. Broadway works with trade organisations to understand what is needed to achieve environmental and climate change objectives, then collaborates with UK governments on the frameworks required and develops plans and partnerships in the private sector to implement change.
• Business association members of the Broadway Initiative include: Federation of Small Businesses, British Chambers of Commerce/East Lancashire Chamber, CBI, IoD, Make UK, British Retail Consortium, Carbon Capture and Storage Association, Cold Chain Federation, Country Land and Business Association, Environmental Services Association, Food and Drink Federation, Home Builders Federation, Mineral Products Association, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Tech UK, UKHospitality, Water UK. 
• For further enquiries, please contact liam@broadwayinitiative.org.uk