UK: Companies Get Practical Help to Meet Challenges of Green Energy Industry

BUSINESSES involved in the growing renewables sector are to be given practical industry support with the return of a flagship green energy conference.

More than 200 industry leaders are expected at Renewing The Humber on May 1 at the KC Stadium, Hull.

Organisers say the latest event will tackle some of the key issues that could prevent companies across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire from securing long-term work in the emerging market.

Delegates will be given industry intelligence and advice on topics ranging from finance and doing business overseas to cutting costs and planning regulations.

The event is aimed at businesses working in every area of renewable energy and across their supply chains, from on and offshore wind power to tidal, biomass, solar and air and ground source heat pumps.

This is the third time Renewing The Humber has been staged.

It follows two highly successful events held last year, attracting more than 500 business, community and industry leaders and featuring speakers from a number of companies and private sector organisations working in the renewables arena.

The May 1 conference in Hull will again include an opportunity for businesses to take one of the exhibition stands in the expo hall.

One of the groups organising Renewing The Humber is the Renewables Network, a private sector business that helps companies enter the green energy market.

Sam Pick, business development director of the Humber-based network, said: “The speakers at this latest Renewing The Humber event have practical experience and will be giving a real-world account of the challenges – and opportunities – the renewables industry presents to our businesses.

 “This isn’t a conference about theory or broad-vision but about useful advice and help in a hugely competitive and fast-paced market.

“In terms of where the industry is, this is no longer the time for sitting back – now is the time to act on securing long-term work.”

Mr Pick said the theme of the May 1 conference reflected the activity in the Humber’s booming renewables industry and the progress made over the last 12 months.

He said: “The industry has moved on from last year and so has Renewing The Humber’s key messages.

“In 2011, many businesses in the Humber were thinking about finding their position and the conference had more corporate speakers, giving an overview of the sector. But a year later, businesses are more certain of their offering and are already winning work.

“So the theme for Renewing The Humber in 2012 is about meeting the challenges of this very competitive market and what practical support is required.

 “Many of the speakers are real entrepreneurs who have invested in renewables and major projects and can provide genuine advice.

 “Whatever area of renewable energy you are involved with – and wherever you are in the associated supply chains – Renewing The Humber offers real help for you to put into operation.

“This could be everything from how to generate business overseas, to securing the right kind of finance or understanding planning regulations.”

The Humber is emerging as the UK’s hub for renewable energy and stands to benefit from an estimated £15 billion investment in offshore wind power alone, with locations such as Hull being the potential home of large-scale turbine manufacturing by the likes of Siemens.

Ports including Grimsby are also perfectly-positioned to be the home of maintenance and supply vessels that will service vast wind farms in the North Sea.

An update on Hull’s Green Port Hull and Siemens development will also be provided at Renewing The Humber.

Speakers already confirmed at the May event include Professor David Grant, of the Logistics Institute, University Of Hull, Mark O’Reilly, of Team Humber Marine Alliance, Carolyn Burgess MBE, of the World Trade Centre & Language Is Everything, and Mark Dixon of law firm Rollits.

Delegate places cost £200 if booked before March 31 or £245 after that date.

There is also a multiple booking discount, when four tickets are purchased at the same time, costing £160 each if booked before March 31 or £200 after that date.

Exhibitor stands cost £535 if booked before March 31 or £595 after that date.

A further 10 per cent discount is available to members of the Renewables Network or confirmed clients of Footprint Renewables. All prices + VAT.

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Offshore WIND  Staff, March 15, 2012; Image: Renewablesnetwork