EVERY aspect of the low-carbon economy must be “embraced” for the Humber to become a renewables hub, according to a Hull businessman.
Paul Gregory, managing director of KMS Facilities Group, said it’s crucial the region develops its expertise in more areas of renewable energy and sustainable technology.
He said concentrating too heavily on only certain, high-profile projects, such as offshore wind, would not allow the region to properly flourish and become a true leader in green energy.
Mr Gregory said: “The danger is, as a region, we look at just one or two areas of renewable energy or low-carbon activity. We need to embrace more.”
KMS Facilities Group includes a range of divisions specialising in activities from property care and maintenance to renewable energy, plumbing and heating solutions, sustainable housing and IT systems support.
The company is sponsoring Renewing The Humber, a flagship green energy conference taking place on Tuesday, May 1, at the KC Stadium in Hull.
The event’s theme for 2012 is Meeting the Challenge, with presentations being given on those issues that could prevent businesses from securing future work in the renewables industry – a market identified as key area of growth for the region.
Mr Gregory said one area where more attention is needed is in fully understanding the extent of the emerging sector.
He said: “A major challenge presented by the emerging low-carbon industry is its diversity – we cannot afford to ignore its huge potential by overlooking things.
“Offshore wind is going to very important to the Humber and is, of course, very welcome.
“But we also have to embrace every aspect of this new economy, such as the potential schemes including the Green Deal can bring.
“This is particularly relevant for small businesses – the UK’s low-carbon and environmental sector is worth £120 billion and 90 per cent of the firms involved in the market are SMEs, not huge companies.”
KMS Facilities Group, which recently carried an internal restructure of its divisions, employs 100 people and operates across the UK.
Part of the group is KMS Energy – a division specialising in renewables solutions, including solar power and heat pumps, together with rainwater harvesting and plumbing and heating services for both the domestic and commercial markets.
And Mr Gregory said KMS was a good example of how Humber-based businesses need to prepare for the scale and scope of the low-carbon and renewables market.
He said: “KMS is not just about the installation of solar panels – we provide a more complete, full service, solution when it comes to sustainability and energy-efficiency.
“For example, part of our group specialises in fitting flooring that is recycled and uses non-solvent adhesives.”
Mr Gregory said to ensure the region grasps its renewables opportunity businesses have to take advantage of events such as Renewing The Humber.
He said: “As businesses and individuals we have to engage more fully with like-minded people and form partnerships with companies that offer different skills-sets and knowledge.
“You can’t conquer the world on your own.
“Renewing The Humber offers the opportunity to network and collaborate with other businesses right across the area’s renewables industry.”
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Offshore WIND staff, April 27, 2012; Image: footprintrenewables