Help for Businesses

Northwest Businesses produce around 40% of the total carbon dioxide emitted in the region and therefore have a vital role to play in addressing climate change. High quality, relevant and affordable support services are now available to assist Northwest businesses to tackle the challenges and realise the opportunities that climate change presents. Click here for futher advice and links.


The May Day Network in the North West

In the North West, the May Day Network is working closely with the CBI and the North West Business Leadership Team (NWBLT) to engage with and support members from all three organisations. The Network is guided by a steering group made up of representatives of BITC, CBI and NWBLT, businesses and support organisations. Over the next few years, funded by the NWDA, the network will be running a campaign to engage businesses in the region. A work programme that supports organisations working towards achieving the pledges is planned and will involve:

  • Initiatives to help companies take practical action to mitigate their emissions
  • Signposting to sources of further help
  • Support to help companies understand what will need to be done to adapt to climate change
  • A business education programme to help managers understand the implications of climate change
  • A programme to enable businesses to engage their supply chains
  • Collecting and sharing examples of innovation and good practice through the development of an online library of case studies


The May Day Network

HRH the Prince of Wales's May Day Network convened by Business in the Community (BITC), is the UK's largest group of businesses and organisations committed to collectively tackling climate change by mobilising their companies, employees, suppliers and customers. Through sharing best practice and leadership, these businesses promise to play a powerful role in reducing the UK's carbon emissions. Since the inaugural May Day Summit on 1 May 2007 the Network has grown to 1300 members, and is committed to facilitating annual progress against May Day pledges.


May Day Pledges

To join the May Day Network Companies are asked to:

1. Calculate their carbon footprint
2. Report their carbon footprint
3. Set an absolute target and take action to reduce your company's emissions
4. Encourage employees to reduce their carbon footprint at home and at work
5. Work in partnership with suppliers to reduce emissions in the supply chain
6. Mobilise customers to take action

This page will be regularly updated with information about the May Day Network.

For more information please visit www.bitc.org.uk/north_west or www.bitc.org.uk/environment/may_day/

Email gudrun.cartwright@bitc.org.uk for further information

How you can help

Everyone in the Northwest has an important part to play in tackling climate change. Click here to find out what your business, household, community or school can do to help.