A Lancaster University Management School expert will play a key role in helping Cumbrian businesses unlock a cleaner, greener future.

Dr Joanne Larty, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Entrepreneurship and Strategy, is part of the new Westmorland and Furness Green Enterprise Hub.

The hub – led by Cumbria Action for Sustainability, alongside a consortium of providers from across Cumbria – provides initial advice to organisations about potential carbon reduction measures, and which of the hub’s free and subsidised support options would be most helpful for them.

It is open to any industry, including the community and voluntary sector, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and transport. Businesses and social enterprises can receive free or subsidised tailored advice, training and support, take part in student research projects, and apply for grants of up to £10,000, making the move to low carbon practices and technologies more affordable.

Dr Larty will be part of the team delivering innovation workshops and overseeing student projects.

“The innovation workshops will provide a space for local businesses to start thinking in new ways about how they can contribute to the wider sustainability agenda,” said Dr Larty. “The student projects will provide an important resource for businesses to further explore specific aspects of sustainability relating to their business, following on from the innovation workshops or other events and activities provided by the Hub.”

Cumbria Action for Sustainability Programme Manager Molly Hogg said: “It is so important that we all play our role in helping to contribute positively to tackle the climate emergency. The Green Enterprise Hub is a fantastic opportunity to empower businesses and social enterprises to make the right choices, helping to unlock the benefits of a cleaner and greener future.”

The Westmorland and Furness Green Enterprise Hub has received £571,359 in funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as well as support from Westmorland and Furness Council.

The hub helpdesk can be contacted by calling 01768 210276 or emailing greenhub@cafs.org.uk Applications for the small grants scheme can be made at https://cumbriagrowthhub.co.uk/wf-green-enterprise-hub

Members of the Hub team will be available to answer questions at their first networking event in Kendal Town Hall on Thursday, March 7^th, between 5.30pm and 8pm. For more information, or to sign-up, visit www.cafs.org.uk/greenhub