Business West Welcomes Visit by Energy Secretary Amber Rudd

The Rt Hon Amber Rudd, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, visited Bristol yesterday (May 26th), to meet local businesses at an event organised by Business West.

At a roundtable session chaired by Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West, Cabinet Minister Amber Rudd described how the UK, through its role in the EU, has helped to progress world talks on tackling climate change.

With a world class renewable energy industry and a final investment decision on Hinkley Point expected soon, this visit by the Energy Secretary reinforces Bristol and the South West as a key region in the UK’s future energy supply.

Commenting on the ministerial visit, Phil Smith, Managing Director of Business West said:

“A visit from a high-profile figure in the energy world is exactly what the region needs as we encourage more businesses to turn to more sustainable ways of working. We’ve already seen 1,300 businesses sign up to Go Green, and this visit from the Energy Secretary should provide the perfect reminder that the climate change agenda should be at the forefront of business concerns.

“Naturally, given the timing of this visit, the outcome of the EU referendum and its potential impact on energy and climate change were discussed in some detail. The minister’s visit comes after we undertook a survey of over 750 businesses in the region which found that over a third of businesses feel they need more information before making an informed decision.

“As the debate reaches boiling point in the next weeks, business engagement is key. Business West will be producing a series of fact sheets, providing impartial information so that businesses and their staff have the facts and figures available to make that informed decision.

“We are also hosting an event at Colston Hall in June, which will give over 500 local businesses the chance to hear from a panel of experts and to hear from fellow firms both for and against the union.”