June 20, 2023 FSP delighted to contribute to sustainability forum

The first meeting of a new business-led sustainability group took a big step towards making Telford & Wrekin a greener borough. 

FSP managing director Wayne Carter was one of the business leaders invited to take part in the first Telford Sustainability & Energy Cluster (TSEC) meeting, and he hopes it can play a big part in helping local businesses achieve net zero for carbon emissions. 

Wayne said: “It was a real pleasure to be invited to the inaugural TSEC meeting. This new forum brought together local businesses like ours to discuss the shape of sustainable and clean growth in the future within the borough – and as you are probably aware, that is a cause very close to our hearts here at Fabweld Steel Products Ltd. 

“It seems there is a huge gulf between the government’s projected targets and policies concerning sustainability and the practical support currently in place to support businesses on their journey to achieve their goals.  

“The TSEC aims to lobby local government and parliament on common issues that are hampering businesses as they progress towards their net zero targets and I’m excited to be part of this important collaboration, working together for a better and brighter future for us all. 

“There was talk of protecting jobs, attracting further investment in the region and advancement for Telford businesses to meet government targets by 2050.” 

Fabweld, which is a heavy energy user, has made big strides towards its own targets by investing £500,000 to generate a significant proportion of the electricity it uses from solar power. This renewable energy is now used to power an on-site nitrogen generation plant, cutting the firm’s carbon footprint further and reducing the number of lorry journeys made to the site each week. 

Electric vehicles are also being introduced, and high-speed electric charging points have been provided for staff and members of the local community funded by Telford & Wrekin’s Climate Change Fund. 

The TSEC group was recommended in a report by Sustainability West Midlands, commissioned by the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA) and Telford & Wrekin Council, which highlighted the need for organisations to work closely together to achieve clean growth. 

Led by business, the TSEC will look to work with key partners such as educational leaders, the local authority, national agencies including National Grid, and relevant government departments through the Midlands Net Zero Hub. 

The first meeting was hosted by the council and DENSO Manufacturing. Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council cabinet member for climate action, green spaces, heritage and leisure, said: “The TSEC will play a vital role in supporting our climate change strategy and helping to drive our vision for a carbon neutral borough. By working together, we can leverage our collective knowledge and resources to drive positive change and create a more sustainable future for the borough.”