Small business investment could be key to tackling climate change
At the end of October, the UK will play host to the COP26 summit, designed to bring together world leaders to urgently tackle climate change and set new targets to limit warming to 1.5C. The UK is already a leader in this space with carbon emission targets among the most ambitious in the world and a robust ecosystem of businesses working to reach them. This need for innovation is something recognised by investors in the UK, with our own research at IW Capital showing that 45% of investors are set to back green and clean tech businesses in the next year.
With over 6 million SMEs in the UK, making up 99.9% of private sector businesses, the work of this sector looks set to play an increasingly large role in tackling climate change. This trend is shown in some of our most recent investments in the SME sector, taking a decidedly green and sustainable turn.
One of the recent companies added to our investment portfolio is LAT Water Limited, a company set up to develop and implement new approaches to renewable energy powered desalination, water and waste water treatment. A key tenet of ensuring that construction and waste treatment remains environmentally friendly.
Another company that we support is Transcend Packaging, which works with innovators, product developers and materials experts to manufacture tomorrow’s plastic-free sustainable packaging. Since IW Capital’s investment the firm has seen significant growth, doubling its workforce and expanding its product portfolio to include plastic-free PPE.
Impact recycling, a company that has developed a breakthrough plastic recycling technology designed to be technically feasible, and good for the environment and the community at large. Its new technology allows for more effective separation of plastic recycling, making it economically viable to recycle a higher proportion of plastic waste.
Finally, SaveMoneyCutCarbon, helps businesses and homeowners take practical steps in becoming more sustainable, cutting energy & water bills, resulting in reduced carbon emissions, a key service for businesses looking to make a difference.
From what we have seen, SMEs will become even more important to the UK economy and its move to cut carbon emissions, both domestically and internationally. There is a huge amount of talent and ambition in Britain’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and helping them go global should be high on the government’s agenda.
To find out more about IW Capital, or for more information on investment and non-executive opportunities, please speak to a member of the IW Capital team today on 020 7015 2250, or email info@iwcapital.co.uk