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A group of North East business leaders will see for themselves just how the region is positioning itself as a world leader in low carbon technologies as part of a national event led by HRH The Prince of Wales tomorrow (May 1).

Convened by Business in the Community (BITC), of which the Prince is President, The Prince's May Day Network is the UK’s largest group of businesses committed to taking action on climate change. To date, over 1,000 businesses of all sizes and from all sectors have signed-up, and collectively they promise to play a powerful role in reducing the UK's carbon emissions.

For the third year in succession, the Network will come together on May 1 to report back on progress through a series of simultaneous events across the country, with a hub event led by His Royal Highness in central London.

In the North East, a group of delegates including management from Esh Group, Ward Haddaway, Port of Tyne, Your Homes, ICE Renewables, Greggs, Gentoo, CE Electric, Dickinson Dees, Cottam Brush, Fabrick Group and NaREC will be led by One North East chairman on a tour of three companies throughout the day.

Beginning with Nissan, the delegates will hear about the groundbreaking work that is being undertaken to develop the region’s potential as a world leader in the development of zero emission vehicles.

The group will then tour photovoltaic specialist Romag, which is developing a revolutionary solar powered recharging canopy, before moving on to Washington-based electric vehicle manufacturers Smith Electric Vehicles, to test drive some of the company’s range of electric vehicles.

At midday, the delegation will link up to the May Day hub event in London, to hear The Prince of Wales’s address, and watch a live broadcast from the Arctic, where the Caitlin Arctic Survey led by explorer Pen Haddow will report on the melting of the polar ice caps. A special film showing highlights from the North East will also be broadcast to over 100 global business leaders in London and across the UK.

Research shows bosses in the North East are divided over the impact of climate change. 42% have measured their organisations’ carbon emissions and set targets to reduce them, a better performance than elsewhere in the country. But just as many (42%) says their organisation does not engage with a climate change agenda – which is a worse response than elsewhere in Britain. 25% of organisations have not audited their annual energy consumption (lowest in UK).

BITC’s regional director for the North East Karen Wilkinson-Bell explains: “This year, we wanted to challenge business leaders to look not only at the challenges that climate change presents, but also at the solutions – and the opportunities that there are for businesses.

“Here in the North East, we are already seeing the development of world leading technologies that will help combat climate change and investment in the infrastructure needed to exploit those technologies.

“Our visit on the 1st May is about demonstrating that there are huge opportunities for business, and also showcasing what is already happening up here.”

Margaret Fay said: “Tackling climate change is something that affects everyone and driving down CO2 emissions in the North East is a key aim of One North East.

“The North East is well positioned to take advantage of the economic potential of new and renewable energy and electric vehicles. Friday’s event will provide a showcase to regional business demonstrating that there are opportunities for businesses in protecting the environment.”

Click here to find out more about Electric Vehicles in North East England

NISSAN & ONE NORTH EAST ZERO-EMISSION MOBILITY PARTNERSHIP

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