New pre-Copenhagen climate change film for SMEs extols the business benefits of going low carbon

To watch the film go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YjIAqc8opY . Other formats available on request.

A new film aimed at encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises to seize the opportunities presented by addressing climate change will be released today.

The ten minute film, entitled 'Low Carbon, High Potential', is being launched ahead of COP15, the UN Climate Change conference in Copenhagen, which starts in early December. It features interviews with 5 leading UK businesses, including SMEs who are already taking up the opportunities presented by the transition to a low carbon economy. They explain the steps that they have taken to reduce their climate impact, why they chose to do it, and the benefits they have received in doing so.

The film is the result of a powerful collaboration between public, private and third sector organisations. These include The Prince's Mayday Network, The Carbon Trust, The Prince of Wales' Corporate Leaders' Group on Climate Change, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).

It will be available from today (November 26, 2009). The event will also be premiered at a regional level at the launch of Mayday Network East for businesses in the East of England today.

The film features business leaders from Adnams, 4energy and Continental Clothing Co, as well as interviews with the CEO of Kingfisher and the Corporate Executive Director of Lloyds Banking Group, Wholesale.

Commenting on his involvement in the film, Adnams' managing director, Andy Wood, said; "At Adnams, we have transformed ourselves into a low carbon business which brings huge benefits to our organisation, both in money savings, brand reputation and employee engagement. I was delighted to be in a film which encourages other businesses to do the same. Every business can make a difference."

CEO of Kingfisher, Ian Cheshire, comments in the film, "Greening our business has made us more efficient and the move towards a low carbon economy represents a terrific opportunity for SMEs over the next 5 - 10 years." Truett Tate of Lloyds Banking Group added, "As a business community, we need to think differently and act now."

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband said, "Copenhagen is a real business opportunity for Britain. This video shows that going low carbon is not just something for big corporations, but that it is something that can open up new markets, create jobs and present cost saving opportunities to business of all shapes and sizes right here in the UK. That's why we'll be pushing for an ambitious outcome in Copenhagen - to help fast-track these opportunities for the benefit of UK business."

The film will be distributed through a number of UK business networks and websites, including those of the film partners and key business organisations such as BusinessLink, the CBI, the Federation of Small Businesses and the British Chambers of Commerce.

As well as pointing business to the support and advice offered by the MayDay network and the Carbon Trust, the film also encourages SMEs to sign up to The Copenhagen Communiqué ( www.copenhagencommunique.com). The Communiqué, which has already secured the support of over 800 companies in over 60 countries (including 223 from the UK), sets out the business case for an ambitious, robust, effective and equitable  UN climate framework.

Katie Webber, Business in the Community's Mayday director, commented, "The Prince's Mayday Network is all about leadership from and collaboration between businesses. That's why Business in the Community is delighted to have helped create the film to show how early action along the low carbon journey is good for business. The Mayday Network offers a range of practical support to help businesses reduce their carbon emissions. We look forward to helping other companies along their own Mayday Journey."

The hope of the film collaborators is that it will inspire SMEs to take action: "We hope that the film will help companies of all sizes to better understand the positive carbon and economic impacts that a deal at Copenhagen could have.  The inspiring stories told by these companies should encourage others to look at how cutting their carbon emissions or developing new low carbon products and services can deliver significant commercial benefits," said Michael Rea, the Carbon Trust's Chief Operating Officer.

To watch the film go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YjIAqc8opY

ENDS