In this episode, host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, is joined by sustainability expert Sarah Wilkes to reflect on two years of supporting businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire in reducing their energy costs and carbon footprints.

Together, they break down the process of a free energy audit—what to expect, how it works, and how it feeds into tailored energy reports with practical, actionable recommendations. They also explore how businesses have benefited from grant funding, typically covering up to 50% of project costs, for measures such as LED lighting, solar PV, insulation, and upgraded machinery.

Topics covered:

Podcast host: Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Guest speaker: Sarah Wilkes, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Podcast producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Manager, Coventry City Council

In this episode, host Jonathan Howl from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme sits down with Adam Bastock, Founder of Small 99, to discuss practical, budget-friendly ways small businesses can reduce their carbon footprint—without major investments.

From overcoming sustainability challenges to accessing free support and funding, Adam shares insights on:

With 94-95% of UK businesses being SMEs, this episode is packed with advice for business owners looking to embrace sustainability while staying competitive.

Podcast host: Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Guest speaker: Adam Bastock, CEO - Small 99

Podcast producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Manager, Coventry City Council

Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)

If you have any questions or suggestions for the Green Business Podcast, please contact the podcast producer, Maria Covlea, at [email protected]

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Welcome back to The Green Business Podcast! In this episode, host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, discusses the critical topic of carbon accounting with a special focus on Scope 3 emissions.

Jonathan is joined by David Wilshin from Auditel, who is a specialist in carbon reduction strategies. Together, they explore:

Podcast host: Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Guest speaker: David Wilshin, Carbon Specialist, Auditel

Podcast producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Manager, Coventry City Council

Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)

If you have any questions or suggestions for the Green Business Podcast, please contact the podcast producer, Maria Covlea, at [email protected]

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In this episode of The Green Business Podcast, host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, explores the benefits of B Corp certification with guest Annie Olivier, Head of Growth at B Lab UK. Together, they explore the practicalities of becoming a certified B Corp, from understanding its rigorous standards to unlocking its potential to drive positive social and environmental impact.

Annie shares her insights from over a decade of working in nonprofits, tackling issues like wildlife conservation, fair trade textiles, and productivity challenges. She explains how the B Corp movement is promoting an inclusive and equitable economic system by helping businesses balance profit, purpose, and planet.

Podcast host: Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Guest speaker:  Annie Olivier, Head of Growth, B Lab UK

Podcast producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Manager, Coventry City Council

Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)

If you have any questions or suggestions for the Green Business Podcast, please contact the podcast producer, Maria Covlea, at [email protected]

In this episode of The Green Business Podcast, host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, dives into a compelling case study with Alex Patrick-Smith, the Managing Director of Hinton, Perry, and David Hill. This historic manufacturing business, operating since 1805, shares its journey of embracing energy efficiency and sustainability while maintaining its legacy of producing durable, long-lasting products.

Discover the unique challenges of decarbonising a high-energy industry, the benefits of engaging with the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, and actionable insights from energy audits and innovative upgrades. From improving kiln efficiency to exploring solar panels and carbon capture, Alex discusses the company's roadmap to achieving net zero by 2050.

Podcast host: Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Guest speaker: Alex Patrick-Smith, Executive Chairman, Hinton Perry & Davenhill Ltd.

Podcast producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Manager, Coventry City Council

Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)

If you have any questions or suggestions for the Green Business Podcast, please contact the podcast producer, Maria Covlea, at [email protected]

In this episode of The Green Business Podcast, host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, explores an inspiring success story that combines sustainability with innovation in an unexpected sector: nightlife.

Our guest, Chris McTurk of 147 Nightclub in Coventry, shares how his business achieved an impressive 92.5% energy self-sufficiency through solar PV installation with battery storage. Listen to learn how sustainability can drive cost savings, operational efficiency, and positive brand engagement.

Listen and learn more about: 

92.5% Energy Self-Sufficiency: Achieved through 43 solar panels and 21 batteries.

£7,000 Annual Savings: With a 3.5-year payback period, cutting long-term costs.

50% Grant Funding: Supported by the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme.

Brand Boost: Increased media coverage and student interest in sustainability.

Future Plans: Switching to recyclable cans, smart plugs, and LED lighting for further savings.

Podcast host: Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Guest speaker: Chris Mcturk, Owner, Club 147

Podcast producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Manager, Coventry City Council

Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)

If you have any questions or suggestions for the Green Business Podcast, please contact the podcast producer, Maria Covlea, at [email protected]

In this episode, The Green Business Podcast explores how the circular economy can help businesses cut costs and boost profits. Host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, is joined by James Woodcock, Senior Project Manager at International Synergies, to discuss innovative ways to transform waste into valuable resources.

Key discussion points include:

Podcast host: Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Guest speaker: James Woodcock, Senior Project Manager at International Synergies

Podcast producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Manager, Coventry City Council

To access support from James and his team please contact them at:

 

Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership) 

If you have any questions or suggestions for the Green Business Podcast, please contact the podcast producer, Maria Covlea, at [email protected]

In this episode, we talk with Nersi Salehi, Managing Director of Pro Enviro Limited, about maximising energy efficiency and sustainability. Pro Enviro is a leading firm of energy engineers and scientists dedicated to helping businesses cut their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Nersi, an industry expert, shares his extensive knowledge on energy audits and their benefits. He provides essential tips on how businesses can significantly reduce their energy bills and move towards a more sustainable future.

In this episode, we cover:

Podcast host: Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Guest speaker: Nersi Salehi, Managing Director, Pro Enviro Limited

Podcast producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Lead, Coventry City Council

Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership) 

In this episode, we sit down with Elliot Parnham, Founder and Managing Director of Skyfarer, a pioneering company utilising autonomous flight technology to deliver vital medical supplies with unprecedented speed and efficiency. Elliot, an ambitious engineer with an MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering from Cranfield University, shares his insights on how drones are transforming business operations across various sectors. From last-mile delivery to infrastructure inspection, discover the sustainability benefits and challenges of integrating drones into modern business practices. 

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the future of drone technology and its potential to revolutionise industries while reducing carbon footprints.

Listen and learn more about:

Podcast producer: 

Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership) 

Can Brian Sheng’s company, Aquaria, revolutionise water supply by extracting it from thin air? Join us to explore how Aquaria is tackling one of the most overlooked climate challenges: clean water scarcity. 

Founded by Brian Sheng, Aquaria is pioneering atmospheric water generators that create drinking water from the air. In this episode, we explore the potential of this technology to address the global water crisis and what it will take to make clean water accessible to all. 

Podcast producer: 

Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)