news from the BRE Group
published: 5/8/2009
This press release is over six months old and the details may have been superseded. Please contact the Press Office for the latest information.
A green helping hand for SMEs in the built environment
A new initiative aimed at supporting small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) operating in the built environment has been launched in the East of England.
The BRE Enterprise hub is funded by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and aims to stimulate low-carbon innovation in construction - a sector which has arguably taken the hardest hit of the recession.
Under the new scheme, expert advisors at BRE will offer support to innovators in the region who want to commercialise their products as well as helping companies to efficiently find and apply new sustainable build methods, materials and technologies.
Deborah Cadman, Chief Executive of EEDA, said: "As a business-led organisation, EEDA's number one priority remains supporting businesses through these tougher times. Businesses who innovate will be in a strong position to capitalise when market conditions improve. The BRE enterprise hub is a vital component of EEDA's business support offering, operating in a particularly vulnerable sector to weather the storms and prepare for that upturn."
The Enterprise Hub will be focused primarily on the application of technology within the built environment, focusing on the following areas:
- Clean and Green (Cleantech) technologies
- Assisted Living Technologies
- Smart technologies and Digital Communications
BRE will also tackle the issue of ageing housing stocks. The conversion of a Victorian stable block on the BRE site will inform the future restoration and refurbishment techniques of similar aged buildings in the region and help bring these back onto the market as low-carbon homes that are fit for the future.
Peter Bonfield, Chief Executive at BRE said, "Climate change and sustainability are key issues that demand innovative new solutions. Despite the economic downturn continued investment in sustainable building techniques and materials is essential - the future landscape of our region relies on it. With the support of EEDA, we are able to help regional SMEs to understand the challenges and business opportunities within the built environment.
BRE will be running a series of free regional briefings and events, ‘Understanding the Regional Challenges and Business Opportunities within the East of England'. The Watford events will take place on the BRE Innovation Park on the following dates:
- 9th September 2009
- 8th October 2009
- 12th November 2009
- 2nd December 2009
To book online visit - http://www.bre.co.uk/events
For further information contact Linda McKeown, on 01923 664569 or email mckeownl@bre.co.uk
Notes to Editor
BRE
BRE has been Building a better world for almost 90 years through cutting edge research, consultancy and testing services. Our unrivalled knowledge in regard to sustainability and innovation is now used across the construction industry and in the corporate world creating better buildings, communities and businesses. BRE is part of the BRE Group of companies owned by the BRE Trust, a registered charity. The profits made by BRE go to the BRE Trust and are used to conduct key research projects for the construction sector. www.bre.co.uk
BRE Enterprise Hub for the Built Environment
The Enterprise Hub aims to support SMEs within the East of England region to better understand the challenges and business opportunities within the built environment industry. The Hub will also work with other partner and networks within the region as well as linking the regions universities and centres of excellence.
www.bre.co.uk/enterprisehub
BRE Innovation Park
The BRE Innovation Park features a range of world-leading sustainable homes and buildings that demonstrate diverse and innovative approaches to low impact design and construction. By working in partnership with some of the UK's principal developers, house builders, architects, designers and manufacturers, the park provides an evidence-based body of knowledge for those working in the built environment about sustainable buildings and communities. www.bre.co.uk/innovationpark
East of England Development Agency (EEDA)
The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is the driving force behind sustainable economic growth and regeneration in the East of England. EEDA's task is to improve the region's economic performance and ensure the East of England remains one of the UK's top performing regions. EEDA is one of nine English regional development agencies (RDAs). www.eeda.org.uk
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