Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) has formed a new partnership with the University of Worcester Business School to assist local businesses in progressing towards Net Zero. The collaboration is designed to equip Worcester’s business community with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to lower their carbon emissions and implement long-term environmental improvements.

This initiative is part of Worcester BID’s wider Green Space campaign, which promotes a greener and more sustainable city centre. Through expert-led workshops, practical toolkits, tailored guidance, and one-to-one support, businesses will receive actionable advice on how to make changes that are both environmentally responsible and commercially practical.

Samantha McCarthy, Chief Executive of Worcester BID, said:

“At Worcester BID, we recognise the vital role our businesses play in shaping a greener future for the city. This partnership with the University of Worcester Business School marks a significant step forward in equipping our local businesses with the practical tools and expert support they need to take meaningful climate action. Together, we’re not only working toward Net Zero, but we’re also building a more resilient, forward-thinking city centre where sustainability and business success go hand in hand.”

Recognised as one of the UK’s most sustainable universities, the University of Worcester Business School brings considerable expertise to the partnership. Its involvement aims to make sustainability practices more accessible and to simplify the process of carbon reduction for businesses across all sectors and sizes.

The new programme will be rolled out in stages during 2025/26, giving participating businesses access to:

• Free training sessions

• Net Zero workshops

• Sector-specific sustainability checklists

• Information on funding opportunities and local green initiatives

• Recognition for their sustainability efforts through BID-led promotion

• Student-led energy audits via placements

Dr Kay Emblen-Perry, Principal Lecturer in Sustainable Management and Lead for Sustainability at the University of Worcester Business School, said:

 The University of Worcester Business School is delighted to be working with Worcester BID to help businesses in our local area unlock the potential that improved sustainability has to boost their business performance and benefit the wider Worcester community.”

She continued: “We’re also really excited that this partnership will create more opportunities for our students to access high quality placements where they can bring real value to local businesses, and they can see that their knowledge and passion for sustainability will have a direct impact on the organisations they work with.”

She added: “The partnership with Worcester BID is ambitious, and we’re delighted that our academic experts and students will be working hand in hand with the businesses which make Worcester a thriving, vibrant, and sustainable place for commerce.”