Episodes

  • 33: Green skills and Coventry's plans for the future workforce

    33: Green skills and Coventry's plans for the future workforce
    Mar 31 2026

    Today’s podcast focuses on green skills and how Coventry is helping people gain the knowledge they need to support a more sustainable economy. Green skills cover everything from understanding energy efficiency and recycling to using low‑carbon technologies and making greener choices at work.

    Join host Jonathan Howl as he speaks with Glen Smailes from Coventry City Council to explore Coventry’s Green Skills Roadmap: what it is, why it matters, and how it’s helping prepare our communities and businesses for a greener future!

    More information:

    • Green Skills Roadmap
    • Email: jobshopeet@coventry.gov.uk
    • Business Energy Advice Service
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    14 mins
  • 32: Strategic Energy Partnership: how the partnership is transforming Coventry's energy

    32: Strategic Energy Partnership: how the partnership is transforming Coventry's energy
    Mar 25 2026

    Take a listen to Jonathan Howl from the Business Energy Advice Service as he meets with Tim Fawcett from Coventry City Council and Julie Walden from E.ON to discuss Coventry's 15 year Strategic Energy Partnership and what it means for the city.

    More information:

    • Strategic Energy Partnership
    • E.ON's plans for the Strategic Energy Partnership in Coventry
    • Business Energy Advice Service

    Email: strategicenergypartnership@coventry.gov.uk
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    29 mins
  • 31: The Green Economy

    31: The Green Economy
    Mar 24 2026

    In this podcast, we hear from Jonathan Howl, Business Development Advisor for the Business Energy Advice Service and Councillor Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council.

    Together, they discuss how a greener economy benefits Coventry businesses and residents, the schemes that Coventry City Council has implemented to support the green economy, and how local people can get involved.

    More information:

    • Coventry Circular economy
    • Coventry Climate Change Strategy
    • Coventry Green Skills Roadmap
    • Coventry Strategic Energy Partnership
    • Coventry Transport Strategy
    • BEAS
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    17 mins
  • 30: Energy Experts Discussion: Reflection, Reporting and Real Trends

    30: Energy Experts Discussion: Reflection, Reporting and Real Trends
    Mar 25 2025
    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:

    • The most common inefficiencies spotted on-site
    • What’s changed in energy usage trends post-Ukraine energy crisis
    • The growing move toward electrification and off-grid solutions
    • How carbon reporting is now a competitive advantage
    • Tangible examples of businesses that have made long-term sustainability improvements with fast returns on investment
    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

    Useful links:

    • Register for an energy audit
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • Podcast feedback form
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    32 mins
  • 29: Sustainability on a Budget: Practical Strategies to Reduce Your Business’ CO₂ Emissions Without Breaking the Bank

    29: Sustainability on a Budget: Practical Strategies to Reduce Your Business’ CO₂ Emissions Without Breaking the Bank
    Mar 10 2025
    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:

    • The biggest barriers small businesses face when going green
    • Low-cost strategies to cut CO₂ emissions
    • The real benefits of sustainability—from cost savings to brand growth
    • How businesses can start measuring and reducing their impact today
    • A real-world success story of a business that boosted efficiency and profits with simple, sustainable changes

    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

    Useful links:

    • Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)
    • Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • 20% off until the end of March using code 'COVENTRY' - for the Small 99 mini-game and action box
    • Small 99 – Practical Sustainability Guidance
    • People, Planet, Pint
    • Podcast feedback form
    If you have any questions or suggestions for the Green Business Podcast, please contact the podcast producer, Maria Covlea, at maria.covlea@coventry.gov.uk
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    26 mins
  • 28: Scope 3 Emissions: Decarbonising the Supply Chain

    28: Scope 3 Emissions: Decarbonising the Supply Chain
    Feb 14 2025
    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:

    • The key differences between Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
    • Why Scope 3 emissions often make up the biggest carbon footprint for businesses
    • How tracking emissions can boost competitiveness, improve supply chain sustainability, and support net-zero goals
    • Practical steps for SMEs to start measuring and reducing their carbon footprint
    • The latest trends in carbon reporting, legislative changes, and the impact of frameworks like CBAM
    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

    Useful links:

    • Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)
    • Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • Carbon Accounting Webinar (February, 2024)
    • Auditel Website
    • Podcast feedback form
    If you have any questions or suggestions for the Green Business Podcast, please contact the podcast producer, Maria Covlea, at maria.covlea@coventry.gov.uk
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    23 mins
  • 27: Everything you need to know about B-Corp Certification

    27: Everything you need to know about B-Corp Certification
    Jan 17 2025
    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.

    Key Highlights:

    • An overview of the B Corp certification process and its benefits for businesses of all sizes and sectors.
    • How the B Impact Assessment helps identify areas for improvement and drives efficiency.
    • Examples of companies leveraging B Corp certification to boost growth, innovation, and employee retention.
    • Upcoming 2025 changes to B Corp standards, ensuring certified businesses remain leaders in sustainability and social responsibility.
    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

    Useful links:

    • Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)
    • Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • B-Lab UK Website
    • Podcast feedback form

    If you have any questions or suggestions for the Green Business Podcast, please contact the podcast producer, Maria Covlea, at maria.covlea@coventry.gov.uk
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    21 mins
  • 26: From Tradition to Sustainability: Decarbonising a Legacy Business

    26: From Tradition to Sustainability: Decarbonising a Legacy Business
    Jan 9 2025

    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.

    Key Highlights:

    • How a 200-year-old company modernised to meet decarbonisation goals.
    • The role of energy audits in identifying inefficiencies.
    • Leveraging grants and funding to kickstart sustainability projects.
    • Exploring cutting-edge solutions like heat recovery, fuel switching, and carbon capture.
    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

    Useful links:

    • Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)
    • Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)
    • Learn more about the DNZ Programme
    • Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)
    • Dreadnought-tiles website
    • Hinton Perry & Davenhill Ltd Energy Audit Case Study
    • Podcast feedback form

    If you have any questions or suggestions for the Green Business Podcast, please contact the podcast producer, Maria Covlea, at maria.covlea@coventry.gov.uk
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    22 mins