Gift Focus inc Attire Accessories - January / February 2021

150 NET ZERO GOALS Mike Cherry, FSB national chairman, discusses the role and importance of small businesses in the fight against climate change and achieving Net Zero goals Small businesses want to be part of the solution on climate change. From the smallest sole trader to the largest corporation, in the last few decades, we’ve seen a stark shift in narrative. They’re passionate about playing their full part, but if there’s anything 2020 has taught us, it’s that putting them at the heart of conversations about how to mitigate risks from everything from natural disasters to pandemics is crucial. They want to help shape strategy but need to be empowered to get there. FSB’S COMMITMENT TO NET ZERO In November, FSB and the UK’s top five business groups – the Confederation of British Industries (CBI), Make UK, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and the Institute of Directors (IoD) came together to highlight their commitment into helping the UK achieve its goal of becoming Net Zero by 2050. This commitment proposes a ‘just transition’ to Net Zero and highlights five core principles needed to achieve this goal. This fairness test gives government and businesses the opportunity to work together to deliver viable, long-term measures to encourage sustainability, protect society and grow a resilient economy. 1. Ambition – ensuring we hit our targets, led by evidence 2. Accountability – providing coordinated and coherent leadership 3. Delivery – empowering businesses to find their own paths 4. Opportunity – not leaving any sectors or regions behind 5. Cost – affordable and achievable, based on impact, ability to pay, and potential to gain GOVERNMENT’S GREEN INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION That’s why the Government’s new Green Industrial Revolution, announced just days after FSB’s commitment, could not have come at a better time. This sets out an ambitious ten-point plan to create and support up to 250,000 British jobs while protecting the environment. However, a bold, long term plan of this nature will require some nuts and bolts to make it work. In order to realise its ambition, the Government must consult with small businesses when building policies. This will give businesses a fair chance, allowing them to