Net Zero Isn’t What You’ve Been Told.

Net Zero Isn’t What You’ve Been Told, Here’s the Truth 

Net Zero Isn’t What You’ve Been Told, Here’s the Truth. It’s not just about climate targets or government policy, it’s about lower costs, better systems, and future-proofing your business. At the Lancashire’s Net Zero Carbon Conference, that message came through loud and clear.

Reflecting on this important event 

Held at Crow Wood Resort & Spa on 18th June 2025, the conference brought together leaders from business, local authorities, and the energy sector. The goal wasn’t just to talk; it was to move forward. 

From decarbonising public buildings to building smarter heat networks, the conversation focused on solutions. Although the journey is complex, however the benefits are both clear and long-lasting.

The Conference’s Opening Talk 

Charles began by explaining what Energy UK does. As the trade association for the energy sector, it represents most of the UK’s generators and suppliers. That includes heat networks, EV charging, and energy tech firms. 

He then addressed the big question: how close are we to net zero? The answer isn’t simple. Although emissions have dropped, progress is now slowing. The UK moved fast between 2008 and 2018; however, much of that progress focused on the easier wins.

The real test now is transport, freight, and heating. Businesses play a major role in this transition, as commercial activity still accounts for 19% of emissions.

On the other side, he said, is opportunity. The UK leads in clean energy innovation. If we invest now, we can become exporters of low-carbon tech and services. As a result, this brings jobs, skills, and long-term local investment.

He called for clarity from government. Businesses need certainty to invest. Too many policy changes and too little direction have left many unsure. 

His advice was practical. Speak to suppliers. Work with local authorities. Ask your MP for clear guidance. Use what already exists. 

He gave examples of how manufacturing sectors can reuse waste heat, cut energy bills, and become more competitive. 

In closing, Charles said this transition can’t be driven by policy alone. It needs business to lead the way. And the more we talk honestly about the barriers, the faster we’ll find the right solutions. 

Meet the Net Zero Conference Speakers

Net Zero Myths Exposed at Lancashire Conference 

The opening panel at the Lancashire Net Zero Conference revealed a truth too often avoided, the net zero journey is not just possible, it’s profitable. With clarity and conviction, four sector leaders stripped away confusion, addressing the myths, barriers, and benefits surrounding carbon reduction. 

Breaking down the great net zero divide 

Prof. Miranda Barker OBE opened with a call for clarity. Language, she argued, is part of the problem. From politics to public debate, the focus too often remains on perceived cost instead of realised opportunity. However, despite these divisions, business leaders are largely united in their direction of travel. In fact, net zero is not a choice but an inevitability — driven by economic shifts, rising energy bills, and global markets that continue to move faster than policy.

Jamie McKittrick agreed. Despite cultural and political noise, he said most of the UK public and all major parties still back net zero in principle. The issue isn’t resistance, it’s poor messaging, mixed leadership, and a lack of trusted information. 

Steve Wood went further, pointing to lobbying from the oil and gas sector. He urged delegates to stay focused on the economics. The real question is not whether net zero is desirable; instead, it’s whether it makes financial sense. And it does. When businesses reframe the upfront cost as an investment, the numbers begin to work, particularly when factoring in energy savings, staff engagement, and customer trust. 

Michael Dugdale added real-world evidence. For every pound invested in sustainable practice, the return is often four times greater. Whether driven by compliance, brand alignment, or operational performance, the business case is solid. Avoiding the journey only increases exposure to risk and cost. 

Challenging the perception of sacrifice 

Jamie pushed back on the idea that sustainability must mean compromise. He explained that his own company doubled its office footprint while keeping emissions flat. By switching to electric heating, solar panels, and a green tariff, their expansion became carbon neutral. 

He offered practical examples: replacing fleet vehicles on a rolling basis, investing in solar to reduce bills, and choosing clean tech with strong payback periods. He stressed that it’s not about going all in immediately. It’s about taking smart, progressive steps. 

Miranda supported this phased approach. She encouraged businesses to start with simple changes, energy efficiency, insulation, lighting upgrades, and use the savings to fund the next step. The sector is growing, with UK exports up 67% and £40 billion forecasted annual investment by 2030. Now is the time to act. 

Turning regional potential into national leadership 

Michael added that businesses should anchor their decisions in data. With strong auditing, companies can understand where they are, what they’re spending, and what returns are possible. The myth that sustainability requires massive capital outlay is outdated. The real power lies in auditing energy use, setting a strategy, and building partnerships. 

Shifting the political narrative 

When asked how to navigate the ever-changing political landscape, all panellists had the same message: ignore the noise and focus on your business. Policy will shift. Support will come and go. But energy resilience, lower operating costs, and stronger communities are long-term gains. 

Miranda shared her experience working with the new local government leadership. While some narratives are hesitant, she noted strong appetite for anything tied to economic growth, and clean energy fits that perfectly. Education and persistence are key. 

Steve advised lobbying MPs and councillors to ensure net zero stays high on the agenda. Business leaders, he said, need to make their voices heard. 

Michael reminded the room to engage with others. Speak to peers. Learn from what’s already working. And don’t wait for permission to get started. 

Incentives, investment, and the price of delay 

The panel explored the reality of rising energy costs. Michael shared that forward forecasts suggest energy prices will hover around £100 per megawatt hour, with little room for downward movement. Businesses need to take control, or they’ll remain at the mercy of volatile global markets. 

Panellist’s agreed that energy infrastructure will remain a challenge, particularly around grid connection and planning timelines. However, the economic rewards are simply too large to ignore. Delays now only increase costs later. 

Final messages: start now, start local 

The final takeaway was a powerful one. Miranda encouraged all businesses to use the local support available. From councils and chambers to Innovate UK and Rosebud, Lancashire has the tools to lead. 

Michael left delegates with a phrase that summed up the panel: “Quiet resilience beats noisy rhetoric.” 

This wasn’t a panel built on theory. It was built on experience, data, and lived results. The conclusion was clear. The case for net zero is no longer environmental alone, it’s economic. And the time to act is now. 

Green Jobs & Skills: Building Lancashire’s Net Zero Workforce 

Green jobs and skills are the cornerstone of the region’s journey towards a low-carbon economy. At the Lancashire Net Zero Conference, panellists from Crowberry Consulting, Innovate UK, Vital Heating Solutions, and the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce made one thing clear, success depends on people. Without a skilled, supported workforce, net zero targets will remain out of reach. 

Identifying the green skills gap 

Becky Toal, founder of Crowberry Consulting, opened with a stark reality. Lancashire is facing a serious shortage of qualified environmental professionals. Carbon auditors, ISO experts, and technical environmental managers are in high demand, yet they remain hard to find. 

The issue isn’t ambition. It’s training. Lancashire ranks lowest in the country for employee development once people enter work. Becky urged employers to sign the Lancashire Skills Pledge, which promotes apprenticeships, paid internships, and ongoing upskilling. 

David Heap of Vital Heating Solutions reinforced this. His business has transitioned from traditional gas engineering into renewable and hybrid systems. That shift needs engineers trained in both mechanical and electrical disciplines, people who understand how heat pumps, smart controls, and integrated energy systems work in real settings. 

Upskilling, reskilling, and redefining career paths 

Alan Reid of Innovate UK Business Growth brought a national lens to the discussion. The green skills gap is not limited to Lancashire. But the county’s strong roots in aerospace, manufacturing, and engineering put it in a good position, if businesses and educators act quickly. 

Alan was direct. Reskilling will cost money. There is no easy route to progress. And businesses need to be cautious about investing in the wrong technology. The analogy he used was simple: don’t train your workforce for Blu-ray if the future is Netflix. 

That said, the technology isn’t standing still, and neither can employers. Modern apprenticeships, including site-based training and new T-levels, offer a route for both young people and career-changers to enter the sector. Becky shared the story of one team member who moved from care work into sustainability and is now certified in ISO quality and auditing. 

Green jobs are not replacing traditional roles. They are evolving from them. Skills are transferable, and the demand for capable, motivated people is growing. But businesses must do more to show new talent the path forward. 

The view from education and SMEs 

The message was echoed by Becky. Employers need better signposting. Technical institutes like IEMA and the Energy Institute provide clear career pathways, but universities are not always promoting them. That needs to change. 

David explained how SMEs can benefit. When businesses understand both capital and running costs, they are more likely to invest in low-carbon technologies. That requires honesty, planning, and data, not guesswork. 

Becky suggested that mandatory sustainability modules should be introduced at all levels of education. From GCSE to university, every student should be exposed to environmental thinking. Sheffield University already does this, and it’s having a positive impact. 

Barriers, solutions, and the importance of understanding 

For SMEs, the biggest challenges are time, cost, and uncertainty. Becky highlighted how student placements and funded projects from universities can offer valuable support at minimal cost. Interns from Lancaster, Edge Hill, Salford, and Liverpool bring skills, passion, and a desire to contribute. Businesses just need to open the door. 

Alan called for more targeted training. Gas engineers, for example, are perfectly placed to transition into renewables with the right support. These workers already exist. The challenge is giving them the right route. 

David focused on feasibility. Businesses need systems that integrate old and new technologies. Many buildings are not designed for full electrification, but hybrid solutions are possible. That understanding must be built into every conversation about decarbonisation. 

Breaking the silos through collaboration 

The panellists were united on one key point. No single organisation can solve the skills challenge alone. Colleges, universities, businesses, and government must work together. That includes sharing data, funding internships, supporting apprenticeships, and opening existing networks. 

Becky urged everyone in the room to explore professional bodies, LinkedIn groups, and industry events. Whether through IEMA, CIBSE, or the Energy Institute, regional meetings are already taking place, often in casual settings. Use them. 

Alan added that big businesses have a role to play too. They have reach, capacity, and influence. But they must remember to pull SMEs with them. 

David reminded delegates that every business wants the same thing, lower costs, greater resilience, and stronger customer confidence. Renewable solutions can deliver all three, but only if designed and installed properly. 

Final thoughts: making sustainability real 

When asked for one final message, Becky was clear. Sustainability must be inclusive. More women, veterans, and underrepresented groups need to be brought into the conversation. This sector should reflect society, and it isn’t there yet. 

David said businesses must make decisions that work for their bottom line, but they also need to think long-term. Getting sustainability right now, protects against uncertainty later. 

Alan summed it up best: quiet resilience beats noisy rhetoric. Plans matter. Partnerships matter more. But action is everything. 

As one delegate noted, their newborn grandson will live into the next century. The decisions made now will shape the world he inherits. That’s not a marketing line, it’s a reality. 

Green jobs and skills are not a box-ticking exercise. They are the path forward. And Lancashire has the chance to lead. 

Green Investment: How to Unlock Funding for Net Zero Projects 

Introducing Rosebud: Lancashire’s growth fund 

Rosebud is a Lancashire County Council backed fund that’s been supporting business growth for over 40 years. It provides direct loans and works alongside other finance providers like the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund to unlock additional investment. 

What businesses can fund 

Rosebud and similar funds can support: 

• Building upgrades for efficiency 
• Clean energy tech (solar, heat pumps) 
• Low-carbon product development 
• Export-ready sustainable innovations 

This funding helps businesses reduce emissions and cut energy costs while creating jobs. 

Working with councils and other lenders 

Councils play a key role by offering grants, but many require match funding. Rosebud helps businesses access capital to meet that requirement. Although lenders don’t offer cheaper rates for green projects, net zero plans are viewed favourably. 

Why timing and planning matter 

A key mistake business make is applying for funding too late. Mark urged early conversations. Have a clear business case, show ROI, and use support services like the Chamber to build a strong application. 

Final takeaway 

Green funding is available, but only if businesses act early, seek advice, and map out their project properly. With the right support, the path to net zero is affordable, practical, and profitable. 

Net Zero Momentum: What Comes After the Conference? 

A £1 trillion economy needs more than ambition 

Charles highlighted the scale of the challenge. To meet the UK’s net zero goals, the country needs £11 billion of annual investment. That includes training 300,000 electrical engineers to build infrastructure and 100,000 to install heat pumps, with many more needed across the energy, transport, and industrial sectors. 

But this isn’t just about headcount. It’s about diversity, reach, and engagement. Too many young people lose interest in STEM subjects long before they leave school. Charles argued that net zero education must start early, perhaps even on the first day of primary school. Without future talent, the pipeline dries up. 

Keeping pressure on policy 

The next six to 12 months will be critical. Charles pointed to the upcoming UK industrial strategy and infrastructure strategy as key policy drivers. Delegates were urged to watch for developments around: 

• Grid capacity and planning reform 
• Policy cost rebalancing on electricity bills 
• Standing charges and network costs 
• Location-based incentives for low-carbon development 

Charles advised businesses to stay vocal. Rising electricity costs aren’t just a business issue, they’re a shared concern across the energy sector. By making their case now, businesses can help shape policy that works in practice, not just on paper. 

Spreading the message beyond the room 

Looking ahead, the biggest opportunity lies in influence. Everyone in the room already gets it, but that’s not enough. Charles encouraged delegates to take what they’ve learned and share it. Use case studies. Share facts. Speak to local MPs. Be louder than the myths. 

Net zero is often framed as a burden. But the truth is, it’s an opportunity. For jobs. For innovation. For business growth. 

Pride, partnerships, and the power of local 

In closing remarks, delegates were reminded that Lancashire is already ahead. The region has built momentum, hosted bold discussions, and demonstrated a clear appetite for collaboration. Charles urged every business to be proud, not just of where they’re going, but where they’ve come from. 

The message from the final address was clear: 

• If you can make it in Lancashire, you can sell it anywhere 
• If you can build green here, you can lead nationally 
• If you want to drive change, start local 

Thanks were given to every speaker, partner, and exhibitor, including Vital Heating Solutions, Trident, and Low Carbon Energy. Delegates were also encouraged to take part in the upcoming Built Environment Conference and join the Sub-36 network to engage younger professionals in the movement. 

Final thought: from conference to movement 

Net zero isn’t a side project. It’s the future of every business in the room. The event ended with a call to act boldly, share generously, and buy locally. 

Because if Lancashire leads on low-carbon progress, the rest of the UK won’t just follow, it will learn. And that’s the legacy every delegate now has a role in shaping.