Businesses from Bristol’s environmental and low carbon sectors will gain an insight into the green policies of the political parties at an event next Thursday hosted by Low Carbon South West, PR and parliamentary affairs agency JBP and accountants Smith & Williamson.
Bristol may be celebrating its year as European Green Capital, but the green economy nationally has fallen down the political pecking order and is now a long way behind healthcare, immigration and living standards for politicians in the run up to the General Election. 
However, there remains significant interest in future political policy among those working in the sector, especially as investment and growth are outstripping the wider economy. Called Low Carbon Business at the Ballot Box, this event will look at how the Government supports low carbon and environmental technologies, and what will be needed under the next administration to ensure the growth and prosperity of this vital sector for Bristol and the UK.
Low Carbon South West chair Alan Bailey, pictured, one of the speakers at the event, said: “The green economy will be a major driving force for future prosperity in this country and a necessity to curb our use of natural resources. That’s why it is critical it gets the political attention it deserves and is put high up on the government agenda once again as it was pre-recession.”
JBP head of Parliamentary affairs James Turgoose, who will also be speaking, added: “The green industries need reassurance that the next Government, of whatever political composition, will be committed to supporting the sector and future renewable energy targets. This event provides an ideal opportunity for the green industry to inform politicians about what they want to see from politicians over the next 5 years.”
Other speakers will include Bristol West Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Williams and Bristol Cabinet Green Party member Daniella Radice. The discussion will be chaired by Dave Harvey, BBC business correspondent in the West.
The event, which lasts from 5.45pm to 8.30pm, will be held at Smith & Williamson’s Portwall Place office. It is free to attend but places are limited and must be booked in advance at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/low-carbon-business-at-the-ballot-box-tickets-15795775590
