Bristol innovation hub Engine Shed and Regen SW, the regional agency promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency, have teamed up to support the city’s renewable sector.
The partnership aims to support the rapid development of the low carbon industry in Bristol. 
While the city has a number of firms and entrepreneur in the sustainable sector, their rate of growth has lagged that of other key sectors such as media, hi-tech, digital and creative.
Regen SW’s 250-plus member companies will have free access to the business lounge at Engine Shed, pictured, next to Bristol Temple Meads station, providing them with a meeting space to facilitate collaboration and networking with academics, hi-tech, creative and low carbon entrepreneurs and innovators, business leaders, policy makers and professionals.
Regen SW chief executive Merlin Hyman said: “With over 13,000 jobs in renewable energy and £3bn invested in projects, the South West is a leader in the transition to a clean energy system.
“The partnership with the Engine Shed will enable member companies to build on that success through collaboration and networking with fellow entrepreneurs and innovators, business leaders, academics and professionals.â€
Engine Shed director Nick Sturge added: “We are doing really well at growing hi-tech, creative and digital businesses in Bristol and Bath but having this hub for innovators in sustainable energy in Bristol will be great to extend the companies we can support by providing a space for them to collaborate.â€
Engine Shed, a collaboration between Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol and the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has a mission to stimulate long-term economic growth by supporting business, inspiring young people to get involved and to showcase to the public and potential inward investors the exciting opportunities that exist here.
It houses the LEP, the inward investment service Invest Bristol & Bath and the Bristol SETsquared incubator.
An independent economic impact assessment last year showed that Engine Shed had contributed £7.99m to the economy in 2014 – its first year of operation.
Regen SW is an independent not for profit that uses its expertise to work with industry, communities and the public sector to revolutionise the way we generate, supply and use energy. It has more than 250 company members in the renewable energy sector.
