Net zero efforts face hurdles – Co-op boss

THE Co-op's chief executive has called on Ed Miliband to address the "far-reaching challenges" that are hindering small businesses' efforts to achieve net zero, warning that a lack of affordable finance and planning bureaucracy were obstructing firms' ambitions.

- ALI LYON

In a letter obtained by City AM, Shirine Khoury-Haq stated that Britain was at a "crucial juncture" in its journey to net zero, and that its small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) required immediate support if they were to contribute to the country's ambitious net-zero targets.

"I continue to believe that energy consuming businesses - both small and large - could and should be encouraged and equipped to play in this urgent transition," she penned.