Green Business Podcast

Today’s podcast focuses on green skills and how Coventry is helping people gain the knowledge they need to support a more sustainable economy. Green skills cover everything from understanding energy efficiency and recycling to using low‑carbon technologies and making greener choices at work.
Join host Jonathan Howl as he speaks with Glen Smailes from Coventry City Council to explore Coventry’s Green Skills Roadmap: what it is, why it matters, and how it’s helping prepare our communities and businesses for a greener future!
More information:

Green Skills Roadmap

Email: [email protected]

Business Energy Advice Service

Take a listen to Jonathan Howl from the Business Energy Advice Service as he meets with Tim Fawcett from Coventry City Council and Julie Walden from E.ON to discuss Coventry's 15 year Strategic Energy Partnership and what it means for the city.
More information: 

Strategic Energy Partnership

E.ON's plans for the Strategic Energy Partnership in Coventry

Business Energy Advice Service

Email: [email protected]

In this podcast, we hear from Jonathan Howl, Business Development Advisor for the Business Energy Advice Service and Councillor Jim O'Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change at Coventry City Council.
Together, they discuss how a greener economy benefits Coventry businesses and residents, the schemes that Coventry City Council has implemented to support the green economy, and how local people can get involved. 
More information: 

Coventry Circular economy

Coventry Climate Change Strategy

Coventry Green Skills Roadmap

Coventry Strategic Energy Partnership

Coventry Transport Strategy

BEAS

In this episode, host Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor for the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme, is joined by sustainability expert Sarah Wilkes to reflect on two years of supporting businesses across Coventry and Warwickshire in reducing their energy costs and carbon footprints.

Together, they break down the process of a free energy audit—what to expect, how it works, and how it feeds into tailored energy reports with practical, actionable recommendations. They also explore how businesses have benefited from grant funding, typically covering up to 50% of project costs, for measures such as LED lighting, solar PV, insulation, and upgraded machinery.

Topics covered:

The most common inefficiencies spotted on-site

What’s changed in energy usage trends post-Ukraine energy crisis

The growing move toward electrification and off-grid solutions

How carbon reporting is now a competitive advantage

Tangible examples of businesses that have made long-term sustainability improvements with fast returns on investment

Podcast host: Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Guest speaker: Sarah Wilkes, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Podcast producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Manager, Coventry City Council

Useful links:

Register for an energy audit

Learn more about the DNZ Programme

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)

Podcast feedback form

In this episode, host Jonathan Howl from the Decarbonisation Net Zero Programme sits down with Adam Bastock, Founder of Small 99, to discuss practical, budget-friendly ways small businesses can reduce their carbon footprint—without major investments.

From overcoming sustainability challenges to accessing free support and funding, Adam shares insights on:

The biggest barriers small businesses face when going green

 Low-cost strategies to cut CO₂ emissions

The real benefits of sustainability—from cost savings to brand growth

 How businesses can start measuring and reducing their impact today

 A real-world success story of a business that boosted efficiency and profits with simple, sustainable changes

With 94-95% of UK businesses being SMEs, this episode is packed with advice for business owners looking to embrace sustainability while staying competitive.

Podcast host: Jonathan Howl, Energy Advisor, Coventry City Council

Guest speaker: Adam Bastock, CEO - Small 99

Podcast producer: Maria Covlea, Marketing and Events Manager, Coventry City Council

Useful links:

Register for an energy audit (West Midlands Businesses)

Register for an energy audit (Warwickshire Businesses)

Learn more about the DNZ Programme

Become a member of the Green Business Network (Free membership)

20% off until the end of March using code 'COVENTRY' - for the Small 99 mini-game and action box

Small 99 – Practical Sustainability Guidance 

People, Planet, Pint

Podcast feedback form

If you have any questions or suggestions for the Green Business Podcast, please contact the podcast producer, Maria Covlea, at [email protected]
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