The burgeoning green sector in Kirklees brought in almost £1 billion to the region’s economy in just one year and is set for a growth explosion, says a new report.
And the report authors urged businesses to “join the decarbonisation revolution” and snap up free expert support with growth in the sector predicted to soar.
The newly published West Yorkshire Green Technologies & Services Sector Mapping report reveals the region’s Green Technologies and Services (GTS) sector, ranging from wind to carbon finance, is collectively valued at £8.1 billion and expected to grow to £11.1 billion by 2026 – a 37% rise.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is supported by West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) and Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin.
The report was produced by Green Economy. Part of The Growth Company, it helps tradespeople, businesses and local authorities deliver their transition to Net Zero by providing expert support, training and access to local sales opportunities as well as analysing and developing the local green supply chain.
The report shows in Kirklees, the GTS sector saw annual sales soar from £885m in 2020/21 to £998 million in 2022/23 – meaning it accounted for 12.3% of West Yorkshire’s sales.
It also supported over 360 businesses, employing over 6,600 people. The upward trajectory is set to continue with sales projected to increase by 9.1% this year to 13% between 2024/25 and 2025/26.
And amid the hugely positive report findings and projections, Green Economy officials urged those helping spearhead the region’s green ambitions to utilise the expert and free support available to grow their businesses.
The call to action comes as the report shows there is an opportunity to build on the success and create more high-quality local jobs with employment in West Yorkshire’s GTS sector standing at 53,214 in 2022/23 – just 2.1% of the county’s workforce – compared to 5.9% for England.
Vicky Wilding, Green Economy’s green tech and services lead, said: “This report should leave nobody in doubt over the enormous contribution the green tech and services sector makes to Kirklees and West Yorkshire’s economy and jobs market.
“But there is a big opportunity for people to support the net zero transition and build on this success.
“Anyone working in the green technology and services supply chain in Kirklees can access free WYCA-funded support from Green Economy to grow their business.
“We encourage anybody working in the green tech supply chain, or those looking to diversify to join our network and build on the success outlined in the report, to create even more high-quality local jobs.”
Clr Munir Ahmed (above), Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for the environment, said: “We are delighted to see that the green economy in Kirklees has seen significant growth and that our businesses are contributing to our Net Zero goals as a district.
“There is a great deal of opportunity in this sector and our business community are taking advantage of this and pivoting their products and services to deliver fantastic green solutions to their customers.
“The results of the Green Economy report highlight the great opportunity available to people and businesses in this sector which has seen significant growth in 2024 and forecasts continual growth into the future.
“Now is a perfect time to explore the opportunities available and the Green Economy programme supports our local businesses to do that.
“Whether you work in technology, support services or trade we would encourage all our businesses to explore the opportunities in this field.”
Traders, companies and local authorities seeking decarbonisation support can find more details here.
