OLDHAM Council is calling on borough businesses to take part in a scheme to drive development of the green technology and services sector.

The project has been launched as part of the council's Green New Deal – which aims to make the local authority carbon neutral by 2025, followed by the whole borough by 2030.

To achieve these ambitions, the council is focussed on growing the green economy in Oldham through creating jobs and training opportunities.

It wants to create an action plan, starting with identifying businesses in the borough that are already supplying goods and services in the green sector.

By listening to the experiences of firms, the council says it "can better understand how we can support you and others to grow and thrive, and create a green business network in Oldham".

Cabinet member for finance and low carbon at the council, Cllr Abdul Jabbar, said: “We are living in a climate emergency, and we need to act fast and make real changes to the way we live our lives and operate our businesses, if we are to tackle climate change.

“We know there are many businesses in Oldham that already offer goods and services to help others to become greener and cleaner.

"We want to work with you, so that we can support your business to grow and innovate, and help the wider Oldham economy to become more competitive.

“We want to hear from a wide range of businesses working broadly in the green business sector.

"If you think you can contribute, please get in touch.

"This is an opportunity to make a real difference to the future of your business, your town and the planet.”

The green sector is a key area of growth in Greater Manchester, employing more than 38,000 people and growing at more than six per cent a year.

In May, the government pledged £166.5m to help drive the development of green technology in the UK to reduce emissions and create more than 60,000 jobs.

Social impact consultants Aleron are leading on Oldham’s Action Plan as part of the FOUNDATION project.

The FOUNDATION project is part-funded by the Interreg Europe programme.

It brings together partners across the EU regions to work on developing common, transferable good practice.

If you believe your business contributes to the green economy, and would like to get involved in Oldham’s Green New Deal and helping to create our action plan, then contact Aleron for an informal chat by emailing oldham@alerongroup.com