How the NatWest Clean Transport Accelerator is supporting businesses developing the next generation of transport.
Transport is one of the biggest greenhouse gas emitters in the
Cutting emissions in the sector is vital to meeting
But how are we going to get there? Despite a blip during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of vehicles on our roads continues to rise,3 while new fuel technologies that could make air travel more sustainable are still in the early stages of development.4
'Transport needs to clean up and become a very different thing to what it is today,' says
The sector is going through a revolution
Richard is part of the team leading
Launched in 2022, the Clean Transport Accelerator supports businesses in the mobility industry to develop products and services that will play a part in achieving the
A growing network
The NatWest Clean Transport Accelerator is the latest addition to the growing network of NatWest Accelerators in the
'We're focused on delivering applied learning through the programme - things owners can take back and use in their business,' explains
We're bringing people together to build a network of entrepreneurs
Businesses that have joined the Clean Transport Accelerator so far represent a wide range of transport activities and related industries, including aircraft batteries, fuel efficient engines, e-scooters, cargo bikes and electric in-line skates.
As part of the programme, businesses get one-to-one coaching, access to mentors and co-working spaces and can join thought leadership and specialist events, like
Creating a community is a big part of the programme. 'We're bringing people together to build a network of entrepreneurs,' says Pam. 'Participants get support from their peers and can share ideas and experiences. These are people who have been there, done it and can understand the highs and the lows of starting and scaling a business.'
Speeding up change
Businesses can also use the technical and industry expertise of the WMG, including help with building prototypes, creating manufacturing processes, adopting new technologies and sourcing materials.
The Clean Transport Accelerator reflects the strength of the relationship between
'The drive to net zero has opened up new and exciting opportunities for innovation in the transport sector,' explains Professor
Richard agrees. 'We have an opportunity to establish a homegrown clean transport industry,' he says. 'The risk of not taking this opportunity could mean that the
Meet the entrepreneurs from the Clean Transport Accelerator programme
What
Why
The company's integrated battery-electric powertrains are compatible with many existing aircraft types and combine electric motors, control electronics and batteries in a single package to make retrofitting aircraft as easy as possible.
Key takeaway
'Joining the Clean Transport Accelerator has allowed me to develop
fluxaviation.com
Belvoir Rail
What
Belvoir Rail is fast becoming a leading supplier to the
Why
The company supports cleaner transport by providing services including obsolescence management and re-engineering. This helps increase the lifespan and operability of rail fleets by replacing obsolete parts and components to improve functionality and performance. Belvoir Rail also provides a kitting service to reduce waste and improve efficiency by sourcing parts and components on behalf of customers.
Key takeaway
'The Clean Transport Accelerator Programme has propelled Belvoir Rail towards a future of sustainable success. The programme has provided us with invaluable resources, events, coaching and expert support, enabling us to develop a new business strategy with sustainability at its core. As a business, we have been able to scale up and we are not just embracing sustainability; we are also embracing the opportunities it brings.'
James Brown, Manging Director, Belvoir Rail
belvoir-rail.com
What
Why
Key takeaway
'The Clean Transport Accelerator made it very easy to access experts and opportunities to network. My husband and I started Kid Velo to manufacture unique kids balance bikes that convert to pedal bikes which are affordable for parents and encourage more children to learn to ride. While we already had a decade of experience distributing kids' bikes, turning our ideas into top-quality balance bikes and getting them to market has been a huge challenge. The support from everyone on the Accelerator and Clean Transport Hub at
kidvelobikes.co.uk
Disclaimers and cautions
1. 2021 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Final Figures, Transport, p16
2.Decarbonising Transport - A Better, Greener Britain, p26
3. 2021 UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Final Figures, Transport, p17
4.NatWest Group plc 2022 Climate-related Disclosures Report, p37
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