Heathrow Airport is launching a “green” charm offensive to win support from Black Country manufacturers.
The UK’s busiest airport is working with Black Country Chamber of Commerce to facilitate export activity in return for support for its third runway plans.
An event is being held at Wolverhampton-based Zaun Ltd on May 7 for Heathrow bosses to hear from local firms what help they need getting their goods into international markets.
£3.5bn a year in exports
“Heathrow approached to look at how they could build stronger links to the region – it’s not surprising when you consider our industrial heritage and our wealth of modern-day manufacturers,” said Gail Arnold, head of premium membership at Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
“We generate around £3.5bn of exports every year and that number could definitely grow.”
Zaun, the only British in-house manufacturer of woven and welded mesh fencing systems, is the principal material supplier for fencing at Heathrow.
Black Country SMEs are also being encouraged to take part in Heathrow Lift Off – an opportunity to present their products and services to a panel made up of Heathrow and its largest supply chain partners.
Green-washing?
In what some might suggest is eco management speak, Sarah Ralphs, external affairs lead at Heathrow, said the panel was targeting “circular economy and waste” and products that are “nature positive, including remote biodiversity monitoring, data-driven greenspace management solutions and how we can bring nature into our terminal spaces.”
Viewpoint
Heathrow’s attempts to frame itself as a bastion of eco excellence have always felt like style over substance. It would do better to ditch the green-wash and stick to its strengths: Britain’s hub airport connecting into every major global trade market – with a strong case for expansion. End of.
