Pictured: (l-r) Jean Lowes and Jon Malcolm

Nottingham business Xcarbon Ltd was set up to help private and public sector organisations meet the challenges of climate change, carbon legislation and rising energy prices.

The directors recognised that many businesses could be seriously affected by these issues. Xcarbon has become recognised as a leading consultancy on carbon management, in particular services related to the new, mandatory CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.  

Making a difference

Director Jean Lowes provides some background to the business, "We help businesses and public sector organisations reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions and meet their compliance obligations under carbon legislation. "

"We are committed to providing services that make a real difference to businesses, both financially and environmentally. Together the Directors have many years experience of delivering successful consultancy projects and training courses and this expertise underpins our success."

In addition to consultancy and training for a range of leading organisations, Xcarbon delivers two specialist courses for CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants); Accounting for Carbon and Carbon Reporting & Footprinting.  

"Environmental issues and the associated legislation continually develop and change and we must keep pace with them," explains Jean. "For example, the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme impacts all private and public sector organisations with a half hourly electricity meter. It came into effect in April this year and now forms the fastest growing area of our business. We will continue to adapt what we offer to meet customer demand."

Walk the Talk

Jean says that Xcarbon aims to lead by example, "We are committed to reducing our own greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible and if this is impractical, we purchase Kyoto-compliant offsets."

Xcarbon approached EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for delivering a range of business improvement services when they were looking for assistance with marketing the business.  "We wanted to raise awareness of the business and make the most of all the opportunities available to us in presenting our services to potential clients."

Exploring opportunities

Although it's early days, Jean feels there is a lot that EMB has to offer local businesses. "EMB have worked with us to discuss the availability of funding to develop our leadership and management skills, the benefits of Investors in People and arranged for an adviser to contact us who gave us valuable information and some top ideas to help us get started. I just wish I had contacted them earlier.

"I am currently following up the links that our Adviser provided and exploring the opportunities offered by specialist resources, e-business and networking.  I will also look at the factsheets and online tools on the Business Link website in due course."

Jean says that it seems highly likely that the coming years will see some dramatic changes due to environmental legislation. "Inevitably, there will be winners and losers. Becoming more energy and carbon efficient in the low carbon economy will be a vital step for corporate survival for all organisations."

Jean's Top tips

• Be clear about the strategy of the business and stick to it

• Time spent better understanding your customers is never wasted