Pictured: Hugo Spowers, founder of Riversimple with the local car which will be at Green Expo

More than 65 per cent of environmental technology businesses in the Marches have experienced growth in the last year, a new report has revealed.

Despite the challenging economic climate, the sector has also seen more than 40 companies accessing information on finance for innovation or expansion since May 2010, said the report on the Marches Environmental Technologies Network.

The independent consultants' report, which was prepared to evaluate the work of the network, found a number of businesses had reported 'metnet had directly led to winning contracts', with another 15 companies expecting to achieve contract wins thanks to metnet's assistance.

Funded via ERDF, AWM and local Councils across the Marches, the network was established in April 2010 to provide support for environmental technology companies across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire. It also aims to assist businesses looking to diversify into the sector.

Project manager at metnet, Patricia Head, said: "This report demonstrates that not only are we on track to achieve the objectives of the project, which includes engaging with these growing companies and assisting them in any way we can, but also that we are genuinely making a difference.

"Companies are attributing contract wins and financial grant support success to our services which include events, seminars, email bulletins and a website where these companies can learn more about what assistance is available to them and how they can access it.

"Since the project started in April 2010, we've held 27 events attended by more than 200 businesses, representing more than 60 per cent of the estimated businesses in this sector across the Marches.

"The biggest event to date was held in Worcester this week, when we hosted a conference for business and a Green Expo for both companies and the general public. Also on display at the event was the eco-car designed by South Shropshire-based Riversimple. The sustainable car company has developed the two-seater vehicle, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which has a maximum speed of 50 mph and weighs only 350kg.

The free event at the Sixways Stadium was specifically for companies in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin or Worcestershire, which provide environmental goods and services, including waste and recycling services, or looking to move into the sector.