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Kirklees workshop: Maximise your business’s potential through a circular economy

Date
Date
Tuesday 3 November 2020, 12:00 - 13:30

University of Leeds/Kirklees Council joint workshop

Circular economy is about creating a more social, resilient and sustainable economy. It is about moving away from an economy that relies on overconsumption and waste, and instead aims to make better use of materials, components and products.

If you want to create a more resilient business, become more environmentally responsible, save money and find new business opportunities, this is the workshop for you.

So how does it work? Companies can work with business partners and customers to deliver a circular economy with new opportunities along the whole supply chain, for example:

  • High quality products designed to last for longer, produced with recycled or biological materials where possible
  • Products made on demand and co-designed with consumers, avoiding overproduction and costly waste management
  • Renting out products instead of selling them, generating a steady income over the lifetime of the product
  • New repair, redesign and remanufacturing services to revive town centres
  • Strengthen your brand and customer relations with sustainable and circular solutions

More than half of the global business leaders – from multi-nationals to SMEs and start-ups –are actively looking into joining a circular economy. How can your company benefit and create new values?

Event programme

At this free online workshop we will introduce circular economy and discuss how it could open new doors for companies in Kirklees. You will hear examples from companies that are already working with a circular economy in mind. This will furnish you with the information that you need to take part in break-out groups to discuss business opportunities related to three major sectors in Kirklees: textiles, engineering and furniture. We will wrap up with details on the next steps to tap into business support and to access further information.

12:00 Welcome and opening

Chris Duffill, Kirklees Council

12:05 A circular economy for Kirklees

Dr Anne Velenturf, University of Leeds

12:25 Circular economy business showcase

Chaired by Jess Newbould, Kirklees Council

Camira Fabrics

Over2Hills

Upcycle Fashion

12:45 Break-out groups: Business opportunities and challenges for circular economy

Co-facilitated by University of Leeds and Kirklees Council 

13:10 REBiz programme introduction

Chidubem Nwabufo, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership 

13:20 Circular Yorkshire Month

Dr Katie Thomas, York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership

13:25 Next steps and event close

Dr Anne Velenturf, University of Leeds

Event organisers

This event is organised by the University of Leeds and Kirklees Council in collaboration with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership and is part of the Circular Yorkshire Month. This event is part of the Kirklees Circular project, funded by Kirklees Council and the University of Leeds Higher Education Innovation Funds.

This event is hosted by the Priestley International Centre for Climate at the University of Leeds.

Register for the workshop

University of Leeds plain logo on white background

Kirklees Council logo

Logo for 'Circular Yorkshire'