Environmental technologies is the fastest growing market in the world. It is worth $515 billion globally, £15 billion in the UK and £1.5 billion in the West Midlands. It is being driven by increasing amount of regulations resulting from rising awareness of the impact that we are having on the planet. Also by the need to make more efficient use of the energy that we have and for the more effective disposal of the waste matter of our lives. It presents untold opportunities for local businesses. Some have already entered the market, others are anxious to gain a foothold. Black Country Chamber & Business Link are keen to make sure that those companies who do enter it are in a position to make the most of it. To this end they are working with agencies behind the regeneration of the region, key trade representative organisations, higher education institutions and those playing a strategic role in the provision of skills. The BCCBL aims are to be able to highlight the opportunities and bring them to the attention of businesses, and to offer practical support Their strategy involves:
Building a network that brings together specialised suppliers, service providers and associated organisations to encourage effective communication
Identifying the needs of businesses and giving them easy access to independent advice and support and helping firms develop training programmes and strategies for growth.
Monitoring the market to identify and promote future marketing opportunities and new initiatives to help raise the profile of the industry.
Building overseas markets by linking into national initiatives and offering support to help businesses develop viable export strategies.
Giving support to potential new suppliers with innovative technologies.
The result of this will be to create a strong infrastructure with links into university research and development specialists. To create strong regional supply chains bringing businesses face to face with potential customers and suppliers. To help firms from traditional sectors move into new products and sectors by offering them information and support. To attract investment into the region and increase the market's potential. To nurture innovative ideas and better working practices, the better for firms to compete in the global economy. John Smallwood, of BCCBL, says: "We are trying to develop an information centre. I need to know who is out there, what they can do, the barriers to growth and the skills they need, so when business opportunities or changes in legislation arise I can inform and advise them. "We also act as an enabler actively encouraging networking between likeminded companies. Then it is up to them to get business from it. "We believe the strength of the sector is in sharing of information, of research and reward. "It's a particularly big developing market and we believe it could be improved by people who are willing to overcome their competitiveness and work together." One environmental company that has been attracted to the region is 3D Recycling which takes waste from nylon compounders and plastic moulders and grinds it into flakes or chips that can then be sold back as raw product to manufacturers and moulders. The business came to Smethwick to be closer to BIP, one of the UK's largest nylon compounders Joanne Faulkner, a partner in the firm said: "From the very beginning we have had help and assistance from Black Country Chamber & Business Link to develop our business planning and marketing - help which has enabled us to increase capacity and grow our business." | 
