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The Climate Resilience Programme (CRP), funded by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and managed by environmental consultancy Pro Enviro, will offer a range of services to participating businesses.

Businesses involved in the CRP will receive free bespoke climate risk assessments, access to a wealth of knowledge, information and assistance in developing a strategy so that they are best placed to exploit the commercial opportunities and avoid the risks associated with climate change.

Companies participating in the CRP will also be able to apply for grants to support the capital costs involved in climate proofing their business operations and equipment.

"The challenge of responding to climate change is one that many businesses are taking seriously," said Kevin Baillie, Head of Sustainable Economic Development at emda, "and a number of East Midlands businesses are already working to reduce their carbon footprint. However, businesses also need to begin to assess their options and strategies for adapting to the risks and capitalising on the opportunities that will arise through climate change.

"The CRP initiative will show businesses how forward planning for the impact of climate change will put them in a better position to identify and exploit new opportunities.

"For instance, existing products could be developed, or new strategies and innovations identified to meet the needs of consumers and society in an era of climate change."

A series of free workshops are taking place for business people involved in different sectors. These are:

• Construction: 28th November, Northampton Saints Rugby Club.
• Manufacturing: 1st December, Derby County Football Club, Pride Park
• Food and Drink: 3rd December, Highpoint Conference Centre, Leicester
• Agriculture: 8th December, EPIC Centre, Lincolnshire
• Energy and Utilities: 10th December, National Watersports Centre, Nottingham

Each of the workshops will be facilitated by John Firth, CEO of Acclimatise, one of the UK’s leading climate change adaptation consultancies.  Delegates will gain an understanding of the direct and indirect risks and opportunities facing their businesses, in areas such as raw materials, supply chain management, fixed asset design and operation, processes, asset values and services and workforce.

You can register for the workshops on the Climate Resilience website.