University of Hull in nationwide search for green entrepreneur
What makes for a successful green entrepreneur and how can Britain encourage more of them? In a quest to find the answer, the University of Hull is searching for green business people around the country to part in a new project.
Funded by the University and led by Professor David Gibbs of the Department of Geography, a research team aims to conduct detailed interviews over the next two years with at least 50 green businesses as well as policy makers and support organisations.
“We’d like to talk to anyone who is trying to make a difference to the environment through their business,” said researcher Kirstie O’Neill. “We’re interested in what really motivates people to become green entrepreneurs in the first place, what challenges or opportunities they face and why some regions seem to foster green businesses more successfully than others.”
The launch takes place against a background of intense government interest in green issues and entrepreneurship. As well as offering a snapshot of the state of green business in Britain in the early 21st century, the project aims to provide insights into how policy makers can best serve green entrepreneurs.
“At a national level, there is a great deal of discussion about a sustainable economy and the current government has expressed its desire to be the greenest ever,” said Prof. Gibbs. “We want to see what impact that agenda is having at a regional and local level. We want to concentrate on people who combine their green ideals with running a business.”
If you would like to take part in the survey, contact Kirstie O’Neill at K.ONeill@hull.ac.uk.