Meet Jake, Jim & Nick: Business Sustainability Managers at West Yorkshire Combined Authority

The Business Sustainability Team are people with a passion for environmental sustainability to help businesses in West Yorkshire tackle climate change.

West Yorkshire has committed to becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038 but with our SME businesses currently producing nearly 50% of our region’s carbon emissions, we can't achieve net zero until our SMEs become more sustainable.

To help businesses reduce their carbon emissions and prepare for the impact of climate change we have launched a £10 million support package.

What does your role entail?

Jake: “My role is to work closely alongside businesses to help them better understand ways in which they can operate more sustainably, become more energy efficient, and save money on their bills.”

What do you like most about your role?

Nick: “Regularly visiting businesses means my work remains varied – we help loads of different sectors so it’s interesting to discover what they do. There’s a real job satisfaction that comes with helping our region become more sustainable. The landscape of sustainability is always changing, so I always feel like I’m learning in the role.”

What is your background and career path?

Jim: “I started off 20 years ago in a not-for-profit organisation and am largely self-taught, learning on the job by researching as much as I could through organisations such as the Carbon Trust and undertaking courses on topics like environmental management and carbon footprinting.”

What do you like about working at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority?

Jake: “The Combined Authority has a positive approach to flexible working and offering staff the opportunity to work in a balanced way to suit each individual. In business support there is a genuine drive to deliver programmes that help organisations across the region to grow in a sustainable and responsible way.”

Why should you join our team?

Nick: “I’ve been at the Combined Authority for two years and honestly enjoy the work that I do. Particularly working in sustainability, I’m able to learn in my role and feel like I’m contributing something valuable to make the region I live in a better place. The other team members are good fun and supportive, so it’s a great place to work.”