When Act on Energy started 26 years ago, we were an energy advice organisation rooted in Warwickshire. We quickly expanded into covering Worcestershire as well. Our journey over the last two decades has involved establishing deep relationships within the areas we work with local authorities and their residents. A large expansion of our work took place four years ago when we expanded our geographical reach to include the West Midlands Combined Authority area. We are immensely proud of the fact that, four years in, we have supported around 20,000 vulnerable energy households to better address their energy needs.

Due to our continued work in Birmingham and the surrounding areas, we felt it was essential to attend and contribute at the recent Connections for Prosperity event. Our Director of Business Development and Communications, Nick Bancroft, was particularly keen to hear about and understand some of the key themes and challenges across the West Midlands region; including any proposed solutions around how we can collectively better the lives of the people who call this part of the world their home.

This conference saw many prominent speakers, who were able to speak freely about the issues they were facing. The new mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, as well as members from the local councils, West Midlands Combined Authority, and Sustainability West Midlands to name a few. All the speakers there were experts in their fields and delivered important points that we can take on board to improve the support we offer the region.

Nick said, “being able to see the data and findings that have been collected throughout the West Midlands was eye-opening. It was good to get an idea on how things have improved over the years in certain areas but, perhaps more importantly, where things have declined. We are always looking to give the most up-to-date information to our clients, as well as develop our advice to ensure we recognise and cover the concerns of the people we support. It was great to hear the plans for the future so that we can look at how Act on Energy fits into the bigger picture of creating a better, more vibrant and prosperous West Midlands”.