The digital hub includes a free carbon calculator, as well as tools to help businesses measure, track, and report on their emissions and save money by using less energy.

Further, it offers advice on a range of green actions, such as switching employee modes of transport and paying less for company electric vehicles (EVs), getting business grants, green loans, and financing for retrofitting buildings, and getting low-carbon product labels and certifications, among other things.

The new support is being targeted to the 5.5 million SMEs in the UK, with business and industry accounting for around a quarter of emissions. According to research from Sage and the International Chamber of Commerce, 90% of SMEs are keen to tackle climate change, but find it difficult to know how or where to start to find the right solutions.

Speaking on the digital hub’s launch, minister of state for energy security and net zero, Graham Stuart, said: “The UK has cut its emissions more than any other major economy in the world. More and more businesses are recognising the business benefits of reaching net zero and we’re determined to empower them to do so.

“Whether it’s fitting a low-carbon heat pump, generating energy with solar panels, or reducing the emissions from shipping goods, the new support will ensure businesses can drive towards net zero.”

The UK Business Climate Hub is being managed by the Broadway Initiative — an alliance of organisations acting to lead change towards sustainability across all aspects of the UK economy. It was developed in partnership with associations such as the Federation of Small Businesses, and with support from the likes of NatWest, HSBC, and the National Grid.

National chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, Martin McTague, said: “We are pleased to have contributed to the new UK Business Climate Hub that will provide businesses with trusted tools and information to help them navigate the net zero transition.

“SMEs recognise their role in net zero but many still find it challenging to access the relevant support and resources to play their part. This new official platform for advice and support will really help.”

The new digital hub is endorsed by business leaders — including CEOs from companies like HSBC, Siemens, and Cemex — and ministers on the new Net Zero Council, a group which is working to ensure sectors and companies have a pathway to net zero.

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Entrepreneur Steven Mooney, chief executive of FundMyPitch, also commented: “One of the biggest barriers to SMEs cutting emissions is cost, with many struggling to find a credible strategy to go green without breaking the bank.

“At a time when interest rates are surging and inflation remains stubbornly high, this new hub offers invaluable guidance to empower entrepreneurs to build a truly effective green strategy.”

In June 2019, the UK Government committed to a 100% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, compared with 1990 levels — this is commonly referred to as the net zero target.

A recent independent review into the net zero target mentioned that while the UK should be proud of its progress thus far, further actions were needed from government, industry, and individuals to make the most of net zero opportunities, and that challenges remained in delivering on the UK’s ambition.