Net zero options become more prevalent in South East equity finance markets

The investment value of the South East's equity financing markets has increased by almost 60% over the previous fiscal year, reaching £679m in the first half of 2022.

The information was gathered for the publication of the second annual Nations and Regions Tracker, published today by the government-run British Business Bank.

In 1,307 deals since 2011, £6.9 billion in equity has been invested in smaller, net zero-aligned UK companies. Since 2018, the proportion of transactions in net-zero industries has increased yearly, from 5% in 2018 to 12% in the first half of 2022.

Clean technology, hybrid and electric cars, biomass and biofuels, fake meat and meat replacements, and smart energy are examples of net zero industries that are projected to flourish as a result of the net zero transition.

Steve Conibear is the UK Network Director for the South and East of England at the British Business. He said this about the news: “It is encouraging to see evidence of a number of future net zero clusters emerging in the region, which is already known as a hotbed of innovation and technology."

“Smaller businesses in the South East continue to show a positive appetite for external finance, be that through equity or wider forms of finance. We will continue support these businesses across the South East to access the finance they need and to help enable the transition to a net zero economy.”

Main picture courtesy of Rawpixel / Pro-Manchester

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