Collaborative supply chains – from Christmas to a prosperous New Year 2026

The top of the year is always an impressive commercial supply chain event. This year, and next, it needs to be followed by an equal and arguably more important success – the delivery of clean- green- climate-tech products and services to compensate for the rather limited progress made at COP30 – where, fortunately, RedCAT, was on the ground in Brazil promoting Lancashire innovators.

News (see below)

♦ COP30 did not achieve all its goals. However, parrots and spice-laden air create a very Brazilian backdrop for a commitment by some 80 government and 140 business organisations – including RedCAT – to open a new route to net-zero and the 2015 Paris agreement which experience suggests will win-out as commercially-rewarding climate-technology beats down vested interest opposition.

♦ 2024 was the hottest year on record. However, to underline the need for innovative climate technology, EU data shows that 2025 is “virtually certain” to be slightly cooler as the second- or third-hottest with global temperatures from January to November averaging 1.48C higher than preindustrial levels, according to the Copernicus EU earth observation programme.

♦ An underpinning driver of low carbon innovation is being able to think, plan, and work sustainably – which is where the practically-oriented hands-on work of RedCAT’s sister body, Chamber Low Carbon delivered through collaborative learning programmes by our Sustainability Team is important.

♦ According to EU scientists climate breakdown is pushing the planet away from the stable conditions in which humanity evolved with average 2023 to 2025 temperatures on track to exceed 1.5C for first time. Climate-tech will be part of the fightback.

♦ However, in a new economic analysis (Future Energy Scenarios) the National Energy System Operator (NESO) says the UK could achieve low-cost decarbonisation that meet legally-binding targets as part of a net-zero transition with big energy system cost falls.

– Strong supply chains can work like virtual companies and interconnected remote departments

We are about to leave an enchanting time of year when the industrious efforts of Father Christmas and his army of hard-working North Pole elves summon up literally billions of presents ready to drop down your chimney on a just in time basis  … great supply chains!

In fact, via collaborative supply chains Santa’s team coordinates deliveries to circa 2.193 billion households – each leaving him a carrot, mince pie, and glass of sherry. No wonder he has a red nose!

Collaborative chains link up goals between companies. Integrated supply chains go further to connect IT systems and share data. Together, they can improve the efficiency, visibility, and fast response times needed by emerging sectors – like green-tech – that can make a global difference.

Back us and we will back you …

A key early 2026 message to government is that innovative UK supply chains – such as clean- green-tech – need generous financial support which they will then pay back to the UK economy in spades in a fragile economic climate.

20^th January – RedCAT Network supply chain event …

The first RedCAT Network event of 2026 will take place from 10:30am to 2:00pm on Tuesday 20 January 2026 at the E+R Technology Centre, Burnley BB10 2TP. It will be kindly sponsored by Meissner Bolte and hosted by the E+R Group.

For details, and to join us, please visit the January RedCAT Network Booking Page

People, systems, critical mass, unity, and virtual success …

Strong supply chains need robust systems and capable enthusiastic people – the more the better to generate the critical mass needed to operate and communicate like virtual companies or closely-digitally interlinked, even if remote, departments.

At the macro-end, supply chains are strategically important for not only trade in existing goods and services but as a very effective means of meeting proven potential partners for future product development and trialling.

Well-integrated chains – that bring together designers, suppliers, manufacturers, retailers, installers, maintenance teams, VCs, angels, and other investors – can also go beyond simple transactions to improve business analysis, forecasting, risk management, and customer delivery.

As the green-tech sector grows, it will be increasingly important to share opportunities, coordinate joint responses, collaborate on larger projects, and communicate an inclusive innovative brand and reputation for Lancashire and UK low-carbon-tech prowess.

However, we cannot take this for granted because real supply chain success against stiff foreign competition requires a boost from government equal or similar to that which overseas competitors – particularly in the EU – can rely on. See isentra’s challenges described below.

RedCAT Network – an important starting point …

While providing physical and online meeting forums for local innovators, our very active network also supports RedCAT’s five-step commercialisation journey – Innovation, Ventures, Scale, Advocacy plus Network – to global markets, governments, local authorities, and worldwide business leaders.

“With supply chains as with politicians it is not what you know but who you know, from Stephen Atkinson to Ed Miliband, from County Hall to Whitehall, having that personal connection open doors. The same is true of supply chains. isentra travelled all the way to Dubai for COP28 to meet people who have now become key suppliers in the UK.”

Case study – government support needed for supply chains …

isentra designs, manufactures, monitors, and maintains advanced transcritical CO₂ refrigeration systems, heat pumps, and hot water plant capable of incorporating heat recovery technology, for large commercial and industrial users across the UK and beyond.

Following a four-year research partnership with the University of Liverpool, it is making ready to bring another game-changing technology to a significant global market.

This is an opportunity to support isentra as a leading British innovator, and the development of a much-needed UK supply chain, with benefits for UK growth, industrial capability, and exports.

But there is a problem …

Speed is critical. Large European competitors, backed heavily by their governments, can reach the market faster. Intellectual property cannot remain confidential forever.

“This is where we face real challenges,” explains Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Allen.

“We discovered recently that equivalent components sourced from Europe were up to 2.5 times cheaper than any supplier within 15 miles of our Lancashire base.”

“Our biggest threat is competition from EU manufacturers who can invest earlier, scale faster, and purchase components at significantly lower costs. We’re agile and innovative, but they have the advantage of scale, subsidies, and lower supply-chain costs.”

Urgent government action is needed here.

Government help will pay dividends …

“Targeted UK Government intervention would achieve far more than supporting one company. It would help to stabilise and grow regional advanced manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains, and give investors the confidence they need to back UK-based green-tech firms,” he adds.

“The basic problem is simple: the UK does not yet have a competitively-connected supply chain. We have the talent, research base, and industrial capability to lead the world.

But without targeted Government support – particularly in early-stage commercialisation and supply-chain competitiveness – we risk losing ground to heavily backed EU competitors.

Hardwiring advantages into UK supply chains …

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) research suggests 77% of UK SMEs are in supply chains where good practice brings competitive gains to large business customers and small suppliers.

The report looks at hardwiring good supply chain practice into the Industrial Strategy  and Sector Deals (to be updated), strengthening UK standards, plus boosting skills and innovation in smaller suppliers,

With bells on …

Of course even with AI it may never be possible to equal Santa’s record of guaranteeing billions of accurate deliveries in one night!

– Parrots and spice-laden air create a very Brazilian environment for progressive talks

COP30 did not live up to our high hopes. But it did open up a new route to net-zero and the 2015 Paris agreement which experience suggests will inevitably win-out as commercially-rewarding clean-, climate-technology beats down shaky political and vested interest opposition.

After three years of more sterile, concrete gatherings, a background of trills, whistles and squawks from Amazon parrots that now symbolise the threatened rainforest ecosystem – plus the intoxicating smell of local spices and fruits – promised a very different COP30 in Belém, Brazil from its UN predecessors.

While many gains were made over two weeks, there were extremely serious disappointments too – particularly over phasing out fossil fuel use and a deforestation roadmap.

But there was also a firm new commitment.

Just under a year to go … and counting!

In the eleven months before COP31, progressive governments and the global business community have committed themselves to facing down entrenched opposition from Saudi Arabia, Russia, and India, to even discuss ending climate-wrecking fossil fuel use and an economically rewarding renewable energy transition.

RedCAT fossil fuel phase-out 2026 commitment

RedCAT – which breaks down commercialisation barriers that hold back low-carbon solutions which can end climate change impacts in developing markets – was on-board!

Ordinarily, RedCAT takes an in-depth trade mission of pioneering Lancashire green-technology innovating companies to COP summits. For logistical reasons, this year we were limited to a digital presence, but were able to make our views known in the international decision-making Blue Zone.

However, we are proud to be one of some 140 business organisations and 80 government so far to sign a far-reaching letter coordinated by the We Mean Business Coalition supporting the Brazilian Presidency’s brave decision to continue pushing for a fossil fuel-ending commitment outside the UN official process during 2026 ahead of COP31 in Turkey in partnership with Australia.

COP30 statement for a fossil fuel roadmap

The letter makes the following appeal.

“Countries are rallying behind the idea of a roadmap, which can support planning and investment and build on the momentum we see in the real economy. Business and communities are already on board. Now is the time for a roadmap to accelerate action and a just energy transition far beyond COP30.

“This letter, coordinated by We Mean Business Coalition, is to urge governments to commit to a roadmap on the transition away from fossil fuels at COP30. It is signed by companies, business groups, subnational governments, health organizations and actors driving real-world implementation.

“As representatives from businesses, business groups and NGOs working closely with businesses, sub-national governments, cities, and other implementation actors, we call on governments at COP30 to commit to initiating a roadmap to accelerate implementation, including on the transition away from fossil fuels, as agreed under the first Global Stocktake. A robust, credible roadmap would help countries and businesses plan the shift to clean energy, strengthen energy security and reduce costs for consumers.

“Anchoring the roadmap in real-world momentum toward clean energy and electrification would provide much-needed clarity for investment and national implementation. It must also reflect different starting points across the Global North and South, and be co-developed to support a just transition that improves health outcomes and economic resilience. This will need finance, technology and market reforms.

“With coherent long-term direction from governments negotiating in Belem, a roadmap can become a practical tool to accelerate action and investment well beyond COP30.”

– Chamber Low Carbon working with RedCAT

One of the underpinning drivers of low carbon innovation is being able to think, plan, and work sustainably – which is where the very practically-oriented hands-on work of RedCAT’s sister body, Chamber Low Carbon, is important.

Delivered as a collaborative learning programme by the East Lancashire Chamber’s Sustainability Team, the Green Rose programme is designed to help companies put in place over six-months their own recognised environmental management systems that meet the requirements of ISO 14001 or ISO 14005 which is particularly helpful for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Multiple low carbon advantages

Benefits include help in relieving competitive supply chain development pressures, creating access to new customers asking for proven environmental credentials, and come with the advantages of peer-to-peer learning plus an in-depth support network.

Delivered as a series of six half-day sessions, Green Rose begins with a baseline review and audit of each participant’s current status and specific needs, followed by documentation of the findings.

Pre-inspection audit support and individual guidance is provided throughout the 26-week period.

Sessions 1 to 6

The sessions begin with a general focus on environmental awareness and why this is now a key business issue. Session 2 puts individual business circumstances into context with an introduction to environmental legislation and the relevant regulators. Session 3 then moves on to the growing need for well-informed environmental planning and action with the assessment of an organisational carbon footprint and development of an effective carbon management plan.

This is followed in Session 4 by evaluating environmental aspects, setting objectives, creating an appropriate environmental management programme , and assigning responsibilities with the aim of minimising adverse environmental impacts.

Session 5 then concentrates on implementing and communicating individual environmental management programmes, demonstrating operational control, and plans and preparations for foreseeable emergencies.

The final session is the iterative improvement loop which involves ongoing auditing, corrective action, plus a senior management review and certification requirements. The next cohort starts in March, with updated content to reflect the new revision of ISO 14001 due for publication in March 2026. So if you are new to ISO 14001 or need to transition your existing environmental management system to meet the requirements of the new standard Green Rose is for you!

Hands-on move from fossil fuel to renewable energy use

Another Low Carbon priority to helping business organisations through a Practical Transition to net zero in six two-hour example-based sessions that look at the technology of, say, photovoltaics, heat pumps, or transport fleet conversions, but do not include 14001 or 14005.

This is where links with individual members, consultancies, and companies within the extremely diverse RedCAT Network can lead to an important cross-fertilisation of skills, expertise, ideas, productivity improvements, plus targeted marketing advice.

ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001

Low Carbon also provides one-to-one training for environmental management systems, quality management systems, occupational health and safety, information security management systems.

A further priority is business continuity for fire, flooding, pestilence, and operational security risks

Clubs and forums

The team also host and facilitate clubs and forums where members and non-members can exchange ideas and work together collaboratively on topical environmental and clean-energy issues.

Resource efficiency, B Corp, research strategy, and ESG

Detailed help, advice, and support is also provided on waste and the circular economy, high performance standards from recognised B leaders, identifying new market opportunities, and environment, social, and governance strategy.

EU scientists say climate breakdown is pushing the planet away from the stable conditions in which humanity evolved.

Temperatures are set rise by 1.5C above preindustrial levels by the end of the century. However, because this is a 30-year average, they believe there is still a slender hope of meeting the goal after an overshoot as individual months and years begin to cross the threshold.

“For November, global temperatures were 1.54C above preindustrial levels,” explains Dr Samantha Burgess, the deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service. “The three-year average for 2023-2025 is on track to exceed 1.5C for the first time.”

The agency’s monthly bulletin says November was the third-warmest globally, with “notably” warmer temperatures across northern Canada and the Arctic Ocean, plus cyclones and catastrophic floods that ended lives and swept away homes across south and southeast Asia.

Little comfort for humankind

Copernicus found that 2025 tied with 2023 as the second-hottest year on record. “These milestones are not abstract,” Burgess adds. “They reflect the accelerating pace of climate change, and the only way to mitigate future rising temperatures is to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Since the 2015 Paris climate agreement, emissions have continued to climb along with average temperatures and the intensity of weather extremes.

The Copernicus findings reinforce a World Meteorological Organization analysis before COP30 which found that the decade from 2015 to 2025 was the 11^th warmest since 1850.

Despite COP30’s conditional successes, urgent action is needed.

– NESO says UK could achieve low-cost decarbonisation in line with legally-binding targets

The National Energy System Operator’s new economic analysis (Future Energy Scenarios assesses three different possible future pathways for the energy system.

It finds that costs could be kept lower, with more widespread rapid decarbonisation, in a pathway favouring electrification (‘Electric Engagement’). However, the best outcome balances electricity, hydrogen, plus advanced energy efficiency and flexibility (‘Holistic Transition’).

It conclude that in all of pathways UK energy costs as a proportion of GDP will drop from 10% of GDP today to 5%-6% by 2050.

Farewell to fossil fuel price spikes

The reason is a decreased exposure to fossil fuel price spikes. A significant proportion of UK energy system operating costs currently come from importing fossil fuels – £50bn in 2024 equivalent to 2% of GDP.

In the Holistic Transition pathway, gas imports would fall by 78% from 2025 to 2050.

Upfront investment needed

NESO says long-term savings can only be made with proper planning and increased investment in the short-term. This is where green-tech innovation can play an essential part.