Guest Blog by Rebecca Armstrong – The Hearth CIC
For many local businesses, the past few years have been about constant adjustment — rising costs, uncertainty, and the challenge of planning when so much feels outside your control.
One issue quietly building in the background is energy.
Not just prices, but volatility. Contracts changing. Costs spiking. Decisions feeling risky. As one local business owner recently put it, “people can’t yet see the tsunami that’s coming.”
That’s why Southport businesses are being invited to do something simple, practical and constructive: come together, talk honestly about what’s ahead, and explore how better decisions — and stronger local connections — can build resilience for the future.
Resilience is built together
When pressures increase, it’s natural for businesses to retreat into survival mode. Head down, cope with the next bill, hope the next shock doesn’t hit too hard.
But long‑term resilience doesn’t come from coping alone. It comes from shared learning, trusted local expertise, and collaboration.
That’s the thinking behind CASA (Climate and Sustainability Action) — a business network and project of The Hearth Network CIC, created to support Southport in becoming a greener, more resilient place to live, work and visit.
CASA brings together businesses, community organisations and partners to explore sustainability in a practical, accessible way — focusing on real decisions, real buildings and real budgets.
This isn’t about being an ‘eco expert’
It’s important to be clear: this is not a meeting for people who already have all the answers.
If you’re new to sustainability, you’re welcome.
If you’re unsure where to start, you’re welcome.
If you’re already taking action and want to connect with others, you’re welcome.
Every business uses energy. Every business is affected by rising costs and instability. And every business benefits from clearer information and stronger local networks.
This session is about preparedness, not perfection.
An interactive, experiential way to learn
One of the most exciting parts of this session is how it will be delivered.
The meeting is being hosted by Darren Lloyd at Southport Eco Centre, who designed the immersive climate and energy experience room at The Hive in Bootle — a space that has already helped thousands of people understand energy use, retrofit and everyday climate choices in a hands‑on, engaging way.
Southport now has its own immersive room at the Eco Centre, running the same programme. Attendees at this CASA session will have the opportunity to experience the room first‑hand, learning about energy efficiency and future choices in a way that goes far beyond slides or presentations.
It’s informative, it’s surprisingly fun, and it’s a fantastic local resource for anyone responsible for buildings, energy costs or long‑term planning.
Local expertise, real‑world insight
The session will be facilitated by Rebecca Armstrong, founder of The Hearth Network CIC, who will provide a short introduction to Zero Carbon Energy — one of the key principles of the One Planet Living framework — and guide an interactive discussion focused on practical takeaways and shared learning.
Businesses will also hear from Dan Hubbard, Chartered Energy Manager and Lead Consultant at PB Energy, who works with organisations across the commercial and public sectors to reduce energy costs, improve building performance, and make confident, informed decisions about energy and carbon.
This is grounded, real‑world insight — designed for real buildings and real constraints, not theory.
Why this matters for Southport
Southport has always been a town that pulls together.
If we want our local economy to thrive in the years ahead, businesses need to be more resilient — reducing exposure to volatile costs, understanding their options, and supporting one another through shared challenges.
When businesses strengthen, the town strengthens.
By coming together to talk about energy, costs and future resilience now, Southport businesses are taking an important step towards protecting not just individual organisations, but the wider sustainability of our local economy.
Join us — all welcome
If you run a business in Southport (or support local businesses) and want to feel more confident about energy, costs and what lies ahead, you’re warmly invited to attend.
You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to care about the future of your business — and your town.
CASA Business Network: Zero Carbon Energy (practical resilience session)
Southport Eco Centre (Digital Immersive Room)
Thursday 12th March 2026
9:00–11:30am
Free to attend (registration helps us plan and prepare)
Eventbrite link CASA Zero Carbon Energy Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown or email: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
