Lancashire could become a hub of small businesses focused on climate change-busting technology, according to the politician leading economic development in the county.
County Councillor Tim Ashton, the new cabinet member for environment and planning at Lancashire County Council, said he wants to put measures in place now which could make the county a centre of excellence for environmental innovation.
He is also looking at introducing new grants to support small businesses through Lancashire County Developments Ltd (LCDL), the economic development arm of the authority.
Coun Ashton said: "I know the recession is rightly taking centre stage in the minds of many small businesses at the moment, but I believe when we come out of it climate change will be back on the agenda.
"There are things we can be doing now which can lay the groundwork for that to make Lancashire a real hub for climate change technology when the recession weakens.
"If that means research and development needs doing or support for businesses looking to make a go of this technology, I will do everything I can to support that."
The Lytham councillor, who runs his own landscape gardening business, said he wanted to start talking to small business bosses in Lancashire about what they needed to support them through the recession.
He said he remained committed to the body's Rosebud and Rural Grants funds, which provide cash to small firms, and was also looking at other ideas for funding.
Coun Ashton said: "I have an idea which has been piloted successfully
in another part of the world and I want to try it in Lancashire, that is something I am looking into.
"But, whether it is funding or business support which is required, whatever it is, I shall domyutmost to fight for it on behalf of small businesses in Lancashire."
