As part of the Green Growth Business Bootcamp programme, opened by the mayor on Friday (October 13) at Kingston University, environmental entrepreneurs will be given business training to help them identify sustainable enterprise opportunities, develop a business model and commercialise their ideas.

It also provides marketing expertise and the opportunity for entrepreneurs to network with experts and practitioners in sustainable design and eco-entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the event was scheme sponsor RBS group sustainability officer Thom Kenrick, who said the bank had set up a £500m renewable energy fund for sustainable projects.

He said: “The programme is designed to celebrate sustainable environmental businesses and is one of 12 run across London by various universities, sponsored by mayor of London, RBS and EU funding.

In addition, Kingston University is also working in partnership with Merton Chambers of Commerce to support green small and medium sized businesses growth.

Speaking at the event, Mr Johnson expressed his commitment to promoting green technologies and in making a “greener London”.

A range of green innovations such as an emissions-free electric car, a public bike pump and a chair made from recycled materials showcased in an exhibition at the show. The mayor expressed great interest in the inventions – event trialling a £500,000 prototype by Ecospin called ‘the Raptor’, a three-wheeled electric vehicle which could be used by stewards at the London 2012 Olympics.

Ecospin’s Paul Loomes said: We were there to show potential green entrepreneurs how it’s done.”

More information on the Green Growth Bootcamp can be found here.

Carys Matthews

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