Author: Paul McGinnity

Learning from regional developments in hydrogen

A poster for the CEME Hydrogen Summit 2025

In advance of CEME’s landmark Hydrogen Summit 2025, taking place on Thursday 27 November, we are delighted to have produced our Learning from regional developments digital magazine.

The summit will bring together industry leaders, innovators, academics and policymakers from across the UK to explore how regional initiatives are shaping the future of hydrogen. 

The UK’s hydrogen transition is no longer a distant ambition – it is taking shape region by region, through projects that combine innovation, collaboration and a deep understanding of local strengths.

Noorzaman Rashid, Chief Executive, CEME said: “Across the country, we are seeing pioneering work in every corner – from universities driving research excellence to businesses creating the technologies and skills that will power a net zero future. 

“The challenge now is to connect these efforts, share lessons and accelerate the pace of delivery. At CEME, our role is to help make those connections happen.”

This publication brings together perspectives from some of the organisations leading the way: Brunel University of London, NOCN Group, Verciti, Thames Estuary Growth Board, University of Lincoln and the Humber Industrial Cluster, Calgary Economic Development, Learning and Skills for Business and Delta H. 

Essential FREE guide to net zero for SMEs

A reader views the cover of our recent eBook on their tablet device.

Climate change, rising energy costs, tighter supply chains and new sustainability standards are making net zero more than just a “nice to have” – for many smaller businesses, it’s becoming essential.

That’s why we’ve launched our new guide, Net zero for SMEs, created by CEME to help small and medium-sized enterprises understand what becoming greener means in practice, and how to take simple, effective steps to get there.

SMEs are the backbone of the UK economy and they have a crucial role to play in the transition to a low-carbon future. But they also face unique challenges – from limited time and resources to balancing sustainability goals with day-to-day operations.

Our free guide offers practical, straightforward advice to help SMEs cut emissions, reduce energy costs and build more resilient, future-ready businesses.

The guide explores:

  • Why net zero matters for smaller businesses and how it drives competitiveness and growth.
  • How to measure and manage emissions, including tips and free tools for energy and carbon tracking.
  • Practical steps such as improving energy efficiency, switching to renewables, reducing waste and engaging suppliers.
  • Funding and support available to UK SMEs from government and industry programmes.
  • CEME’s own sustainability journey, including the installation of solar panels on our main campus and the creation of our Green Tech Hub.

At CEME, we’re committed to becoming a greener, more sustainable innovation campus. We’re reducing our energy use, expanding renewable generation and enhancing biodiversity across our site.

CEME CEO Noorzaman Rashid said: “At CEME, we see first-hand the drive, ambition and innovation that small and medium-sized enterprises bring to the economy. These businesses are the engine of growth in the UK – and they have a crucial role to play in the transition to a greener future.

“Net zero isn’t just a target for governments and large corporations. It matters to SMEs because the world is shifting fast… Net zero matters because the future of business depends on it. For SMEs, the time to act is now – and we’re here to help.”

Working in collaboration

The CEME and NOCN Group logos super imposed over a group of people putting their hands together in a teamwork pose.

CEME is proud to announce a landmark partnership with NOCN Group, one of the UK’s leading skills and education charities. 

This strategic partnership marks a powerful alignment of purpose – to equip individuals, businesses and communities with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, green-driven economy.

This partnership opens doors to:

  • Tailored training programmes aligned with real-world employer needs
  • Access to NOCN-accredited qualifications and apprenticeships 
  • Collaborative innovation projects in green tech and sustainable infrastructure 
  • Networking with national thought leaders and industry pioneers
  • A stronger voice in shaping the UK’s skills system for a net zero future.

NOCN is also the headline sponsor for CEME’s forthcoming Hydrogen Summit 2025!

Nicola Hollands, CEME Head of Partnerships, Skills and Training, said: “This partnership brings significant value to CEME and our local community of micro, small and medium sized enterprises in specific area of skills development, green technology and sustainable growth.”

Celebrating local excellence at the Havering Small Business Awards!

A group picture of the evening's winners.

CEME was proud to be a sponsor at this year’s Havering Small Business Awards, recognising and celebrating the incredible businesses and community organisations who are making a difference.

CEME CEO Noorzaman Rashid had the honour of presenting two awards on the night:

CEME's Noorzaman Rashid presents Quantum Group's Maria Gonella with their award.

Best Sustainable Business: awarded to Quantum Group for its commitment to driving sustainable innovation.

Noorzaman presents Thames Chase Community Trust with their award.

Best Social Enterprise: awarded to the Thames Chase Trust Community Forest for their inspiring work in protecting green spaces and engaging the community.

The fourth annual Havering Small Business Awards, run by Havering Council, was held on Wednesday 24 September 2025 at Lumiere Romford, Mercury Mall, Romford, and was hosted by Mark Dover from Nation Radio London.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!

At CEME, we’re passionate about supporting enterprise, innovation and community impact. It was inspiring to see so many local organisations leading the way.

Access our FREE guide to cyber security

A person starts to read the CEME Cyber Security eBook on their tablet device. Text in the top right reads 'Explore why cyber security must be a strategic priority for SMEs with CEME's new guide, Cyber security for SMEs'.

Around 43% of businesses experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the past year, often coming at a cost of thousands of pounds, according to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025.

SMEs can be particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks that disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data and damage customer trust.

Explore why cyber security must be a strategic priority for SMEs with CEME’s new guide, Cyber security for SMEs.

Produced in partnership with award-winning risk management firm Risk Evolves, the free guide offers practical advice on risk mitigation and the steps smaller businesses can take to protect themselves.

Cover of the cyber security guide featuring a man in a control or security room on a telephone call.
The guide is an invaluable resource for all SMEs.

CEME CEO Noorzaman Rashid said: “Cyber security is often viewed as a challenge for large corporations, but the reality is that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly in the crosshairs of cyber criminals. With fewer resources and, in many cases, limited in-house expertise, SMEs can be particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks that disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data and damage customer trust.

“At CEME, we support businesses to innovate, grow and adopt new technologies, but we know that true progress is only possible when it is underpinned by resilience. Cyber resilience is no longer a ‘nice to have’; it is essential for long-term sustainability and success.

“This short publication explores why cyber security must be a strategic priority for SMEs. It outlines the evolving threat landscape, offers practical advice on risk mitigation, and highlights the steps smaller businesses can take to protect themselves – often without the need for major investment.”

CEME listed in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025

An aerial view of the CEME campus with The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 small organisation logo placed over

Happier staff make for more productive businesses, according to The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025. CEME is delighted to be named one of The Sunday Times’ best small organisations to work.

This nationwide workplace survey, in partnership with leading employee experience platform, WorkL, honours and celebrates the UK’s top employers. 

To achieve a high overall engagement score, an organisation must score well across a six-step framework in areas of reward and recognition, instilling pride, information sharing, empowerment, wellbeing and job satisfaction. 

At CEME, we strive to help businesses to grow, invest in our staff to help career development and create an inclusive work environment. Our innovative approach has helped us to build positive partnerships for the future.

Join us for the CEME Hydrogen Summit 2025!

A poster announcing the CEME Hydrogen Summit 2025

Join us for a landmark one-day Hydrogen Summit at CEME, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, academics and policymakers from across the UK to explore how regional initiatives are shaping the future of hydrogen.

The event will take place at CEME campus on Thursday, 27 November, 9.30am-4pm.

What to expect:

  • Keynote addresses from hydrogen leaders
  • Interactive panels tackling technical and strategic challenges
  • Exhibitions showcasing product and process innovation
  • Networking opportunities to spark collaboration and partnership.

Whether you’re involved in energy, engineering, policy or education, this is your opportunity to engage with the people and ideas driving hydrogen innovation across the country.

Secure your free place today and be part of the conversation shaping the UK’s hydrogen journey.

Join us for the CEME Hydrogen Summit 2025!

Join us for a landmark one-day Hydrogen Summit at CEME, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, academics and policymakers from across the UK to explore how regional initiatives are shaping the future of hydrogen.

The event will take place at CEME campus on Thursday, 27 November, 9.30am-4pm.

What to expect:

  • Keynote addresses from hydrogen leaders
  • Interactive panels tackling technical and strategic challenges
  • Exhibitions showcasing product and process innovation
  • Networking opportunities to spark collaboration and partnership.

Whether you’re involved in energy, engineering, policy or education, this is your opportunity to engage with the people and ideas driving hydrogen innovation across the country.

Secure your free place today and be part of the conversation shaping the UK’s hydrogen journey.

Gateway to Skills

To ensure local communities can access new jobs and careers, CEME is focused on creating and supporting skills development projects and initiatives, including through our Gateway to Skills programme.

Fuelling the future

The CEME Hydrogen Summit 2022 brought together a community of like-minded people and organisations, all of whom share our commitment to creating a fully functioning hydrogen ecosystem for the whole of the UK.