The Federation of Environmental Trade Associations (FETA) is doing its bit for the economy by learning, influencing and innovating to exploit market opportunities in the green economy, according to FETA chairman Geoff Lockwood.
Speaking at the annual FETA lunch in London, Mr Lockwood, who is also president of the Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning Manufacturers Association, said the UK economy remained 4 per cent below that of 2008 and that comparisons were being made between the current situation and that of the 1929 great depression.

'But,' he added, 'in that recession, the economy recovered within four years. The Bank of England and IMF consider it will be another two years until the UK economy is back to the 2008 level.

'Even that is uncertain, with this recession there is a lot of Government debt around the world, with many countries' debt forecast to grow beyond 100 per cent of income. This historically has shown to hold back growth.'

Mr Lockwood asked whether the industry should wait for the Government to come up with an industrial policy or do something itself.

He added that FETA member already did something: 'FETA members invest and innovate in new products and service. They not only exploit the opportunities in the Green Economy but also reduce their impact on the environment. You employ people and pay taxes and a lot of you run apprentice scheme ensuring the future of your industry.

'You did this long before this Government published the document - enabling the transition to a green economy.

'You go one step further, and invest in your market through membership of FETA. FETA gives you the vehicle to gather knowledge about the market, and opportunities to influence legislation, and collectively we have innovative ideas to ensure the prosperity of our industry.'

He concluded: 'You do more than something - you are doing your bit to for the economy.'