Our businesses are helping secure the UK's position in this global market, and within the region.

The Environmental Technologies industry is strong, well established and diverse. Employing 14,000 people in 500 companies, they generating sales of over £2 billion and are determined to play major roles in emerging domestic markets worth an estimated £18 billion by 2010.

• Over 457 companies operate in the environmental industry within Yorkshire and Humber, with over 70% having their head office in the region.
• The largest sub-sectors are waste management, followed by environmental consultancy, followed by water and wastewater treatment.
• Yorkshire and Humber's environmental technologies industry is a growing industry, with a strong consultancy base, generating sales of some £2 billion.
• The region is home to the world's largest industrial gas producers.
• Nine universities researching hydrogen and fuel cell development, catalysis and materials.
• The Centre for Process Innovation and Fuel Cell Application is in the region.
• The region has many R&D tax credits available for this companies in this industry.
• The region offers a number of architects and designers, involved in both reed bed technology and water-based aerobic and anaerobic systems that make use of naturally occurring algae and bacteria.
• The biodiesel plant at Immingham (opening 2007), will present further opportunities for the alternative fuels market.
• Based in the region, one of the largest glass recycler's in the country have recently invested in state of the art technology to improve glass separation.
• The region boasts many long-established businesses, over 64% of the companies are over 10 years old.
• Just under 20% of output is exported, accounting for around £325m. Exports are dominated by a handful of companies in water and waste water.
• The evolving legal and policy framework is the greatest driver for growth and provides the most opportunities for business expansion.
• Within the region, there are strong relationships between the research institutes and environmental businesses.