The UK's cleantech industry trade association, ecoConnect has formally launched a partnership with the Global Cleantech Cluster Association (GCCA) that it is hoped will boost the UK's role in developing and commercialising new low carbon technologies.

The scheme will create a business centre hub for cleantech companies in London and acting as an incubator will help bring their products to market through the new global partnership which includes input from UKTI and the US based Sustainable World Capital venture capital fund.

Addressing delegates at the launch event, UKTI's James Graham, said, 'We had a great example of a global business, the Global Electric Vehicle Company which is now sourcing battery solutions from technology providers all around the world, and the GCCA provides a channel through which companies can reach out all around the globe to assist them to move much more quickly to provide much more sustainable and profitable solutions.'

Speaking at the launch, London mayoral candidate Ken Livingstone said, 'Bringing in the feed in tariff was the right thing for government to do, to spark a growth in micro renewables, but messing around with it threatens to destroy investor confidence.' He continued, 'We need to look at lower emission cars and electric vehicles, we should support the roll out of clean technologies.'

Chief Executive of ecoConnect, Robert Hokin stated that global connections were mission-critical in helping UK cleantech to translate it's business offerings into profits and jobs, saying, "We're now partnering with international players to help our cleantech membership grow their companies faster. We believe that the GCCA network will help us leverage global connections and opportunities for UK cleantech. So this is an important relationship for us. Our initial priority is ensuring that our members and other UK business hubs, clusters and incubators connect into this initiative effectively.'

The current London Mayor also added his support to the initiative, saying, "I am pleased to lend my support to ecoConnect. It is vital that we accelerate the uptake of cleantech solutions to help us better manage energy demand and cut carbon emissions. This will help us deliver my vision of a thriving low carbon economy which is stimulating green collar jobs and lessening our reliance on fossil fuels. I welcome the impetus ecoConnect is providing."