Steve Goldspink's journey began with a spark—rooted in electrical engineering, where he began as an apprentice. Today, with 23 years of invaluable experience at Siemens, he’s transformed into a seasoned expert. His career path meandered from engineering, through sales and marketing, corporate strategy, general management, and business development. At Siemens, a tech powerhouse with a current focus on aiding sectors in decarbonisation, he plays a pivotal role.

Siemens is leading the technology charge, deploying innovative solutions, and supporting digital transformations that chart the course towards net zero in the North West. Steve's vision is clear - the North West has a rich history of innovation and Siemens is committed to helping this legacy thrive.

Steve told us, "Our focus is on digital transformation and sustainability. It's not a question of 'if,' it's just a matter of 'how soon'—and the sooner, the better for all of us."

Vision for Net Zero North West

Our region has an illustrious legacy of innovation, and Siemens has been a longstanding partner in this journey. Steve's vision is to tap into this potential, harnessing the region's intense industrial competence to lead the sustainability charge. He emphasises that while decarbonisation is vital, we must also ensure a "just transition," creating jobs and prosperity for all throughout the region.

"In addressing climate change, we need to do it in a just way. The longer we leave it, the more it will cost.

Imagine being part of a generation who can look back and know they were a catalyst for positive change,” Steve stated.

Innovations at Siemens

Siemens, with its strong heritage of 176 years, is engineering the future of sustainability. They're answering today's industry and customer challenges with a keen focus on digital transformation.

Recently, Siemens launched ‘Siemens Xcelerator,’ an open digital business platform, created to enable businesses to discover how their own journey to net zero can be accelerated.

Touching on this recent advancement, Steve told us: "Siemens Xcelerator is set to be a game-changer in driving the transition towards a greener society."

Opportunities and Obstacles

The North West presents immense opportunities for driving decarbonisation. This industrially intensive region is teeming with potential for inward investment, job creation, and environmental preservation. Steve notes that electrification will be pivotal in realising a low carbon economy and reflects on some of the positive steps taken so far by the government to decarbonise the power sector.

However, regulatory constraints related to our grid system still need to be addressed to support the ongoing rollout of low carbon technologies.

Additionally, "Decarbonisation isn't just about large industrial companies—it's about helping SMEs embark on their net zero journeys too."

Energy efficiency is another overlooked area, and government attention to this fundamental aspect is crucial for a successful transition to net zero.

"Energy efficiency first should be a key principle. Focusing on the energy we don't use in the first place, it's fundamental."