Sustainable Business Comes to Basingstoke

10 April 2007

Grove House
10th May 2007

Businesses in Basingstoke are being invited to attend a unique event and hear how becoming a 'sustainable business' can significantly improve their profitability. The free half-day event on Thursday 10th May is supported by Basingstoke and Deane Council and will bring together local businesses and experts in a range of fields to discover how companies taking action on their economic, social and environmental impacts are benefiting as a result.

Sustainability is no longer a sideline issue for businesses. With global warming and climate change regularly appearing in the media, Managers are increasingly aware that to remain strong in the future they need to be able to respond to the challenges of a changing climate, and the opportunities as well as the threats it represents. Businesses are finding that by reviewing the way they use energy and water, looking at how they train their staff, accommodating the requirements of their customers and reducing waste they can give themselves that all-important competitive edge.

The event is being organised by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainable Business Partnership (SBP), which offers free support and expertise to businesses seeking to become more sustainable. Stephen Duncan, SBP Manager, said:

"Businesses are often very aware of the issues we are facing, but do not always appreciate the opportunities and the range and value of support available to them. Sustainability makes sound business sense for businesses of all shapes and sizes - it is a misconception that these issues only apply to large organisations. This event will break down the barriers, and arm businesses in Basingstoke with the knowledge and resources to start acting, and gaining, as a result."

The event - which will be held at Grove House, Chineham Court, Basingstoke - is open to all businesses in the Basingstoke area. Those interested in attending can contact the Sustainable Business Partnership directly on 01962 845243.

Speakers will include Charles Burt of the Olive Consultancy, Anna Frizzell, Sustainable Business Advisor, Business Link Hampshire and Isle of Wight and Timi Van Houten from Greenhouse Graphics.

Sustainable Business Awards

Many local Basingstoke businesses have already shown examples of best practice in sustainable business. Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services and Basingstoke based Valueform Ltd, along with Bramley based Greenhouse Graphics have been short-listed for this year's Sustainable Business Awards. The winners of this hard-fought competition will be announced at an exciting presentation ceremony on Wednesday 23 May at the Botley Park Hotel near Southampton.

The Sustainable Business Partnership (SBP) is an informal partnership of representatives from businesses and support organisations across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Its mission is to motivate all businesses in the area to adopt sustainable business practices. It aims to do this both by promoting sustainability to businesses, and by acting as a source of information, advice and contacts for businesses actively seeking to become more sustainable. SBP partners include Hampshire County Council, the Environment Agency, Business Link Wessex, the Environment Centre (Southampton) and over 160 businesses, support organisations and consultancies across the county.

A list of all of the short-listed businesses and further information can be found on the awards page of the SBP website.

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