25.10.07
Business Link encourages businesses to go green and prosper

A new package of support has been developed by Business Link Devon and Cornwall to help businesses save money by becoming greener.

A new ‘Environment and Efficiency’ section of the website can be found at www.businesslinksw.co.uk and offers practical advice and assessment tools to help companies understand the relevant issues and implement changes which can result in a greener planet and increased bottom line benefits.

The web pages follow on from the success of Business Link Devon and Cornwall’s free information pack, ‘Your Business and the Environment’, which so far has proved to be essential reading for 4,000 businesses in the region who have downloaded it for advice on a range of issues from reducing waste, marketing green credentials, and understanding legal obligations.

Ian Gent, Business Link’s head of communications, commented: “The region’s businesses continue to benefit from the South West Regional Development Agency’s commitment to environmental issues and it is also a priority subject for Business Links across the South West. This new development provides real, practical advice and tips for businesses to help them become more sustainable and efficient.”

He continued: “We are also planning a brand new series of events, advice sessions and workshops which will be supported by specialist environmental business consultants, so employers can get face to face support and expert advice.”

Budock Vean Hotel in Mawnan Smith, near Falmouth, is just one of the local businesses to have developed their environmental approach. After receiving an environmental audit from the Business Link-supported Envision programme, Budock Vean introduced water measures that saved the business £4000 a year. Director of Budock Vean, Martin Barlow said: “Environmental good practice can and should go hand in hand with growing profits. One of the greatest assets of the hotel is its location, nestled on the banks of the beautiful HelfordRiver. We see our role as custodians of this wonderful natural asset and we are committed to its long term sustainability.”

The Envision programme, which offers environmental advice to small and medium sized businesses across the South West is just one of the schemes covered in the free information pack.

Topics covered by the new ‘Environment and Efficiency’ web pages include: the direct business benefits of being green, support and advice available for businesses on environmental issues, how to grow your business through sustainable innovation, and how to prevent your business causing pollution. It also contains interactive tools to help businesses assess their environment compliance and to identify where cost savings can be made.

Businesses can also sign up for email alerts to ensure they remain a step ahead and are fully informed on environmental requirements.

Business services and support can be accessed through www.businesslinksw.co.uk or by calling 0845 600 9006.

For further information please contact Carolyn Daw, The Marketing-PR Company, on 01566 771863/07866 697057 or email cdaw@marketing-pr.co.uk

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in Business Link Devon and Cornwall projects through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).

Editor's notes:

Business Link provides a free information and enquiry service via an information gateway on the web www.businesslinksw.co.uk and via the telephone on 0845 600 9 006 to all businesses and those considering starting a business. Additionally It provides impartial business advice and support through a network of partner organisations, which it co-ordinates, and a register of independent business practitioners. Business Link for Devon and Cornwall Ltd delivers the national Business Link service to the two counties under contract from the South West RDA

Business Link has received Objective One investment (European Regional Development Fund and EAGGF) to help companies improve performance and grow.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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