Making environmental improvements can save your company money, improve your efficiency and help your business become more competitive. A number of agencies can assist your business with environmental business support, some of which are listed here.
The Environmental Technology Centre (External website**) is operated by the University of Nottingham with funding from European Regional Development Funding, ETC was founded in 2000 specifically to help small and medium sized businesses to make improvements through the adoption of more efficient use of resources, environmentally friendly working practises and the use of cleaner and more sustainable technologies. Help can consist of free consultancy, an environmental assessment, knowledge and technology transfer and a review or help with your web presence. A maximum of 5 days help is available to those companies who qualify with no strings attached! Each business is looked at on an individual basis and a solution tailored to meet requirements.
40 free places are available before December 2010 to assist small and medium sized enterprises in the High Peak.
For further information email the-etc@nottingham.ac.uk or call 0115 8466096.
A new guide for small businesses explains how to measure your greenhouse gas emissions and how to identify ways to reduce them is available below. Further information is available on the DEFRA website (External website**).
EMDA has launched the fieldwork phase of a project to identify businesses in the Low Carbon Environmental Goods and Services Sector (LCEGS). Building a database of LCEGS businesses will help emda gain a detailed understanding of the environmental businesses in the region, and how these operate and can be supported to grow and develop.
If you would like to volunteer your business for inclusion in the database, please contact Emma Buckman on 0845 6445425 or email emma.buckman@ekosgen.co.uk.
Business Link East Midlands provides an impartial advice and information service to assist businesses in the High Peak. For further information, contact them on 0845 058 6644.
Resouce Efficiency Funding for your business (External website**) - Business Link has recently introduced a resource efficiency diagnostic service to identify areas where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can improve their resource efficiency. Contact their specially trained team to find out more on 0845 058 6644.
Carbon Trust (External website**) helps businesses to cut carbon emissions and capture the commercial potential of low carbon technologies. For further information, contact the Carbon Trust on 0800 085 2005.
The East Midlands business resource efficiency network provides a single gateway for businesses to access environmental information, support and advice. The website has a directory of quality assured providers of assistance, many of whom have access to funding, which enable them to provide their services free or at a subsidised rate. For more information, contact embren on 0845 600 9006.
Envirowise (External website**): A Government funded programme, which offers UK businesses free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental impact. For further information, contact Envirowise on 0800 585 794.
The National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (External website**) is a free programme to help companies save money and increase sales by making more efficient use of their resources and waste streams. It can put businesses in touch with organisations that can reuse or recycle their waste streams and help them find sources of recycled and reusable materials. For further information, telephone NISP on 0115 907 7169.
Netregs (External website**) is run by the Environment Agency, to provide free environmental guidance for small and medium sized businesses on compliance with environmental policy. For further information, telephone NetRegs on 08708 506 506.
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (External website**) offers a business development service, working in partnership to encourage and enable businesses and consumers to be more efficient in their use of materials and recycle more things more often, and matches businesses with potential funders. WRAP is also working towards creating markets for three new recycled materials - tyres, plasterboard and batteries. For further information, telephone WRAP on 0808 100 2040.
Live & Work Rural (external website**) - Open to anyone in High Peak including those in Buxton and Glossop. This project supports people to develop ideas for business and helps existing businesses explore ways in which they can 'green' their work. Ideas could range from home-based business, social enterprises, to early stages in traditional sectors. Some small grants available.
Tel: 01629 816338; e-mail: liveandworkrural@peakdistrict.gov.uk
Forestry Skills East Midlands will provide grant aid and courses for forestry and woodland management training for farmers, foresters and landowners. Includes technical courses (e.g. machinery, woodfuel production) and business management (e.g. marketing woodland products). Contact Carrick Armer on 01765 609355 or carrick.armer@ruraldevelopment.org.uk for more information.
East Midlands Carbon Positive Awards (external website**) recognises businesses, organisations and communities taking a proactive and innovative low carbon approach to their operations.
Entries into one or more of the following categories are now being accepted under the 2010 round:
Winners will benefit from the opportunity to make customers, clients, suppliers and employees aware of the positive impact they have on the environment.
Businesses and organisations across all sectors that are actively pursuing and promoting a low carbon, sustainable approach are eligible to enter.
Winners will be announced during the week commencing 3 May 2010 and presented with their awards at the East Midlands Annual Awards for Excellence Event in June 2010.
The deadline for receipt of applications was 18 February 2010.
**Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.