Better Business / Better Bristol
Free sustainability programme to be launched for West of England businesses
One of the easiest ways a small business can grow their customer base is to become more environmentally focused. According to a recent report, 84 per cent of consumers say they seek out responsible products whenever possible.
The Planet Mark Start! is running a free sustainability programme, specifically designed for small businesses in the West of England. The scheme will provide guidance on how businesses and start-ups can reduce carbon emissions, cut energy bills and become environmentally sustainable.
Business who complete the programme will receive a formal accreditation.
Following news of the joint Bristol24/7 Building a Sustainable Business workshop on the 30th April, The Planet Mark Start have launched a follow up event to help raise awareness of being an environmentally friendly business. Headlined by the Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Claire Perry MP, this new event will put Bristol on the national stage showing small business is tackling the clean growth challenge.
Also in attendance will be British Corner Shop, a Bristol-based online supermarket who have already received the Planet Mark accreditation. Attendees will take part in a sustainability workshop and then have a chance to network with other local businesses who want to take steps towards sustainability.
“The Planet Mark have provided some invaluable insight into how we can make British Corner Shop a more sustainable and green business.” Alex Cortland from Bristish Corner Shop told us. “We’ve attended some excellent workshops that have really challenged us to look at our environmental footprint, whilst also looking at the bigger picture of how we position our brand going forward.
She went on to explain how they have now started planning for the removal of the final plastic packaging from their order boxes as well as redeveloping a greener office environment for their staff (cycle to work schemes and removal of single-use plastic in the staff rooms) and are working with their couriers to ensure the most eco-friendly modes of transport possible.
Both events will explore the benefits of becoming a sustainable organisation and give practical guidance on how to achieve this.
………………………….
Register to attend Building a Sustainable Business
………………………….
Project Manager Mike Harris argues that sustainable businesses attract more customers
Mike Harris, Project Manager for The Planet Mark Start!, stated that accredited organisations “cut their carbon emissions by 12 per cent per employee.” He argues that building sustainable businesses not only helps combat climate change but also improves the reputation of small companies.
The event at KPMG on Queen Square, Bristol, BS1 4BE starts at 5pm on 16th May, is also free to attend and you can secure your place here.
Read more: Bristol 24/7 and Planet First team up to make their mark on Bristol
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
