Leaner and greener businesses in Shropshire

Over 70 delegates attended an informative event held at AICO in Oswestry on 30 November.

The Sustainability in Your Business event, hosted by AICO, and organised by the Business Environment Network (TBEN), was supported by the Federation for Small Business, Oswestry BID and the Marches Growth Hub (Shropshire). The event aimed to address the challenges and opportunities businesses have to be greener and more efficient in their operations.

Company logos: Oswestry BID, the Business Environment Network, Federation for Small Business, AICO and Marches Growth Hub (Shropshire).

The event was held at AICO, in Oswestry.

The morning included thought-provoking workshops and round table discussions and delegates left with a toolkit of ideas and pointers to put into practice within their businesses.

Managing Director of Iceland Foods and keynote speaker, Richard Walker OBE delivered an inspirational talk which outlined the social responsibility businesses have and the need to act quickly in the current climate.

Similarly, there were talks from Business Net Zero, Cool Shropshire & Telford and Solar in Shropshire all of which discussed how businesses can change their everyday behaviours in a bid to become more sustainable.

Over refreshments, delegates also shared some best-practice case studies.

Helen O’Connor, Head of Development at Shropshire Wildlife Trust shared: –

“What a great event. A brilliant opening speech from Richard Walker OBE who inspired us all with his just ‘do it right’ approach to sustainable business. There were some really useful closing remarks from Sue Tonks (Federation of Small Businesses) too, advising everyone that we have to start somewhere and reiterating the amazing support that’s available across Shropshire and beyond.”

Phil Pearce, Director Ecological Land Management Ltd attended the event too: –

“This was another really well organised and worthwhile event.  Two new clients and a number of leads to follow up.”

Councillor Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth, regeneration and housing shared: –

“It’s very encouraging to see the Shropshire business community coming together to talk about important issues such as sustainability. Thank you to all those who were involved in making the event a great success, and one where delegates left with real guidance and confidence to make small and big changes in their day-to-day business, which will no doubt help to protect our environment.”

If you’d like to know more about the support available to help you on your sustainability journey, please visit the Business Environment Network or Marches Growth Hub websites.