Develop and implement a sustainable business programme with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund that connects local buyers and supplies through events and workshops.
BU2Develop a Sustainable Business Programme
Progress
On time
- Discussion
- Not started
- Initial scoping
- Planning stage
- Underway
- Completed
Description
The programme aims to transform businesses' approach to sustainability and give tangible steps to reduce their carbon footprint, now and for the future. Other benefits including reducing costs through energy and waste savings and improving productivity through efficient practices.
Tasks
What are we doing?
- 30/11/2024
Small Business Sustainability Support
What has been done?
- 25/06/2024
Stevenage Meet the Buyer
In person event at Knebworth Barns for local businesses to support wider sustainable goals. Event aims to support would be suppliers to engage and forge long term relationships as part of ongoing Sustainability Business Support programme. Attendees provided first hand knowledge of forthcoming tender opportunities, requirements as well insights into specialist support programmes and initiatives.
The event provided an overview of the regeneration and wider development opportunities, alongside an overview of the retrofitting opportunity for local businesses and trades and secure new contracts and ensure homes across the county become greener. The event also included an overview of the new Procurement Act 2023 which supports and encourages more SMEs and smaller businesses the ability to access public sector tender opportunities.
- 20/11/2023
Phase 2: 1 Day Intensive Workshop for Medium sized businesses
Participating organisations received practical advice and information to help lower their carbon use and build sustainable practices into their day-to-day activities. Businesses benefitted from:
- Gaining an understanding of what Sustainability is for your organisation
- Exploring practical ways to work towards Carbon Zero
- Accessing information, tools & resources designed for them to plan and measure progress
- Help to communicate achievements and future plans, both internally and externally
- Receiving guidance from sustainability experts
- Networking opportunities on the day
- Receiving guides and workbooks to take away
- Gaining Sustainable X Sustainability CPD Certificate on completion
The programme aimed to transform their approach to sustainability and give tangible steps to reduce their carbon footprint, now and for the future. Other benefits including reducing costs through energy and waste savings and improving productivity through efficient practices.
- 23/09/2023
Phase 1: Meet the Buyer Event (MTB)
In-person half-day event held at the Business and Technology Centre in Stevenage where Sustainable X gave a presentation on corporate sustainability, and local buyers and suppliers had the opportunity to network with each other.
Summary and contacts
Timeline
01/08/2023 →
Responsible organisations
Portfolio Holder
Strategic Themes
Engagement type
Information updated 02/07/2024
121 support for businesses to become more sustainable, including become more competitive, saving money, attracting customers and retaining and attracting new staff. The support will include individual guidance to align business sustainability practices with business goals. The programme also includes practical support with developing action plans to minimise carbon footprint and maximise operational efficiency. Businesses will receive bespoke consultancy for up to 2 hours, as well as a sustainability audit to highlight potential opportunities, access to template policies, guides and tools, as well as support with analysing their carbon footprint and a reduction plan.