Newark and Sherwood District Council holds sustainability workshop at Hexgreave Hall, Farnsfield

Nearly 30 companies were shown how going green could benefit their business.

They attended a free sustainability in business workshop organised by Newark and Sherwood District Council.

It took place at Hexgreave Hall, Farnsfield, with the aim of providing expert insight into the positive effects sustainability can have on local businesses.

It was led by Will Syme-Nicholson, a partner at Leeds Associates Ltd.

He focused on the benefits available to businesses if they move to a greener approach, including competitive advantage, increased brand recognition and reputation, reduced operational costs and risk reduction.

He also talked through the steps needed to create a sustainable strategy, including assessing current practices, setting achievable goals and putting into practice an action plan to address these.

“As a local business it was a privilege to support Newark and Sherwood District Council with the Sustainability in Business workshop as we drive to make businesses more sustainable and more resilient to the effects of energy fluctuations,” said Will Syme-Nicholson.

“There was fantastic engagement from lots of businesses and we were hopefully able to inspire a change for the better.”

The district council presented what it is doing to support sustainability, including the installation of solar PV and electric vehicle charging points; retrofitting existing housing to improve energy efficiency; developing policies to support wind energy; and a major programme of tree planting and conservation across the district.

The workshop was attended by 28 business leaders across various sectors in the district.

It ended with a live survey, during which businesses provided feedback on what sustainability meant to them. This information will help influence later initiatives and support provided by the council.

Rhona Holloway, portfolio holder, said: “The Sustainability in Business workshop was a great success and provided businesses with key insights and advice into how they can move forward with addressing the issue of sustainability. A huge thank you to our guest speakers and to everyone who attended.”

The next Economic Growth Conference, is to be held on October 12 at Boughton Pumping Station.