Creating an Environmental Business Network Herefordshire Council. Ben Boswell Claire Bennett

Transcription

1 Creating an Environmental Business Network Herefordshire Council Ben Boswell Claire Bennett

2 Aims Improved environmental performance of businesses in county. 40% county carbon emissions from businesses Helping businesses to cut costs. Support to businesses County of small businesses with 90% workforce employed in company of less than 20 people Herefordshire has the lowest wages in England at 140 a week below the average No other networks of this nature in county. (metnet is sector specific)

3 Carbon Emissions by Source in Herefordshire

4 Research Other networks BESST attending meetings and received mentoring Solihull attended meetings metnet member organisation, sector specific SBEN aware of Business demographics in Herefordshire Micro and SMEs Main sectors Agriculture/Horticulture, food & drink, hospitality/tourism, manufacturing. Support from council Economic Development Team

5 Business Sectors in Herefordshire

6 Understanding Business Drivers - What do they Want? Focus on cost savings. Not council centric business led. BESST very successful at engaging SMEs. Timings breakfast meetings work well for BESST. Time is a factor short snappy meetings with prompt start.

7 Trial Run Advice from BESST on timings breakfast meeting, not August, not Monday or Friday. Find speakers 2 case studies on different topics. Approached businesses who have supported events before. Invited guest speaker from BESST to inspire and explain what we were hoping to achieve. Short workshop on ideas for developing the network.

8 Making the First Event Interesting Free breakfast. Central location with parking. Short punchy event. Explained what the network was all about. Case studies from SMEs. Focus on cost savings keeping it relevant. Obtained feedback - essential for planning next event.

9 Promoting the First Event ed companies suggested by our Economic Development Team. Advertised on Eventbrite. Tweeted from our team account. Invited personal contacts. Agenda on council website.

10 Setting up the Steering Group Invited attendees from first meeting to be part of the steering group. Put together terms of reference, roles and responsibilities help from BESST. Elected Chairs 2 came forward & suggested that they chair jointly. metnet supported

11 Joint Chair Jimmy Swan Jimmy Swan of Wye Valley Brewery Jimmy is a qualified and experienced brewer with over 20 years experience in the industry. A new brew house in the brewery has seen significant carbon reductions and Jimmy is passionate about keeping the local flavour to the business. Jimmy says The Forum provides an exciting opportunity for businesses to swap practical ideas and share best practice to enhance efficiency and thereby benefit both the bottom line and the planet.

12 Joint Chair Gareth Williams Gareth Williams of Caplor Energy A farmer all his life, Gareth has a deep routed concern for the environment which has been recognised through several awards. Gareth has introduced a range of renewable energy initiates at his farm which has led to the development of Caplor Energy. Gareth says The opportunity to improve business profitability through improved efficiency and the adoption of a more sustainable approach is vast and inspiring Business futures Forum will help us see how Good business really is good for business

13 Developing Programme Feedback essential for discovering what members want. Steering group led. Focus on case studies. Low cost get businesses to host. Venue well known, easy to find, parking. Catering. Timings first thing, or last thing.

14 Developing a Brand Named by steering group, not council. Decision by Chairs as to what appeals to businesses. Logo self designed. LinkedIn based on BESST model. Moderated by Steering Group. Website currently use council website to keep low cost.

15 Formal Launch Event Held at business premises local brewery. Incorporated tour of brewery. Food and drink. Networking opportunities before and after. Media & press release. Two tier invites save the date first, then selected businesses for formal invite. Obtained feedback for planning next event.

16 Pictures of Launch Event

17 What Went Well Business premises Tour particularly a brewery. Free food & drink. Timing in this case 5pm. Short snappy meeting but also time for networking for those who want it. Case studies from different sectors and sizes of company. Attendance from MP, local Councillors and Chamber of Commerce

18 Lessons Learnt Prompt start & keep to time. Allow time afterwards for chat and questions. Catering not everyone wants to eat, so don t over cater. Have a good camera for taking photos don t rely on press/communications team. Promotions best through personal contacts. Get feedback & act on it.

19 What Would we do Differently? Invite address to specific companies. Have a clear agenda/ theme & publicise it. Get businesses in steering group to do some of the inviting coming from them, not the council. Developing newsletter to keep up interest between meetings.

20 Questions Thank you for listening. Any questions? Contact us