A new business group is being launched in Swanage to help local companies become more sustainable in the face of rising fuel prices, while reducing their carbon footprint.
The first meeting of the Sustainable Swanage Business Forum will take place from 5 pm on Wednesday 23rd March at the Grand Hotel in Burlington Road in Swanage.
Sustainable Swanage and Swanage Town Council’s business development manager, Culvin Milmer are backing the business forum
More sustainable while saving money
The aim of the event is to provide lots of practical advice on how businesses can future-proof themselves and become more sustainable while saving money.
Backed by Sustainable Swanage, Planet Purbeck and the Swanage Chamber of Trade, there will be a number of speakers during the evening.
Information will focus on opportunities, priorities and potential sources of funding to help local businesses reduce costs and aim towards net zero emissions.
For example, the organisation Low Carbon Dorset offers free technical support and grant funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, like LED lighting and solar panels.
Grant funding helped the local company, Suttles install solar panels
“Fantastic opportunity to network”
Sustainable Swanage project officer, Sarah Spurling said:
“If you are a small business and are thinking about or researching what steps you need to take to become a more sustainable enterprise, then look no further!
“We have a range of helpful speakers and it is a fantastic opportunity to network with other businesses.”
UK Government’s Spring Statement
The launch of the forum is on the same day as the UK Government delivers its Spring Statement. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak will set out his future economic plans at around midday in the House of Commons on Wednesday 23rd March 2022.
While he may be able to offer some help to small businesses across the UK, one of the aims of the forum is for Swanage businesses to work together to become more resilient.
“How to use business as a force for good”
Heidi Florence from Planet Purbeck said:
“The event will be packed full of practical advice and discussions on how to use business as a force for good in our community, whilst saving money and attracting more customers!
“We anticipate the topics of renewable energy and migrating to electric commercial vehicles will be of heightened interest to businesses at this time when increasing energy and fuel costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind.”
