Building a greener business

Peak District and Staffordshire businesses have the chance to boost their green credentials at a free networking event with a difference on 23 March.

5 Steps to a Better (and Greener) Business takes place in a yurt with wood-burning stove at the RSPB Coombes Valley Nature Reserve, near Leek, and aims to help participants learn and share ideas about using sustainability to enhance their business.

Organiser Faith Johnson, from the Environmental Quality Mark Community Interest Company, said: “We will be looking at what it means to be sustainable and how Environmental Quality Mark companies do this successfully, through quick tips and measures to put in place for easy wins.’’

The Peak District and Staffordshire Environmental Quality Mark schemes are run by the Environmental Quality Mark Community Interest Company on behalf of the Peak District National Park Authority and Staffordshire County Council.

Award holder Cath Lee, from Peak Walking Adventures, said: “EQM encouraged me to think about some aspects of my customer service that I hadn’t previously considered, which was really useful. I also love the fact that the EQM is specific to the Peak District and encourages local businesses to work together, trade with each other, and support each other.”

Benefits of the Environmental Quality Mark award include:
• Official recognition of what you do for the Peak District, its people and environment
• Use of the EQM logo in your marketing, so you stand out from the competition
• Being part of a dynamic network of supportive, like-minded businesses
• Reducing your running costs by saving energy and water and reducing waste
• Learning how others succeed
• Training opportunities
• Extra awards and promotional opportunities

The event, which includes a networking lunch of locally-produced food, is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and The Churnet Valley Living Landscape Partnership and delivered in partnership with East Peak Countryside Associates.
Booking is essential. Reserve your place by emailing info@eqm.org.uk or call Faith Johnson on 07702 452777.