50 Businesses And Enterprises At Sustainable Network Launch

Published on: 23 Sep, 2022
Updated on: 23 Sep, 2022

Around 50 owners, managers and entrepreneurs from local businesses and enterprises attended the launch of Guildford’s Sustainable Business Network (SBN) on September 14 at Zero Carbon Guildford to hear how they could work together to lower their environmental impact.

The Sustainable Business Network was launched on September 14 to a “sell out” audience of around 50 local businesses and enterprises.

A spokesperson for the network said it was a “sell out” as small to medium businesses in the town listened to the plans for “events, courses, and resources over the coming months to help each of them achieve greater sustainability in their organisations”.

Ben McCallan, chair of Zero Carbon Guildford who is partnering with the University of Surrey on the SBN, said: “The common thread here was a genuine desire to factor sustainability into their businesses, and a serious appetite to learn how to build resilience on a changing planet.

“With this enthusiasm, we’ve got a great chance to collaboratively reduce the 25% off Guildford’s emissions that come from business. This can be a key part in tackling the health, social, and economic crises linked to accelerating climate change.’’

The speakers at the event were Fiona Ball, head of the Sky Climate Action Leadership Team; Dr Stelvia Matos, head of the Centre for Social Innovation Management at University of Surrey; and Hannah Keartland, an outsourced chief impact officer who helps businesses create sustainability plans.

They introduced the research behind making businesses sustainable and the practical process by which it happens.

The SBN courses, networking groups and resources will be offered to businesses over the next year on a pick and mix basis.

The SBN spokesperson said: “Each business can select the blend appropriate to their needs.”

The next event at Zero takes place on October 17 when Lauren Wiseman, author of World Wildlife Fund’s Sustainable Office Guide, will help attendees figure out how to navigate their own sustainability journeys.

Ben Mc Callan said: “You can find out more about the SBN online here and book for the events coming up.”