South West Companies Urged to Seize Environmental Opportunity As Economic Uncertainty Looms

With 2008 starting out on an uncertain economic footing, embracing resource efficiency could help local firms to mitigate the impact of market pressures on their bottom line, says Envirowise. Envirowise is represented throughout Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the English regions. They work closely with regional bodies, business support organisations and other important initiatives in your area. Find out more about the environmental agency activities taking place in your area.

Oxford, UK (Issues Wire / PRWEB) February 21, 2008 -- With 2008 starting out on an uncertain economic footing, embracing resource efficiency could help local firms to mitigate the impact of market pressures on their bottom line, says Envirowise.

It is all about local firms meeting the current economic challenges head-on and, as the President of the European Commission called for this month, seeing the environment as a real business opportunity -- rather than an unwelcome diversion.

Envirowise is represented throughout Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the English regions. We work closely with regional bodies, business support organisations and other important initiatives in your area. Find out more about the environmental agency activities taking place in your area.

This message comes as the manufacturing and service sectors face even greater pressure to increase prices than at any point in the past. (1) And with continued concern over the effects of recent stock market falls, South West companies could understandably be feeling the squeeze.

Yet by taking a more environmentally efficient approach to managing their resources, local firms could relieve some of this pressure and actually save themselves money.

For more information about this and to read all the latest environmental publications visit our website or call free-phone on: 0800 585794.

Paul Gilbert, Envirowise Regional Manager for the South West, commented: "Our region's companies will be acutely aware of the recent business headlines that appear to signal a difficult year ahead economically.

"But by banishing wasteful practices now, companies can put themselves in a strong position -- one that could potentially mean not having to pass on price rises to suppliers. In turn, this could have the added benefit of safeguarding valuable business relationships."

Companies should consider how they can cut levels of waste associated with every stage of their business activity -- for instance:

• Manufacturers should look at how to reduce raw material usage, both on products and on packaging
• Pass on the sustainability message to your suppliers, and work with them to minimise waste throughout the complete supply chain
• Keep communicating with your staff to ensure they are fully bought into your actions
• Look for the quick wins -- from encouraging employees to only print when absolutely necessary, reusing stationery rather than ordering in new stock, to fixing simple water leaks

Paul continued: "It is all about local firms meeting the current economic challenges head-on and, as the President of the European Commission called for this month, seeing the environment as a real business opportunity -- rather than an unwelcome diversion."

Envirowise provides a range of free advice to businesses, from hands-on guidance on optimising design to advice on implementing practical resource efficiency and waste saving measures. For further information call the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585 794 or visit envirowise.gov.uk/southwest.

(1) British Chambers of Commerce, Q4 2007 Quarterly Economic Survey

Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Trimedia

For more information, contact: Peter Stilwell, Rachael Kilburn or Rod Dennis on 0117 929 2311 / peter.stilwell @ trimediauk.com

Notes to Editors

Envirowise is a Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of UK business practice.

Since 1994 Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1 billion by enabling them to significantly reduce their environmental impact.

Envirowise offers businesses of all sizes and sectors a wide range of free, independent and practical advice designed to genuinely improve their processes, profitability and competitiveness. Services include:

• tAdvice Line on 0800 585794
• tAn encyclopaedic website of valuable and relevant information envirowise.gov.uk
• tOn-site visits conducted by a nationwide team of expert advisors
• tOver 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions
• tA nationwide network of Resource Efficiency Clubs offering peer-to-peer support.

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