How can we help SMEs go low carbon?

Tuesday, 9 March 2010 6:00pm

HSBC Tower, 6th Floor, 8 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HQ

We are delighted to welcome you to an in depth discussion to identify solutions and work out how to overcome one of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing business today – how SMEs can go low carbon.

At this event we will be launching Running a Successful Business in the Low Carbon Economy: A Practical Guide. This Guide forms part of the Government’s Low Carbon Industrial Strategy.

Confirmed speakers include:

* Richard Gillies Director of Plan A & Sustainable Business, Marks & Spencer * Jane Ollis Head of Sustainable Business, Business Link * Paul O’ Donnell CEO, Ogilvy Group UK * And a senior representative from HSBC (tbc).

The event will be chaired by Tony Manwaring, Chief Executive, Tomorrow’s Company – with time for discussion with the audience facilitated by Grahame Broadbelt. Neil Walmsley will introduce the Guide, summarising its contents and structure.

SMEs make up our economy – they are a huge source of jobs and innovation, and vital to our communities. But when we talk about the low carbon economy of the future, it’s large businesses that often lead the way.

The case for ‘running a successful business in the low carbon economy – in terms of savings, less waste as well as reducing carbon – applies just as much to SMEs, arguably even more so. Large business can play a significant role in helping smaller, supply chain companies to become low carbon.

The challenge is recognising and overcoming various barriers to create the commitment and drive action – we will be discussing this and drawing on practical examples from leading businesses to set out what can be done.

To support practical action, we will be launching Running a Successful Business in the Low-Carbon Economy: A Practical Guide, an easy-to-use and comprehensive resource for small to medium sized businesses seeking to become low-carbon and resource efficient. The guide was created in partnership with HSBC, Ogilvy Earth, the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and with the support of Halcrow, Marks & Spencer and the Carbon Trust.

For more information contact Caroline