Guildford’s Sustainable Business Network Launch Achieves Capacity Crowd

[Jane Tyson]

It was standing room only at the official launch of Guildford’s Sustainable Business Network, which took place on Wednesday 14th September 2022. 

Owners, managers and entrepreneurs from Surrey’s small business community gathered to hear how the network will roll out a selection of events, courses, and resources over the coming months to help each of them achieve greater sustainability in their organisations.

The Guildford Sustainable Business Network (SBN) is a collaborative venture between Zero Carbon Guildford and the University of Surrey's Research & Innovation department.

Ben McCallan of the Sustainable Business Network and Chair of Zero Carbon Guildford, said, “It was exciting and encouraging to see so many local small businesses represented today. The common thread between them was a genuine desire to factor sustainability into their businesses, and a serious appetite to learn how to build resilience on a changing planet. I think from the enthusiasm shown so far we’ve got a great chance to collaboratively reduce the 25% off Guildford’s emissions that come from business, and 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 the University of Surrey and Hannah Keartland, an Outsourced Chief Impact Officer who helps businesses create sustainability plans.

Between them they introduced the research behind making businesses sustainable, and the practical process by which it happens. 

Over the next 12 months, the Sustainable Business Network will host a variety of events, run a number of courses, nurture networking groups and share valuable resources. This year-long portfolio of initiatives will be offered on a ‘pick and mix’ basis, so each small business can select the blend appropriate to their needs. 

The next event at Zero takes place on 17 October when Lauren Wiseman, author of WWF's Sustainable Office Guide, helps attendees figure out how to navigate their own sustainability journeys.

To find out more about the SBN visit https://www.zerocarbonguildford.org/sustainable-business-network

To book your place at the next event click here https://www.zerocarbonguildford.org/event-details/sustainable-busin...