ENWORKS promises instant paybacks for resource savvy businesses

Only 20% of businesses in the Northwest are thinking about improvements in environmental performance according to ENWORKS’ Programme Director, Todd Holden.

Which means if you are one of those companies tackling the issues head on you already have a competitive advantage.

ENWORKS is partnership programme made up of a variety of support organisations such as NWUA, the Environment agency, NWDA and Envirolink.

It is working towards improving resource efficiency in key sectors with funding of £10million allocated from October 2009 to December 2012.

So far the organisation has created £25million cost savings from £15million spent in the region. Holden said: “It’s not about spending large amounts of money with long-term pay backs. The rewards are instant.

Holden is adamant there are massive savings for business in sustainability with on and off site support, training, development teams and process on hand to help.

He told delegates at MAS’ Sustainability conference that there is more support for eco-savvy businesses in the Northwest than in anywhere else in the UK.

"This is a massive opportunity and a threat to your competitors,” Implores Holden, confident ENWORKS will exceed the £60million target set in place from NWDA. “China’s strength will grow and that will drive prices up. We will se an explosion in the future. Peak oil and material scarcity means that the future will be dictated less by market pressures and more at political pressures."

Who does ENWORKS help?

The sector and size of businesses wanting support is not important. However, the type of support needed will vary dependent on whether it is small, medium and large. "We won’t walk in and tell you the time and leave," assured Holden. "If you join today we can support you until 2013."

ENWORKS isn’t just about awareness he added: "It is about the providing the tools and resources to enable action. There’s full coverage and it's very local and specific to each company needs. Those who benefit will find both environmental and profitable rewards."

The type of help businesses get is how to evaluate their environmental risk, how to access new markets and improve the supply chain.

The idea to clean design, process efficiency and maximise residual waste streams, especially in food and drink, chemicals, automative and textiles.

"You can go direct or through Business Link. Once we are involved you will get an overview and offer a shopping list of opportunity then work alongside you when you do it," said Holden. This involves technical support for stock management and advice about regulation.

The rewards of being more environmentally efficient are not long-term, but instant. He concluded: "It’s a really fantastic offer available to you. Improve the environmental risk and save money."