IF YOU CAN'T BEAT IT, SURF IT!
BUSINESSES CANNOT HOLD BACK THE TIDAL WAVE OF CONCERN
FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
24 October, 2003
 Businesses are not, in general, well known for their concern
for environmental and social factors. However, there are now
many that are now trying very hard and can show results that
truly impact positively, and sometimes dramatically, on the bottom
line.
 What is 'sustainable business'? It is about creating
economic prosperity whilst recognising other important factors. 'Sustainability' says
that we can and should seek business prosperity, but we must
not do so at the expense of the environment, of our communities
and future generations.
The momentum surrounding the move to so-called 'sustainable business' is
so great, and is backed by such tough forthcoming legislation, that no business
can afford to ignore it. As you can't beat the tidal wave, you should
surf it. There are huge opportunities for business savings by 'going
sustainable' and there are also very significant opportunities for
companies to get into a market of sustainable products and services.
Hence the intent of a series of seminars, announced by the Institute
of Directors in collaboration with The South East England Development
Agency (SEEDA), is to raise the profile of the need for 'sustainable
business practice' and the business benefits that can come
from it. These two leading business organisations are working
in partnership to deliver a powerful new development programme
to assist regional businesses improve their competitive edge.
Business transformation and business survival are inextricably
linked. This new seminar recognises sustainability as a key driver
for change and the realisation that there has never been a better
time to take advantage of the enormous opportunities that it
presents.
The event will consist of an introduction by Dr Keith Richards,
Managing Director, Thames Valley Energy, on the 'Transformations' Programme.
This will be followed by a keynote address by Graham Tubb MBE,
Head of Sustainable Development, SEEDA. He will look at the relevance
of the three pillars underpinning sustainable development; and
cover triple bottom line accounting, the real commercial benefits
to be realised by adopting a sustainable approach, and a foretaste
of impending legislation and the implications for business. He
will give examples of the brand enhancement and big savings that
can be achieved and case studies will feature energy, recycling,
travel and the supply chain.
Graham Tubb comments: 'I hope this seminar will challenge
some of our long-held assumptions: how we use and manage natural
resources development and how we relate to our environment and
our communities. In the crowded South East the application of
sustainable development principles and ideas can both improve
the quality of life for all who live and work in our region - and
save money. Best practice driven by sustainable development can
bring real commercial benefits.'
The final two sessions will cover 'Business triple bottom line accounting - how
it works and why businesses should act on it and 'The legislative framework' - what
is likely to hit business and how you can gain positive advantage.
The Working Smarter seminars are being held from 4.00pm - 8.00pm
as follows:
- 17 November Hilton Hotel, Cobham
- 25 November Wokefield Park, Reading
- 25 November Oxford Belfry, Milton Common, Near Thame
These seminars are targeted at Directors, Managers, Facilities
Managers, Environmentalists, and all business leaders and regional
policy makers who are looking for new business opportunities,
expansion or diversification but recognise that good business
and sustainability go hand in hand.
The seminars will be interactive, employing the latest developments and delivered
by high quality speakers who are leading authorities with a proven track
record. The seminars are free and each one is strictly limited to 100 places,
they are spread across the region to ensure locations are as accessible as
possible to as wide an audience as possible.
To book or for further information please call the Institute
of Directors hotline on +44 (0)1628 418132 or email iodsimon@aol.com or www.iod.com/southcentral/events
All press enquiries to Judith Diment on +44 (0)1628 672965 or
07860 162313. or email judithdiment@aol.com or
Simon Askins on +44 (0)1628 418132. |
