News: More businesses back Dearne Valley eco-vision

More businesses have pledged their support for the Dearne Valley eco-vision following a recent breakfast workshop at Manvers Boat Club.

The event was a chance for businesses to have their say on creating a low carbon future for the area, and find out how they could benefit.

John Healey, local MP for the Dearne Valley, gave the opening address and said: "Huge changes have taken place in the Dearne Valley since the closure of the pits but we need to change further for the future, and forge a new sense of identity.

"The Dearne Valley has the potential to play a significant role in the economy of the region and grow as the green heart of South Yorkshire.

"We want businesses to let us know how they can play a bigger role in these improvements, and influence and challenge the development and delivery of the eco-vision.

"I know time and resources are tight but it is a great opportunity to become more innovative – whether through developing new services or products or saving money through improving energy and resource efficiency."

The Dearne Valley eco-vision project aims to transform the former coal mining area into an exemplar of best practice in low carbon living and green technologies. The eco-vision offers great potential for businesses in helping them to "green" their business operations, find solutions to the problems of climate change and develop leading environmental technologies.

Joanne Wehrle, Dearne Valley eco-vision project manager, said: "We received a lot of positive feedback from the event and a number of organisations expressed interest in getting more involved with the eco-vision.

"Businesses also appreciated the opportunity to receive an update on the progress of the eco-vision and hear about our plans for the future."

Dearne Valley eco-vision website

Images: John Healey

Read more...

News: Breakfast event for Dearne Valley businesses

A free business breakfast is being organised by the Dearne Valley Business Forum to help local companies identify how they can save money by improving their energy efficiency and environmental management.

John Healey, local MP for Wentworth and Dearne and former Housing Minister, will be the keynote speaker at next month's event, outlining his aspirations for the future of the area.

Businesses will also hear about the ambitious and exciting plans for the Dearne Valley as part of the emerging Eco-Vision, and the opportunities for businesses to become involved. The vision aims to transform the Dearne Valley into the lowest carbon community of its type in the UK by applying innovative and pioneering solutions to address climate change.

A host of organisations will also be on hand at the event to offer information and advice about free support and grants available to help businesses improve their green credentials. This could result in savings of time and money for their organisation; support compliance with upcoming legal and tax issues; help with accessing new green suppliers and winning new customers, as well as a reduction in carbon emissions.

The organisations will include Business Link, CO2 Sense, the Carbon Trust, Barnsley and Doncaster Chambers of Commerce, South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive, local environmental trust Groundwork, Dearne Valley College and the local authority business development teams.

For those businesses looking to relocate in the Dearne, property agents will be on hand to provide information about local sites and premises in the area which may be suitable.

The event, on Friday June 25, will be held at the Park Inn Hotel, Manvers, and will run from 8am -10am.

Dearne Valley Business Forum website

Read more...