EcoPledge launches at Sutton business fair
10 June 2019
Businesses can improve their bottom line and become a more attractive employer by adopting environmentally-friendly practices, delegates at a business expo have been told.
Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce president Katie Hale was speaking at the launch of her EcoPledge, which encourages firms to make small changes to their operations in order to improve sustainability.
The pledge launched at the Sutton Chamber’s Royal Business Fair and Mrs Hale told businesses that by adopting small changes they can not only make a difference to the environment but also their profitability.
Speaking at the Ramada Hotel, she said: “EcoPledge is about making small changes to make a big difference.
“As well as doing our bit for the environment, it is about helping your business’ bottom line and making yourself a more attractive employer.
“Waste, pollution and plastic use have been dominating the headlines and ‘single-use’ was named Word of the Year in 2018.
“EcoPledge is our way of helping companies of all sizes and from all sectors realise that small changes really can make a huge difference.”
The launch of the initiative featured presentations from International Synergies - who highlighted their work to “match-make” businesses for the exchange of information on waste, resources and cost-effective practices – and Suez who help companies optimise their waste.
The Sutton Coldfield-based Arthur Terry Learning Partnership is among the EcoPledge’s first supporters – and pupils from three of the trust’s schools were on hand to discuss some of their environmental projects.
Following the launch, a number of businesses made their pledges which were documented on a chart by creative and digital agency PLOTT Creative.
The Royal Business Fair, sponsored by IM Properties and Sutton Coldfield BID, attracted 40 exhibitors and around 400 delegates.
Businesses had the opportunity to hear from IM Properties’ planning director David Smith about plans for the Peddimore development.
IM Properties is Birmingham City Council’s development partner for the 175-acre site in Minworth, near Sutton Coldfield, which is set to create around 6,500 jobs.
For more information on the EcoPledge contact the head of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber, Chris Brewerton, on c.brewerton@birmingham-chamber.com
Pictured: President Katie Hale with Arthur Terry pupils who are supporting the EcoPledge
