Networking for climate change
Hartlepool Council is looking to follow in the steps of the Tees Valley Green Business Network and establish its own corresponding environmental business club.
The aim of the scheme is to bring together Hartlepool-based businesses that have a common interest in the environment or who are looking to take those first steps in the right direction. It will keep members informed and up-to-date on current issues via email bulletins and other communications, encouraging feedback, ideas and shared practice.
At the helm of the plans is the Council's Climate Change Officer, Paul Hurwood. He explains: "The new Hartlepool green business network will complement the Tees Valley equivalent, which is currently seeking new members. "We think that an exclusively Hartlepool scheme will encourage more local businesses to come on board, allowing town-specific issues to be addressed and strong links to be developed. The idea is that the members will then go on to sign up to the Tees Valley Green Business Network."
Paul will be contacting Hartlepool enterprises over the coming months to discuss his plans and he also encourages interested businesses to get in touch with him. His aim is to use the network to raise the profile of green issues and climate change in Hartlepool, which in turn will generate free publicity for the businesses involved.
He added: "It is important for business owners to consider now the potential effects of climate change we have already seen how extreme weather events such as high winds or increased flooding can cause complete chaos.
"Simply starting by reducing waste and installing energy efficient light bulbs would be a great low-cost first step. Not only will you be helping the environment, you will also make financial savings and portray a positive message to your existing and potential customers."
For further information on climate change in Hartlepool and the new business network, Paul Hurwood can be contacted on 01429 284276 or at paul.hurwood@hartlepool.gov.uk.
