New UK Business Climate Hub to cut carbon and energy costs
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has launched an online hub to help smaller businesses reduce their energy bills and cut carbon emissions.
The UK Business Climate Hub includes a suite of tools to help firms measure, track and reduce their emissions. It also provides advice on topics such as sourcing products from green suppliers, cutting emissions from logistics, switching to renewable energy, and installing electric vehicle charging points.
Single-Use Plastic Ban
Trading Standards is reminding businesses who supply certain single use plastic items, that a ban comes into force this October and they should start thinking now about alternatives and where to source them from.
The Government has announced a ban on a wide range of plastic items that is expected to come into effect from 1 October 2023 – businesses across England will not be able to supply certain single use plastic items to the end user.
The ban includes the supply of items by businesses from new and existing stock and will cover all types of single-use plastic – including biodegradable, compostable, recycled and items wholly or partly made from plastic, including the coating or lining.
Businesses who continue to supply single use plastic items after the legislation comes into effect could be given a fine.
You can read more about this change and exemptions to it in guidance published by The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA). If you have any questions about what the new rules mean for your business, contact Plastics.Consultation@defra.gov.uk
Somerset Business Awards Launch
Somerset Chamber of Commerce invite you to join them for the official launch of the Somerset Business Awards 2024! If you are a past entrant wishing to network, a business thinking of entering, a sponsor or a judge; come and join us for a glass of fizz at the beautiful Hurds Hill to celebrate the occasion.
This is a great opportunity to find out more about the 2024 Somerset Business Awards.
Somerset and Exmoor Coast Festival
The Somerset and Exmoor Coast Festival website is now live with event listings and accommodation options being added every day.
Is your business event or accommodation listed on the line-up?
Taking place from 23 September to 1 October 2023, the festival already has events from Somerset Art Weeks, Disabled Ramblers, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the Exmoor Society, Somerset Wildlife Trust and local events ranging from cream teas to choir sessions.
There’s also a walking festival with guided walks and an 80 miles in eight days challenge to walk the entire coast of Somerset!
With over twenty accommodation providers already signed up, if your business is not included then you could be missing out.
Energy Efficiency Support for Landlords
The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) has launched a new project, funded by the TDS Charitable Foundation, to help landlords meet their energy efficiency requirements.
The project aims to provide support and advice enabling landlords to comply with the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations.
MEES regulations set a minimum energy efficiency level for domestic private rented properties. Under the current rules properties must meet a rating of at least B and E. The government announced plans to raise the requirements to Band C for new tenancies from 2025, and existing tenancies from 2028.
The CSE project aims to help landlords understand the new regulations and know how to take action to improve their properties, or apply for an exemption.
The pilot is now live and being tested out in Somerset, Bristol and Birmingham until March 2024. If successful the project will be rolled out nationally.
Somerset landlords can access the advice service by calling 0800 1380 810.
‘King’s Award for Enterprise’ – Applications Open
This prestigious government award recognises winning local businesses by giving international recognition for their work.
In the past, Somerset businesses have found that the award has opened doors to new business opportunities, enhanced competitiveness, and attracted potential investors and clients.
The awards are made each year and the application deadline is 12 September 2023.
Previous applicants have found that the application can take around 40 hours to put together. The Somerset Lieutenancy can link you with a mentor who is a previous winner to guide you through the process and give advice. Please email alexander.priest@mindinsomerset.org.uk to access this and other support in making your application.
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