Business environmental legal obligations

An independent survey by environmental guidance website NetRegs has revealed that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs – businesses employing less than 250 people) awareness of legal obligations is worryingly low, with just 24 per cent able to name a piece of environmental legislation, falling considerably among businesses employing fewer than 10 staff.

With SMEs racking up fines totalling £2.4m for pollution and environmental damage in 2007, the need for guidance on environmental obligations for small businesses has never been greater. According to the Environment Agency’s Spotlight report three quarters of businesses fined over £5,000 for breaching environmental laws in 2007 were SMEs. With the average SME fine topping £14,500, businesses must take action now to find out their environmental responsibilities.

With this in mind, Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale is to host, “How2: Get to grips with environmental legislation” – a two hour event led by an expert from the Environment Agency, with the opportunity for delegates to participate in number of interactive workshops.

Steve Walters, Environmental Management Team Leader at the Environment Agency, says: “This event is an ideal opportunity for businesses to understand their environmental obligations, and receive practical advice from us, the regulator, on taking actions and avoiding prosecution. Small and medium sized businesses do have an impact on the environment, do have environmental responsibilities and need to take action now.”

The event will be held at the Groundwork Environment Centre in Oldham on Wednesday 30th April starting with breakfast rolls at 8:30am and finishing at 11am. Places are available at a cost of £30 (+VAT) for Groundwork Business Environment Association members and £50 (+VAT) for non-members.

For further information or to book your place on the course, please contact Kate Harcus:

Email: kate.harcus@groundwork.org.uk

Tel: 0161 624 1444