General
Published: October 22, 2023 | Updated: 22nd October 2023
A free conference and exhibition in Basingstoke is being held with the aim of helping firms champion greater sustainability and green values.
The Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with Destination Basingstoke to stage ‘Unlocking Hampshire’s Green Potential’, which will be held at Basingstoke’s Apollo Hotel on Wednesday 8th November.
It is open to businesses of all sizes and from any sector.
Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chairman, said: “As our region’s voice of business, we play a pivotal role in bringing decision makers together to share insights and learn from each other.
“How best to take practical and achievable steps towards greater sustainability is at the forefront of thinking for many businesses.
“This showcase event will provide an ideal opportunity to collectively unlock the power of this green potential and make positive change in our shared world.
“It is open to all. We welcome entrepreneurs just starting out, alongside aspirational SMEs and larger enterprises looking to make big changes in support of people and planet.”
The event, which is the latest in a series of Hampshire Chamber initiatives under the title ‘Unlocking Hampshire’s Potential’, will feature expert advice on accessing green finance under ESG goals as well as first-hand insight from innovators who have already built green investments into their operations.
Interest in a dedicated event on sustainability has come from members of the Chamber’s PEER network, an employers’ networking community focused around ‘participation, engagement, expertise and reputation’.
The event’s opening keynote address will be given by Dr. Wendy Buckley, Director and Co-founder of Carbon Footprint Ltd and Chair of the Sustainability Business Network.
Led by headline sponsor the Enterprise M3 Growth Hub, other presentations will be given by representatives of companies including Lavazza Professional, Yellow Interiors, Nason Associates and The Typeface Group.
Elly Rowley, Regional Ecosystem Manager for South West & South Central at fellow headline sponsor NatWest, will host an expert panel discussion on the variety of funding available for green projects.
Elly said: “Forward-thinking businesses are the key to our future prosperity, our future employers and creators of inclusive growth and regional equality.
“There has never been a more important time for the UK economy to support ambitious, fast-growing businesses with their innovative solutions to drive positive change.
“As the leading UK bank for SMEs, we have an important role to play in supporting these businesses and entrepreneurs but we can’t do it alone.
“Events like Unlocking Hampshire’s Green Potential act as a catalyst, convening people and sharing opportunities for businesses to explore funding to grow sustainably.”
Jonathan Pender, Chair of Destination Basingstoke, said: “Helping local businesses to be more green by accessing green funding and taking up green initiatives, and connecting businesses, are two of Destination Basingstoke’s core values, so we are very much looking forward to this significant event.
“We hope local businesses will register to come along. There will be a great Green Expo and a fabulous line-up of speakers, all of whom are experts in their field and will be passing on advice that will help businesses to realise their green potential.”
For more details, visit https://tinyurl.com/ycyx92wc or email events.north@hampshirechamber.co.uk.
