Solent LEP helps local businesses take first steps towards sustainability

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has announced the return of its free support programme that helps local businesses in the Solent region take their first steps towards becoming sustainable.

Officially re-launched at the Big Sustainability Expo in Southampton, the Sustainability Support Programme will be delivered in partnership with True Horizon, a consultancy firm that specialises in supporting SMEs and scale-ups with their sustainability strategy and aims.

Anne-Marie Mountifield, Solent LEP Chief Executive, said:

“Our region is exceptionally placed to be at the vanguard of environmental innovation as part of the pathway to Net Zero. As outlined in our Solent 2050 strategy published this year, one of the key priority areas for the Solent region was pioneering approaches to climate change adaptation and decarbonisation.

“We are therefore delighted to be partnering with True Horizon for this year’s programme. Building on the success of last year's Sustainable Business Support Programme, it will support Solent businesses to take their first steps towards becoming sustainable and make meaningful changes to benefit the environment and our local communities.”

The 6-month programme will include a combination of 1:1 and group support sessions and will cover a number of different social and environmental areas, such as: the climate crisis and how it impacts business; how to create an effective sustainability strategy; and ways to calculate your carbon emissions and set data-driven goals. It will also provide insight into certifications like ISO 14001 and B Corporation.

Nancy Hyne, founder of True Horizon, added:

“Our mission at True Horizon is to simplify sustainability and empower growing businesses to be a force for good in society. Through this programme we will work closely with businesses to understand their vision, and align their environmental and social targets with their values, goals and budgets. By the end, they will have a clearer idea of what building a sustainable business looks like and a roadmap of how to get there.”

Southampton-based hovercraft manufacturer, Griffon Hoverwork were one of the companies that participated in the programme last year.

Adrian Went, Griffon Hoverwork Managing Director, said:

"The expert took a really pragmatic approach, and we came away from the support feeling reassured that the sustainability strategy we are building is based on a sensible methodology. We were directed to some very useful contacts and government resources, which will be of huge value to us as we continue this journey."

The programme starts in October 2022 and ends in March 2023, with a series of workshops taking place on 22 November 2022, 28 February 2023 and 28 March 2023. Businesses wanting to register and find out more, can visit our Sustainability Support programme page.