As part of their commitments to help the districts become carbon neutral, Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire District Councils have struck up a brand-new partnership to help local businesses reduce their carbon footprint.
As Strategic Partners, the councils will be working with Oxfordshire Greentech to help connect businesses with specialist suppliers, customers and support organisations, and access funding streams and networking opportunities to help them minimise their emissions and impact on the environment.
The councils’ South and Vale Business Support team will be partnering with the countywide network organisation to host events to show businesses how they can recycle more and reduce waste, how to incorporate sustainable procurement in their processes and to build in sustainability training.
Being Strategic Partners means Oxfordshire Greentech can offer businesses based in the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts 10 per cent off the basic member rate for those wanting to join.
Benefits of business membership include free or discounted entry to events, and access to specialist resources, business promotion, grant funding and more. Members will also be able to join regular investment pitching events and ‘Meet the Buyer’ opportunities.
The network is open to a wide range of organisations who play an active role in trying to reduce their emissions – from funders and support services through to architects and interior designers. It also helps to create a green ecosystem, providing everything organisations need to make their sustainable business flourish.
Cllr Bethia Thomas, Cabinet member for Community Engagement from Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “We’re delighted to join Oxfordshire Greentech. The network will be invaluable for our local businesses looking to grow and innovate in a more sustainable way, and having the opportunity to access grant funding will ensure they can make those positive changes more quickly.”
Cllr Robin Bennett, Cabinet member for Economic Development and Regeneration from South Oxfordshire District Council, said: “We’re aiming for an ambitious net-zero target in South Oxfordshire, and our businesses have an important role to play in achieving this goal. We urge businesses based in the districts to take advantage of the reduced membership fee and join Oxfordshire Greentech to help reduce their environmental impact and find new opportunities in the growing low carbon economy.”
Lewis Knight, Strategic Director of Oxfordshire Greentech, said: “Having South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils join Oxfordshire Greentech as a Strategic Partner is a great boost for our network and green-minded businesses in the districts. The councils’ drive to grow sustainable business in their communities makes it an excellent place for green businesses to thrive and we look forward to supporting those companies through Oxfordshire Greentech.”
Launched in 2019, Oxfordshire Greentech brings together a wide array of businesses, academia and other organisations to encourage innovation, collaboration and knowledge transfer. The growing network now has over 100 members as more companies see the benefits of sustainable business and new, circular economy focused business models. For businesses wanting to take advantage of the discount in membership, visit http://oxfordshiregreentech.co.uk/
