Pictured above: Richard Williams
West Midlands firms could be losing out to the competition by
failing to make their businesses more sustainable.
The warning came at an event held in Birmingham which coincided
with a new survey by Lloyds TSB Commercial showing that although 41
per cent of West Midlands businesses believe that becoming more
sustainable will create increased opportunities, over a fifth (21
per cent) feel they are not doing enough to capitalise on them.
With businesses citing financial concerns, poor economic
conditions and a need for more support from other organisations as
reasons for lacking sustainable policies, over 100 local SMEs were
given sustainability guidance at the event, which was held at the
Botannical Gardens in Edgbaston.
The event was hosted by senior managers for Lloyds TSB
Commercial in the West Midlands, Richard Williams.
A choice of interactive workshops followed the presentation
where guests could discuss alternative financing solutions or
impending changes to employment legislation.
Richard said, "Sustainability is an incredibly important issue
for all SMEs in the UK and the wider international business
community. Embracing environmental practices has resulted in a
whole new era of business thinking, and it is critical that
Birmingham firms understand the significance of this shift or run
the risk of falling behind their competitors.
Andy added: "West Midlands SMEs have made clear that they
require increased guidance from other organisations on improving
their sustainable credentials, and so today's event was designed to
put customers in touch with one of our 300-strong nationwide team
of business and environment managers who can help them achieve a
greater understanding."