Network Update – April 2013

In April’s Network Update; technology breakfast presentations, greening museums, compete for public sector tenders, free business resilience qualification, run to Rio and Eco-Technology Show early bird rate ending Monday!

Calling Renewables, Energy Efficiency & Retrofit Companies
Are you keen to sell to large public and private sector organisations? Do you struggle however to make the right contacts or are you daunted by policy requirements? RE:Start Local can help!

It’s a free programme of seminars, one-to-one support and meet-the-buyer events to help your business better compete for sizeable contracts. The first event is a Tendering Masterclass, a morning seminar where you’ll have the chance to meet and quiz a member of a council procurement team and find out what makes a winning bid.

Events are being held in Brighton, Crawley and Hastings. RE:Start Local is led by the Institute for Sustainability and part funded by the ERDF. Full programme details.

Museums Going Green & Saving Money
Museums across Sussex and Surrey have been learning how to improve energy, waste and water efficiency at UTILISE. Godalming Museum have reduced annual electricity costs by over £500 by changing halogen spotlights to sensor controlled LEDS in one of their galleries. Whilst being a listed building meant double-glazing was unfeasible  they fitted thick curtains to reduce heat-loss without spoiling appearance. They are now working to engage volunteers and visitors with their sustainability ambitions. UTILISE details.

Early Bird Eco-Tech Show Offer Ends Monday!
The Sustainable Business Network has sponsored an area at the Eco-Technology Show in Brighton on the 14th and 15th June to give Network Members the chance to exhibit. The area will provide a space for visitors to talk to other businesses and those working in the sector about improving energy and environmental efficiency. There will be no-hard selling, but a chance for you to meet potential clients in a relaxed, but productive atmosphere. Full details can be found on-line or by contacting Jo Southernwood on 07807 588887. Early bird rate ends on Monday!

Breakfast Presentations: Efficient Technologies
It was a full house in Chichester for a technology spotlight Sustainable Business Breakfast. Delegates heard from the Heat Pump Association about which buildings the technology best suits, EMSc (UK) Ltd on the workings of voltage optimisation and The Southern Co-operative about how they improved energy efficiency across their stores. View their presentations.

Don’t miss our upcoming breakfasts in Horsham and Shoreham-by-Sea where we’ll hear from Southern Railway, Iron Mountain and The Body Shop. Event details.

Business Resilience Qualification – Free – Chichester, 24th May
Both public and private sector procurers are increasingly seeking that suppliers can demonstrate business resilience – show that operations will continue in the face of potential disruption, such as theft, flood or skills shortages. Take this opportunity to attend a one-day course and complete a recognised qualification in business resilience – free of charge thanks to funding through Defra. The event is led by Climate South East and is being held in partnership with Chichester District Council. Full details and booking information.

Any finally…

Reaching Rio – www.reachingrio.org
A fun, free and healthy workplace challenge for West Sussex businesses.

Thinking of becoming a Green Deal Installer or Advisor?
West Sussex County Council would like to know. Register on their website.

Loans for start-up businesses and young entrepreneurs – www.capitalise.org
For those based in Sussex, Kent, Surrey and Hampshire and have been turned away by the bank.

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