Utilise Plus Event Report: Business Networking Breakfast in Horsham

On a clear morning in August, delegates arrived at Horsham District Council bright and early for a Business Networking Breakfast. This event was part of the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC’s Utilise Plus programme, which helps small and medium sized enterprises reduce their costs and environmental impact by saving energy.

This breakfast event was focussed on the theme of environmental and building management systems, which allow for both real-time and longer-term analyses of how an organisation is using energy. SBP CIC’s Jack Dale introduced the event, giving an overview of the various services on offer through Utilise Plus, from grant funding and energy audits to educational workshops and networking events.

With the introduction done, Jack then handed over to the expert speakers! First up were Sal Mustafa and Vicky Vaughan from Boss Controls who presented on building management systems. They explained that this market is rapidly growing – in part thanks to advances in ‘Internet of Things’ technologies – and can allow for a real-time monitoring of how energy is being consumed in an organisation. In doing so, excessive energy use can be easily pinpointed and quickly acted upon, lowering costs and enhancing comfort.

Next up was Anya Ledwith from Eshcon, presenting on environmental management systems. Anya outlined the process for implementing such a system, from understanding costs and identifying objectives through to delivering an Action Plan and reviewing its effectiveness. Anya brought this process to life by likening it to a journey through the Himalayas on a motorbike – first you plan a route, check you have all the equipment you’ll need, continuously review your progress, and finally celebrate your achievements!

The session ended with networking over coffee and pastries. Mike Connick of Connick Tree Care called the event “inspiring,” while Sharon Worby of Energy and Carbon Management praised the “relaxed environment for learning and networking” and Peter Sharpe of AM Bid commented on the “good speakers and good food!”

At the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC, we love hearing about inspiring venues and enthusiastic speakers. If you’d like to work with us then please get in touch. This event was part of the Utilise Plus programme and was fully-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).