Utilise Plus Event Report: Energy Saving Workshop in Bognor Regis

The Sustainable Business Partnership CIC welcomed delegates to Bognor Regis for an Energy Saving Workshop. These practical, interactive half-day sessions are offered as part of our ongoing Utilise Plus programme, which helps small and medium sized enterprises save energy, reducing their costs and Greenhouse Gas emissions in the process.

SBP CIC’s Jack Dale gave an overview of Utilise Plus and the different services it offers – from fully-funded energy audits and networking events to grants and educational workshops – before handing over to Kayla Ente of BHESCo, who delivered the workshop. Kayla kicked things off by outlining the multitude of benefits from saving energy, such as making organisations more profitable, boosting staff morale, and contributing to our planet’s well-being. Making such improvements are not without their obstacles, however; delegates identified difficulties with getting colleagues on board with new energy-saving ideas, as well as the availability of funds to invest in energy-saving projects, as two key barriers to making changes in their organisations. Through a combination of group discussions and individual exercises, delegates worked through these obstacles to tackle energy use in their organisations.

Drawing on her immense expertise, Kayla presented a plethora of energy-saving technologies and ideas – some quick-win, others long-term; some behavioural, others physical installations. Using this information, delegates created their own, unique Action Plans, tailored to their specific organisations and the obstacles they face. With support from the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC, these actions will be implemented and energy and cost savings will be achieved.

Delegates left feeling confident that they could start making changes in their organisations. Nic Prichard of Tuppenny Barn described the workshop as “thought-provoking, engaging and relevant,” while Aileen O’Grady of Blackthorne International Transport called it “very useful” and praised the “relaxed approach and ease of discussion.” IMA International’s Andy George commented that “any SMEs not attending are missing out.”

This event was held in partnership with Bognor Regis Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was fully-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). At the Sustainable Business Partnership CIC, we’re always keen to hear about exciting venues, passionate speakers, and enthusiastic event partners. If you’d like to work with us, please get in touch.