The first ever Resource Efficient Worcestershire Conference took place on 28th January 2014 at the Worcestershire Cricket Club.

Around 90 business delegates attended, hearing first hand how to save money and save energy. They also had an opportunity to meet with local providers at the exhibition sponsored by metnet (Marches Environmental Technologies Network). Speakers included Peter Braithwaite the Head of Sustainability at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Myles McCarthy, Head of Implementation at the Carbon Trust who spoke about their work and shared experiences and tips with the business audience.

Isla Buchanan – ESP (Essential Supply Products Ltd) Projects Manager said, 'This will make such a positive difference to our business on-going. I found it very interesting and made lots of notes. It’s great to think we can plan some proactive efficiencies which will reap rewards (both financial and environmental) ahead'.

Councillor Anthony Blagg, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Environment who attended the conference said, 'I was very impressed by the number of delegates who turned up to the REW conference and many people I spoke to felt it had been a very useful day for information and networking.

The conference also showcased forward thinking local businesses which are already saving money and reducing their carbon footprint with help from Resource Efficient Worcestershire. The programme is already helping over 90 businesses, recommendations that will save on average £9,000 and 40 tonnes of CO2 per year.

This conference was a partnership working between Worcestershire.Business.Central and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and metnet. It was part funded by the West Midlands European Regional Development Fund programme.

If you are a business that wants to save energy, waste, water and save money go to www.business-central.co.uk/rew for more information or call 01905 822803.