The Federation of Small Businesses’ Wiltshire and Swindon arm and Business West have joined forces for an event in Swindon.

It is aimed at helping small businesses either get started with a move to being more sustainable or progress further on their journey.

The event, Futureproof Your Business: Small Steps to Net Zero, is the first of its kind in the town, and will be held at the Swindon Hub, the town centre community space.

It is aimed at small businesses ranging from those on the start line of your sustainability journey to those well on the way, and participants are promised valuable advice, signposting and inspiring case studies.

As well as a range of speakers, the event will have display stands offering further advice and support, and there will be opportunities to network over coffee with other local businesses and to learn from their experiences.

Ruth Lambert, FSB’s Somerset and Wiltshire development manager, said: ‘We’re aware that, what with covid and now the cost-of-living crisis, many businesses have, and who can blame them, lost focus with their intentions to be more sustainable. 

“So, it’s our hope that this event will inspire and encourage them to turn their attention back to it.
“We’ve got a great range of speakers and we’re thrilled to be collaborating with Business West.”

Aisha Stewart from Business West said: “We’re really looking forward to this event with FSB.

“From engaging with over 200 businesses in this area, we know that firms want to start taking action to be more sustainable but are not sure where to start. 

“We hope this event will help businesses identify some steps to get them started on their sustainability journey.”

The speakers will include Aisha Stewart from Business West, one of the largest Chambers of Commerce in the UK and a certified B Corp, and Graeme Leighfield of Gel Studios, who are also a certified B Corp. 

Aisha will demystify the jargon around what net zero means and how to get started with a plan. Graeme will set out his roadmap to make his business more sustainable and how he achieved B Corp status. 

Ira Blake from Light My Space, will talk about how businesses can use lighting in a sustainable way and still save money.

The event will start at 10am and runs until 1pm, and tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. Swindon Hub is in the Parade, in the former River Island unit, and is easy to access by bus or train. 

Booking details can be found at https://www.fsb.org.uk/event-calendar/swindon-small-business-climate-summit-021123.html