Firstly, given the current crisis, we would like to wish you, your colleagues and your loved ones good health and happiness. In this newsletter, we want to share with you the full range of useful and interesting opportunities we have spotted recently, that may help your business through these uncertain and strange times.
LCBN survey – what you told us
In February we launched a short survey on the impact of the Low Carbon Business Network. Many thanks to everyone who has already responded to the survey.
The feedback so far, has been really encouraging.
- 90% of you have more awareness of low carbon issues after joining the network
- 85% are more aware of support for green business development regionally
- 80% are more aware of pro-environmental business opportunities
- 45% have set up business collaborations with another Network member
- 45% say their business reputation has been enhanced by Network membership.
- 20% have found new customers through the Network activities
Online short courses for Pro-Environmental SMEs – University of Derby
Don’t forget that our FREE Low Carbon Business Network online short courses are all still available. More information about all three courses can be found here.
To sign up and get access to each course for free, email lowcarbonbusiness@derby.ac.uk and identify which course you wish to access, your company name and which employees wish to be enrolled. Remember you can keep up to speed with the Low Carbon Business Network on our website and social media channels:
Web: www.lowcarbonbusiness.net
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarbonDerby
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/low-carbon-business-network/
Your partner for Business Support – University of Derby
As a University, we take the civic role we play seriously and are fully committed to supporting our business community through these challenging times. We are in the fortunate position of having a wealth of expertise and knowledge to share and we are using technology to ensure we can continue to collaborate with you. For information about the University of Derby Business Support, please access https://qubamailer.co.uk/t/H6M-6UH9K-EDVQ3BKZ0E/cr.aspx
Advanced Skills Programmes – Online Courses – University of Derby
Even during the Coronavirus pandemic, the University of Derby know that people from all types of working backgrounds, may still wish to improve on their skills and knowledge. We are offering several Advance Skill Programmes online that are fully funded for SMEs. Even furloughed staff are able to complete these online programmes. These programmes include Strategic Marketing, 3D Design, Accounting and Finance, plus several more.
If you think this may be of interest to you, please click on this link to explore the opportunities for yourself.
Big House Workshop: How to be a Low Carbon Business – Online Event
The Big House scheme are running this workshop on Wednesday 6th May via Zoom from 9:30am – 12:30pm.
As we emerge from the Covid 19 crisis, business ‘Purpose’ is even more vital as clients seek ‘Values Driven’ businesses that commit to creating environmental and social value. This workshop will help you understand the environmental issues we currently face both as individuals and business and how as business owners we can realistically respond to start and grow environmentally responsible businesses that embrace sustainability.
If you wish to get involved please click here.
GreenBiz Webinar – In Conversation: John Elkington
For more than 30 years, John Elkington has been a global authority on corporate responsibility and sustainable capitalism, a bestselling author and serial entrepreneur. Along the way, he coined the terms green growth, green consumer, and triple bottom line.
Now, on the occasion of his 20th book, Green Swans: The Coming Boom in Regenerative Capitalism, he joins GreenBiz Executive Editor Joel Makower for an intimate, one-on-one conversation about the next stage of sustainable business
Thursday, May 14, 2020 18:00-19:00 GMT | 60 minutes
You can read full details and register via this link.
Business Declares
Recently, one of our Members brought the Business Declares network to our attention. It’s a volunteer run network than supports business leaders in declaring a climate emergency and making an action plan. We rather liked it and thought you might like to get onboard at https://businessdeclares.com/
Innovate UK
BSI have created a guide which provides direction for companies on best practice for innovators. The guide has been developed to help you think through the wider implications of your innovation, capture the outcomes of your reflections, and communicate this to stakeholders. The guide is available as a free download via the link:
PAS 440:2020 Responsible Innovation – Guide.
D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership support for small businesses
The D2N2 LEP News page has a host of information about free training and funding opportunities for smaller businesses at http://www.d2n2lep.org/News
D2N2 Growth Hub - free webinars
D2N2 Growth Hub are providing a variety of free webinars for business. To find the list of all the free webinars available, please follow this link.
East Midlands Chamber of Commerce £100,000 grant to help businesses
Please follow this link to find out about the East Midlands Chamber scheme to help support those affected by COVID-19.
Information and support for businesses is continually updated on the East Midlands Chamber Coronavirus Information Hub here.
#EMComing Together Hub
East Midlands Coming Together Campaign has been put in place to promote positivity during these times of uncertainty. This page shares positive stories to inspire and lift our spirits. https://www.emc-dnl.co.uk/news/2020/04/01/emcomingtogether-hub/
Mental health advice during COVID 19
As we live through the lockdown our mental health is as important as our physical wellbeing. For a host of useful mental health advice, please, follow this link.
Government Advice for Business
Finally, if you have unanswered queries about support for business, government advice can be found via this link – https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Keep safe and well.
