Solent LEP sustainability support programme returns

By Sam Pither

28 September 2022

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A free support programme to help Solent businesses make their first moves towards becoming sustainable is being relaunched by the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.

The ‘Sustainability Support Programme’, which was officially relaunched at the Big Sustainability Expo in Southampton, will be delivered in partnership with SME and scale-up specialist consultancy firm True Horizons.

Anne-Marie Mountifield, Solent LEP Chief Executive, said: “Our region is exceptionally placed to be at the vanguard of environmental innovation as part of the pathway to Net Zero.

“As outlined in our Solent 2050 strategy published this year, one of the key priority areas for the Solent region was pioneering approaches to climate change adaptation and decarbonisation.

“We are therefore delighted to be partnering with True Horizon for this year’s programme. Building on the success of last year's Sustainable Business Support Programme, it will support Solent businesses to take their first steps towards becoming sustainable and make meaningful changes to benefit the environment and our local communities.”

Lasting six months, the programme will be delivered through a mix of one-to-one and group support, covering a number of different social and environmental areas, including: the climate crisis and how it impacts business; how to create an effective sustainability strategy; and ways to calculate your carbon emissions and set data-driven goals. It will also provide insight into certifications like ISO 14001 and B Corporation.

Nancy Hyne, founder of True Horizon, said: “Our mission at True Horizon is to simplify sustainability and empower growing businesses to be a force for good in society.

“Through this programme we will work closely with businesses to understand their vision and align their environmental and social targets with their values, goals and budgets. By the end, they will have a clearer idea of what building a sustainable business looks like and a roadmap of how to get there.”

One of the companies who participated last year was Southampton-based hovercraft manufacturer Griffon Hoverwork.

Adrian Went, Griffon Hoverwork Managing Director, said: "The expert took a really pragmatic approach, and we came away from the support feeling reassured that the sustainability strategy we are building is based on a sensible methodology.

“We were directed to some very useful contacts and government resources, which will be of huge value to us as we continue this journey."

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.