We know that all commercial enterprises have to cover their costs in the short term but look ahead to conditions for the long term.
Changing environmental and weather conditions may impact some industries more than others, but will affect buildings and above all staff for all of them. And not forgetting the new business opportunities coming forward, such as for community energy projects which will require setting up a corporate structure.
Whether working with private company staff, customers or community volunteers, there are many advantages to working together on climate and environmental action:
- Information and enthusiasm can be shared
- Wider sources of funding can be approached
- The workload on larger projects can be planned and borne together
- Technical and publicity skills can be shared, along with local contacts and facilities
- Greater local recognition can be given to your efforts – hopefully bringing in more support
- It can simply be more fun!
INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE ACTIONS
A selection of smaller and larger projects can be found on this site. Some of the detail in the descriptions relates to what your parish, town or community council can bring to the project.
EXISTING BUSINESSES
If you are part of an already established business, there is advice and good practice available:
- From The UK Business Climate Hub which has links to a wide range of practical approaches
- From The Carbon Trust and other sources to help identify and manage your carbon footprint
- From your own industry association
CREATING A NEW COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE
If you are wanting to establish a new community enterprise, advice is available from Social Enterprise UK. The advice includes:
- How to assess the market for what you are wanting to do
- How to manage your finances
- How to choose a legal structure for your enterprise
You may also be able to get practical advice from other local groups or national bodies about:
- Involving your community to get new members
- Sources of funding – but see some information here
- Linking to local networks that share your interests – see some links here
WORKING WITH YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL
Some parish, town or community councils may have already set up a climate or environmental working party with local membership. Even without that, councils may be able to:
- Spread the news about what your business or community enterprise is doing
- Provide meeting facilities
- Provide funding through “Section 137” powers to support anything that benefits the local community
- Provide a corporate structure to prevent a community group having to create a legal entity with its own constitution and bank account
Your local council’s website should give you contact details for the parish or town clerk and your local councillors, give them a call.