smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

The Environment Agency claims that greater compliance with environmental regulation could save millions of pounds for small businesses.

According to the government body, firms are already saving around £58 million by following such guidelines.

The organisation's latest research into the impact of small businesses on the environment found that poor awareness among SMEs regarding the green policies they should be following.

Martin Brocklehurst, head of external programmes at the Environment Agency, explains that small companies often 'struggle' with such legislation.

He adds: 'Our close working relationship with national and regional government and public sector influencers is crucial to remind SMEs of the effect that better environmental compliance can have on their business.'

In response to the findings, the government has launched www.NetRegs.gov.uk, a guidance website intended to educate entrepreneurs on how their companies can benefit.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has called the environmental management of practices a 'core business issue' which can help owners promote their firms.