Environment agency launches self-help site
Jun 11 2001
Help is finally at hand for the ranks of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are having difficulty understanding and implementing the burgeoning environmental legislation in the UK. The help comes in the shape of the Environment Agency and the DTI's Small Business Service, which have teamed up to launch NetRegs, an on-line service aimed at helping SMEs comply with environmental laws in the UK.
The site has been funded by a £3.4 million grant from the Treasury and provides a raft of free compliance information and practical sector specific advice.
According to Tim Fanshawe, the Environment Agency's SME adviser, 'SMEs often have little awareness of their environmental responsibilities and are loath to contact the official regulators for advice. Furthermore, many do not have the time or the resources to wade through the complex legislation.
After talking extensively to many business groups and other associations we realised that what was needed was a place were SMEs can obtain clear, simple to use information. That's what this site is about'.
The site contains specific information for a broad range of sectors, from manufacturing, textiles and chemicals to agriculture, food and electronics. It also provides management guidelines as well as operational guidelines.
Happily, the emphasis is as much on the business benefits of complying with legislation as well as the legal aspects. Says Fanshawe 'businesses that fail to comply with waste, noise and emissions legislation can find themselves open to prosecution, insurance claims and a host of other problems. For small companies, this can prove fatal. However, our philosophy is to say to SMEs that good environmental management is the same as good business practices. Complying with the regulations properly can lead to cost savings and greater business efficiency.
For instance, SMEs that take energy efficiency seriously can gain financially'.
SMEs that wish to find out more about what environmental legislation affects their business - and how to comply with it - should log onto www.environment-agency.gov.uk/netregs .
With thanks to Lloyds TSB Success4Business. For more news and information visit www.success4business.com .
(11/6/01)