PRESS RELEASE

7 December 2009

UK LEADERS IN THEIR FIELD

The team at Business Support Kent CIC (Community Interest Company) is celebrating being a finalist in the national Green Business Awards 2009, which recognise the work companies have done in promoting energy efficiency and the implementation of green business practice.

More than 120 businesses were nominated but the West Malling based company was one of very few small businesses to be recognised in the nationwide awards, which were handed out at a glittering ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

Business Support Kent CIC was recognised for its marketing and communication of energy efficiency to small businesses in the south east. They reached the final of the Marketing and Communications category, which was won by British Gas New Energy. Other big name competitors in the awards included Marks & Spencer, BT and 02.

Business Support Kent CIC has, through its SEEDA funded work with Business Link, in the last two years encouraged more than 10,000 companies to take energy-cutting action, reduce waste and help develop their green credentials.

The UK Green Business Awards are run by Management Today magazine and Environmental Data Services. A spokesman for the awards said: “Given the credit crunch, the recession and raising the bar on our screening criteria, we believe this was a very strong performance from the entrants.”

Erica Russell, market development manager, sustainable business, for Business Support Kent said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award, especially when you consider that we are such a small organisation and the competition was from some of the country’s biggest names.

“Our passion and drive is to help small companies really make a difference, not just to their bottom lines but also to their long-term future.”

She added that 2010 would be an even more significant year for the organisation with projects including: a major construction event in Tonbridge in February; a £500 energy saving grant scheme to manage; an Enviroskills programme with more than 1,600 participants and the Eco Zone at April’s Kent 2020 business exhibition.

To find out more about Business Support Kent visit www.businesssupportkent.co.uk or call 01732 878000.

ENDS
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