ABOUT US

The ultimate aim of the Sustainable Business Partnership is to increase the number of businesses operating to sound sustainable business principles, and to position Hampshire as a leader within the UK's low carbon economy.

This means helping and influencing businesses to take action on the environmental, social and economic impacts, for example through improved resource efficiency, waste minimisation activities, community engagement, investment in staff and delivering "value added" to the local economy, stimulating demand for green and low carbon products, and representing and promoting Hampshire businesses at the local, regional and national level.

To achieve this it engages with a wide range of public and private sector organisations who share this common interest in order both to provide direct support and assistance to businesses in understanding and acting on sustainable business principles, and to help shape the local, regional and national policies which drive this activity forwards.

The SBP's activities are geared towards a number of key objectives:

Increase the numbers of businesses adopting sustainable business practices across the Hampshire & Isle of Wight area

Raise the profile of the sustainable business concept and communicate the message of opportunities and business benefits to a new audience

Stimulate demand for and uptake of the products and services offered locally by organisations working within the ‘low carbon economy’

Coordinate activity amongst public and private sector organisations and agencies working towards the aims of the SBP and provide the linkages between key organisations

Commission and produce original research to further understanding of the needs of businesses in this area

Develop new projects and where appropriate products and services to provide the most effective means of support to businesses

Act as a conduit between local businesses and support organisations, and regional policy and strategy development

Help to shape and influence local policy development to ensure that it best reflects the needs of businesses within a sustainable business context

GOVERNANCE

The SBP is an independent, informal partnership-based organisation which draws on the guidance, expertise and experience of a wide range of professionals and institutions operating within the local low carbon economy. The partnership is hosted and supported by the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and contributes to the broader strategic aims of creating a sustainable low carbon economy across Hampshire.

The Sustainable Business Networks are overseen and directed by a series of steering groups representing each of the areas in which Networks are established. The steering groups are drawn from both the public and private sectors. Their role is to develop and approve the Network programme, act as a local conduit to businesses, represent business views and ensure that the support delivered is both relevant and appropriate at a local level.

All steering group members and partners across the wider organisation act entirely in a voluntary capacity