Balancing business and environmental needs to achieve sustainability

PlatoGB and Mentor-net members enjoy thought-provoking day at Epsom Racecourse

Fareham-based learning and mentoring organisations PlatoGB and Mentor-net recently hosted a ‘Learn and Network’ event for over 60 of their members at the prestigious Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey. Taking the lead from Plato’s Sustain Programme aimed at helping companies improve their business sustainability by adopting environmental-friendly behaviour, keynote speaker, David Jones, Managing Director of Plastic Oceans, addressed the delegates. He delivered an enlightening and powerful presentation on the impact of plastics on our oceans and waterways. David explained how this makes its way into the food chain via seafood and that the toxins found in the more common fish that we eat are DDT and parabens, as well as minute pieces of plastic. He challenged all of the businesses in the room to consider how they could balance out their business needs with those of the environment and in the process become far more sustainable. He went on to cover the competitive advantages that embracing sustainability can bring. David’s presentation sent a buzz around the room, which led on to a very energetic networking session from which a number of new business collaborations are already starting. The afternoon saw workshop sessions on how to start the carbon reduction journey for SMEs, as well as sessions on sales, social media and HR. Rachel Cheetham, Programmes Director for Plato GB and Mentor-net, thanked all the delegates for making the day such a great success and commented: “David’s presentation made a real impact on the audience and left everyone in no doubt as to why we should take more care of our planet. This can start anywhere and for Plato and Mentor-net this is in business and, hopefully, the businesses attending our event today will now feel the same.” For information about PLATO GB and Mentor-net, membership to the organisations or forthcoming events, please refer to their respective website at www.platogb.co.uk and www.mentor-net.co.uk. -ENDS- Words: 321

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