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Businesses in the Western Isles this week welcomed a demonstration of the benefits of Business WINS (Waste minimisation in the North of Scotland). This exciting scheme, which helps companies reduce the amount of waste produced, increasing business efficiency, saving money and improving their environment.
Firms undergo an initial audit by an experienced consultant who looks at the amount of resources used and waste produced. This determines the exact cost of waste for the company and looks at ways of reducing it. Most improvements will be made through the introduction of simple low cost measures to cut waste and firms will also benefit from follow-up workshops where participants can share their experiences and cost-cutting tips.
Speaking at the launch event in Stornoway Guy Robertson, SEPA Waste Area Strategy Co-ordinator, said:
“With these projects everybody in the Western Isles wins. All businesses, large and small, know that reducing waste saves costs and leads to greater efficiency. This is good for their commercial future and for the environment of the Isles, so naturally SEPA is keen to help them succeed.”
Any business can participate and already a number of businesses have signed up to the scheme, including fish processors and construction companies. One advocate of the project is Ivor Galloway of Stornoway Seafoods Ltd. who commented:
“One of the most useful aspects to Business WINS is that a consultant will visit and actually helps the business owner practically identify and implement the actions. It’s not merely advice, it’s hands-on help where it’s most useful. The smallest actions can make a big difference to a small business, look after the pennies and pounds look after themselves.“
Another champion of this initiative is Western Isles Chamber of Commerce. Urging Isles companies to get involved Development Manager Nicola Jarvie said: “Any initiative which helps local businesses improve their bottom line has to be good. Most Western Isles businesses are very forward thinking and the Business WINS project can help us keep costs down, maintain a more competitive advantage over rivals and help remain strong, positive local employers.”
Businesses looking for more information on the project, or wanting to get involved should contact the Business WINS Project Manager Alan Kellock on 01463 228202 or email alan.kellock@scottishwater.co.uk
ENDS
Notes:
- Western Isles businesses currently participating in Business WINS: Polybox Ltd., Stornoway; Stornoway Shellfish; Fjord Seafood; WISCO; Stornoway Seafood Ltd.; Kenneth Mackenzie Ltd.; Macleans Bakery; Stolt Seafarms, Harris; Salar Smokehouse, South Uist; CALMAX Construction Ltd.; Lewis Aggregate Industries
- The Western Isles Business WINS project is being coordinated jointly by Scottish Water, Forward Scotland; Scottish Energy Efficiency Office; Western Isles Council; Western Isles Enterprise and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). The project aims to provide targeted support to a small group of companies from a range of local sectors, to identify waste minimisation opportunities which deliver financial benefits. The project will also provide opportunities for sharing best practice with the wider business community, and create a local forum to address strategic business waste issues.
- Business Wins has already proved a success in the North-east of Scotland where it was launched last year. A similar scheme run in the East of Scotland saw total annual savings of £4 million for participating companies.
- The Western Isles have a representative of Envirowise (affiliated to the Scottish Energy Efficiency Office), Richard Holmes. They are able to provide other forms of assistance to local businesses, including: Free confidential advice, free site visit, free energy audit, interest free loans, free design advice and free consultancy. Their Environment and Energy Helpline is 0800 585794 and Richard is contactable directly on 01865 870534.
- General information on Waste Minimisation is available on SEPA's website: www.sepa.org.uk/wastemin
Telephone: 01786 457700
Media contact:
Stewart Prodger: 01786 457724 & Mobile 07788 916857
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