BUSINESSES from across Worcestershire attended a recent successful forum which discussed the benefits of long term planning.

Held at Oakland International’s Redditch facility, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s sustainability forum, in association with the Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP), attracted a host of businesses on September 21.

The forum offered delegates the opportunity to view behind the scenes and learn more about how Oakland International has built a strong reputation of sustainable growth within its industry sector, and how, through a process of rolling investment in energy efficient technologies and green initiatives, they have managed to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint, while succeeding in providing associated customer and partner network benefits.

Steve Stones, from Pro Enviro Ltd, said: “The sustainable business forum hosted by Oakland International was a great opportunity for local companies to learn first-hand about the potential benefits associated with the implementation of a long term and sustainable improvement plan.

"Many businesses are making good progress with environmental and energy issues but few have taken the vision of sustainability as far as Oakland.

“The discussions and site tour offered a good opportunity for companies to learn about a wide range of initiatives and technologies that might be appropriate to their businesses."

The Business Energy Efficiency Programme is part-financed by the England European Regional Development Fund Programme as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.

Oakland International strategic development manager, Pete Vaughan, added: “Oakland’s focus of growth through sustainable innovation has been acknowledged, recently receiving the Queen’s Awards for sustainable development and international trade - the highest accolade of success UK businesses can receive.

“We were delighted to host the chamber’s sustainability forum and to have the opportunity to share our experience of growth through sustainable change.”