Broads businesses challenged to go green and sell it
Wednesday April 20th Ivy House Country Hotel, Oulton Broad, 9am – 1pm.
The Broads Authority has invited 400 Broads businesses to explore the opportunities on their doorstep for going green and offering nature tourism with a free morning of presentations, discussions and brainstorming work groups on Wednesday April 20th 9am – 1pm, followed by a free lunch.
High flying national names and local business successes will be taking part in the event “Capitalising on the Broads Environment” at Ivy House Country Hotel, Oulton Broad. It is being financed by Broads and Rivers Leader+ funding from Europe as well as the Broads Authority.
Louise Reynolds, Broads Boating Holidays Project manager, said:
“The Broads offers tremendous potential as a wildlife haven for visitors wanting a ‘stress-busting’ natural break. Research has shown that people travel around 2_ hours for a short break, which puts around 10 million people within easy reach of the Broads. This event will hopefully inspire local businesses to adopt green practices and think about how to make more of this wonderful natural environment in the holiday experience that’s offered.”
Presentations will be made by:
- Clare Allman from Belgian-based Ecover products on the emerging green market
- Andrea Nicholas from Scotland on the benefits of adopting the Green Tourism Business Scheme
- Vanessa Scott from Strattons award-winning hotel at Swaffham, on success through sustainability
- Jason Borthwick of Deepdale Farm, which has diversified into green tourism in North Norfolk, and Mike Mack from Defra’s Rural Development Service on how farm diversification has been funded and how other businesses can benefit from advice and funding from Defra
- Tony Polack from Norfolk Wildlife Trust on the Broads as a wildlife haven.
Eabec, the environment business club run through the UEA, which helps businesses put in place an environmental management system, will be present along with other organisations aimed at inspiring and supporting alternative enterprise for free. A series of brainstorming sessions will follow before lunch.
There is still a handful of places left. To reserve a place (one per business) contact Lesley Sayer at the Broads Authority on 01603 610734 or email:lesley.sayer@broads-authority.gov.uk.
12/04/2005
