Free sustainability events announced to help Chichester District businesses cut costs and boost resilience

Businesses across the Chichester District are being invited to two free events this November, offering practical sustainability support to help organisations save money, reduce energy use and build resilience for the future.

 Supported by Chichester District Council, these events will give businesses access to expert advice, practical tools and opportunities to connect with other organisations, whatever stage they are at on their sustainability journey.

 The first event, ‘Cut Energy Costs and Storm-Proof Your Business Before Winter’, takes place online on Wednesday 4 November from 12pm to 1pm. Delivered in partnership with local sustainability specialists Giki, the free hour-long workshop will help businesses identify ways to reduce energy use, lower operating costs and prepare for the impacts of extreme weather, including flooding, storms and heatwaves.

 Participants will learn how to carry out a DIY energy audit and explore practical measures to improve business resilience. The session will be delivered through Microsoft Teams and is suitable for businesses at any stage of their sustainability journey. Places for this training can be booked by visiting: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8303f3c1-c3f9-4740-aba8-029e053888d0@a6a571b6-85ca-4cc9-8a10-a88199ab3d56

The council is also inviting businesses from across the region to attend its ‘Sustainable Business Showcase’, which will take place on Wednesday 18 November at the magnificent Downlands Gridshell Building, part of the Weald & Downland Living Museum in Singleton, Chichester. Organised by the Southern Sustainability Partnership and in partnership with Chichester District Council, the event will bring together businesses, suppliers, sustainability experts and organisations from across the region for a day of inspiration, networking and practical learning.

 From 10am to 3.30pm, attendees can discover sustainable products and services, hear from expert speakers, explore the latest environmental innovations and learn about simple actions that can help organisations reduce their environmental impact while improving efficiency. Businesses can book their space, free of charge, at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/business-sustainability-showcase-chichester-tickets-1992348739713

 "Businesses are facing increasing pressures from rising energy costs and the impacts of extreme weather, and so we wanted to organise a package of support that will give organisations the practical support and confidence they need to take positive action,” says Cllr Harsha Desai, Cabinet Member for Growth, Economic Development, Communications, Licensing and Events at Chichester District Council.

 "Reducing energy use, cutting waste and improving efficiency can lead to significant cost savings over time, strengthen resilience, and enhance reputation with customers who increasingly value environmentally responsible businesses. Whether businesses are just starting to explore sustainability or are looking to build on existing plans, the events we’re running this autumn offer access to expert advice, useful tools and valuable connections that can help them become more resilient, reduce costs and prepare for the future.”

 Supporting our local businesses to grow, adapt and thrive remains a key priority for the council. Earlier this year, the council launched a £105,000 Sustainability Grant Programme to help local businesses take practical steps towards becoming more sustainable while improving their long-term resilience. The grants, worth up to £7,500 each, were designed to support projects such as energy efficiency improvements, low-carbon technologies and waste reduction initiatives.

 Harsha adds: “We’ve received a fantastic response to the grant programme and look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have on businesses, the local economy and the environment in the months and years ahead. This is not the first time we have delivered a scheme like this — and we know it works. Our previous grant programme supported a wide range of local businesses, helping them to make meaningful changes that are still benefiting them today.

 “We have also launched a new support platform to help businesses build a climate action plan, cut their energy costs with expert support and much more. It combines sustainability expertise with purpose-built tools to make climate action faster, practical and accessible.”

 Businesses can find out more and sign up to the sustainability support platform by visiting: https://gikiactions.com/auth/signup/ChichesterGikiActions