Free Sustainability Workshop for Local SMEs

A commitment to sustainable practices can give an edge to small businesses in a competitive landscape. Increasingly, those hoping to work with public sector organisations will need to demonstrate a commitment to environmental and social outcomes beyond the bottom line. 

Oxfordshire County Council will be running a training session with SMEs and sole traders at the Business and Intellectual Property Centre, Westgate Library, on 30 April 2025 to teach the basics of sustainability. The session will run from 17:30–20:00 with refreshments provided. We welcome you to join us and meet likeminded businesses as you commence your sustainability journey. 

Topics covered will include climate change mitigation and adaptation, greenhouse gas emissions, the circular economy, and social value. Participants will walk away knowing how to calculate their business’s carbon footprint and with a basic carbon reduction plan. These will help ensure that you and your business are well-equipped to decrease emissions in line with (or ahead of) the UK Government’s Net Zero target. 

Additional benefits include the opportunity to enrol onto our new sustainability pathway, which will highlight you as a local champion in sustainability. Furthermore, participants will receive ongoing check-ins and support from our trainers, as well as possible placements on Amazon’s Innovation Hub, improving the visibility of your products. Promotional materials for social media will also be provided to boost the visibility of your sustainability commitments. 

Eligible businesses include sole traders and businesses with an employee count up to 50. Additional criteria include limited knowledge of sustainability but a strong desire to make a positive difference.  

For further information and enquiries, please contact max.button@oxfordshire.gov.uk