Advice on how to ensure business embraces the green agenda will be on supply at the latest meeting of the Gloucestershire Green Circle this week.

The circle which was founded by three county-based sustainability professionals will meet at the Sanctus offices in Quedgeley on Thursday between 9-11.30am.

The climate emergency, single-use plastics and biodiversity will all be on the agenda with a particular focus on how business can overcome those challenges.

In a statement annoucning the meeting, the Gloucestershire Green Circle said that pressure is mounting on companies to adopt greener ways of operatng.

It said: "Recent studies have shown that over 73 per cent of consumers would rather buy from a company if it was taking action to be more environmentally-friendly.

"43 per cent of smaller companies have been asked by a larger client if they have a sustainability policy.

"Many local authorities, public bodies and companies won't buy now from businesses that aren't operating sustainably.

"Being greener also offers direct benefits - emitting less carbon dioxide can be achieved by using less energy and so spending less on energy bills which boosts the profit margin.

"Gloucestershire Green Circle is a new group offering the county's corporate world practical advice, up-to-date information and support to help them achieve greener growth.

"Each monthly meeting looks at a particular environmental issue with an expert speaker offering the latest up-to-date information,

"The aim of the meetings is to bring together companies that want to be greener with those which already are so they can swop ideas and tips, share problems and spark ideas.

"The meetings also welcome businesses already producing greener products and services so they can offer solutions to other companies and find new customers."

Thursday's meeting will take a closer look at energy and how the energy market works.

It will include information on how to buy green energy and how to use less energy.

Severn Wye Energy Agency will be running a workshop to get companies thinking about the many energy efficiency measures they could use.

Kath Champman MD of one of the UK's largest provider of energy services, Ameresco will be giving an insight into the energy market.

Her talk will also explain how to avoid the pitfalls and greenwash when buying green enefy.

Hosts Sanctus recently received a grant of £6,000 from Severy Wye Energy Agency contributing to the cost of switching their lightbulbs to LED ones.

Attendees at the meeting will be able to experience the benefit this has brought first hand.

For more information and to book a place, go to Eventbrite: https://ggc-nov21st.eventbrite.co.uk  or ring 07894 663436.