Magazine Issue 03
My weekend with a
Nissan LEAF
Tyneside green firms team up for
success
Connect With us! #ConnectFriday
THE NEW RENAULT ZOE. Stylish, smart and sophisticated - we’re excited to bring you the New Renault ZOE. This exciting new car will arrive in our showrooms in June, but you can register today to make sure you’re one of the first people to test drive it. 100% Electric You’ll never need to fill up with petrol or diesel again. The 100% electric Renault ZOE has an official range of 130 miles. What that means in reality, with normal driving conditions and equipment running, is a range of about 93 miles in temperate weather, reducing to around 62 miles in winter.
You can fully charge your ZOE at home in four to eight hours and, when out and about, the growing network of public charging points mean you can top-up your charge while you park, including rapid charge points that’ll achieve 80% charge in just 30 minutes. From just £13,650* A brand new Renault ZOE could be yours from just £13,650* OTR, with battery hire from £70 a month**. Contact Benfield Renault today to register your interest, and to make sure you’re one of the first to test drive the New ZOE when it arrives.
Benfield Renault Newcastle, Benfield Road 0191 228 4300 Opening Times: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm
www.drivebenfield.com * Recommended retail OTR price, after government incentive. ** 36 months and more, 7500 miles/year. Terms and conditions including excess mileage charges will apply, prices subject to change.
Contents
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{04 Welcome & Agenda { 05 Big Eco Show Speakers { 066 Lloyd BMW & MINI Newcastle { 08 Climate North East { 100 Nissan LEAF { 22 1 Daisy’s Travel Review { 144 Daisy’s Gardening Review { 177 Thank You { 19 Big Eco Show Floor Plan { 20 Erika Tanith Photography { 22 Potts Print (UK)
The Past, Present and Future of Potts GreenPrint
Welcome to the Big Eco Show
All about the speakers for the North East’s only Eco Show
Electricity meets intelligence
Tyneside green firms team up for success
My weekend with a Nissan LEAF
Eco breaks
Green fingers make a happy garden
To everyone who exhibited
Floor plan for Big Eco Show at Centre for Life
Cover shot courtesy of Erika Tanith at erikatanithphotography.co.uk
Printed by:
Meet Erika our front cover photographer
This is a Carbon Balanced Publication. The full carbon impact of this document has been offset by the conservation of endangered tropical rainforest in association with the World Land Trust.
Daisy Green Media & Events Room 48, Gear House, Salt Meadows Road Gateshead, NE8 3AH M: 07939 537 123
MD: Nicola Jayne Little Editor-in-chief: Suzanne Whelan PR: We Are Sparkle Design: Allison Hunter Contributor: Jennifer Atkinson
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Potts Print (UK)
The Past, Present and Future of Potts GreenPrint
Image of Tony Mullarkey from Potts Print (UK)
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bout a year ago, the Northumberland-based printing, packaging and direct mail company Potts Print (UK) offset the carbon emissions of its entire operation, and became the first Carbon Balanced Printing Company in the North of England. A couple of years before that, they were the first printing company in the UK to hold both FSC and PEFC certifications, committing to using only certified materials that can be traced all the way to the forest where they originated. And back in 2004, they were officially accredited with the ISO14001 Environmental Management System. So, as you can see, this is a business that takes sustainability seriously.
What Now? Potts Pint (UK) is continuously lowering its carbon footprint, from little things like switching off the lights, to big things like Carbon Balancing. The Potts GreenPrint team implements innovative initiatives to achieve the environmental objective of the business,
“To decrease our environmental impact as the business expands”. One of the current ‘big’ initiatives at Potts is to reduce waste-to-landfill to 0% of all waste materials generated. Since the last Big Eco Show, that figure is now below 1%, and falling. This has been achieved through a variety of technical and creative solutions. For example, reducing a design by just 5mm can save a considerable amount of paper over a large print run, and also reduce cost for the client. Waste paper is often donated to schools or community groups for art workshops, as part of the company’s wider CSR policy. Another novel idea by the team is to print bookmarks on the edges of a sheet when a book is produced! These kind of forward-thinking ideas are valued by Potts, as much as the more highprofile investments in sustainable production, such as alcohol-free printing, vegetablebased inks, chemistry-free platemaking, waterless ‘Direct Imaging’ printing, lowemission company vehicles and energy efficient I.T. systems. All of these advances contribute to creating a business that leads by example, in the context of sustainability.
What Next? Future plans for the Potts GreenPrint team include more large-scale and long-term investments, including solar power, rainwater collection, biomass heating, LED lighting and electric vehicles. One step Potts has already taken is to work towards the ISO12647 colour management system. This international standard has been developed to ensure accurate colour matching across the globe, and further reduce print waste.
Interested? If you want to know more, go and see Tony Mullarkey’s presentation ‘Has Printing Green Made a Difference at Potts Print (UK)?’ at this year’s Big Eco Show, and find out how these environmental initiatives have been of value to the business and its clients. Tony will also be talking about how the issue of Climate Change has been approached by Potts. You can also pick up the GreenPrint booklet at the exhibition stand on the day, or see it online on the GreenPrint web page: www.potts.co.uk/greenprint
Welcome & Agenda
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elcome to the Big Eco Show in Newcastle! We’re very excited about holding the second Big Eco Show in Newcastle. The first one, which we held in Sunderland last September, saw exhibitor stands selling out within the first couple of weeks and nearly 400 businesses attended – double the number we anticipated. There is a clear need to hold these Shows. Those who came along last time told us that they had found it immensely valuable and had left with lots of contacts to do business with and plenty of ideas and inspiration. The Big Eco Show is a fantastic way to showcase the rapidly growing number of green businesses here in North East England while providing advice, information and inspiration for others. We have a fantastic lineup of speakers, workshops and opportunities to network and test-drive eco cars. Ultimately, The Show is the place to be for those wishing to gain inspiration and ideas around the green commercial opportunities to assist business growth, improve resilience to the impacts of climate change, and to reduce costs by cutting emissions. Jen, Allison, Nicola and Suzanne
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Agenda for the day 9am
Doors and exhibition opens
9.30am Welcome from FSB Chair Ted Salmon 9.35am Keynote address Tim Cantle-Jones Resilience and Growth 10.30am Tony Mullarkey, Potts Print (UK) Growing the green way 11.30am Lisa French A story of personal resilience 12pm
Nicola Jayne Little, Daisy Green Introduction to social media networking
1.00pm- Workshop: Lisa French 1.30pm The importance of personal resilience 1.45pm- Workshop: Amanda Dudman, SFEDI 2.15pm Get resilient 2.30pm- Workshop: Colin Robinson 3.30pm Introducing the North East Green Deal installer network All day
Test Drive an EV or Low Emission Vehicle
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Big Eco Show Speakers
Introducing the speakers for the North East's only Big Eco Show
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he only large-scale event dedicated to help small businesses in North East England discover what the green economy can do for them has secured three inspirational speakers for the day. Following an introduction from FSB Chairman Ted Salmon, the keynote speech will be delivered by Tim Cantle-Jones of Green Deal Products. Tim, who has worked in the low carbon sector for the past five years, will address delegates on the importance of the green economy and put the spotlight on how they can grow, thrive and build their resilience in this sector. He said: “I am delighted to be involved in the Show – the only place to be for firms wishing to gain
inspiration and ideas around the emerging green economy to assist growth, to improve resilience to the impacts of the changing climate, and also to reduce costs by cutting emissions.” Next up is Tony Mullarkey of Potts Print (UK), the first Carbon Balanced Printing Company in the North of England. Tony will give insights on how running a green business can bring commercial rewards. He said: “I’m really looking forward to sharing my experiences on how being green can really pay dividends to running a successful business and hopefully providing inspiration to others looking to do the same.”
Then Lisa French will talk about the importance of personal resilience drawing on her experience of being injured in the terrorist bombings in London on 7 July 2005, and how the lessons she has learned can be used to develop a resilient mindset and resilient business. She said: “I am very excited to be speaking about an issue I am so passionate about and look forward to sharing how my experience can be used to inspire others to develop their personal and business resilience.” We are delighted to have secured such fitting speakers who have a true understanding of what it takes to operate in the low carbon economy and be able to share insights and be a source of true inspiration for others.
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Lloyd BMW & MINI Newcastle
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The BMW i3 Concept CoupÊ celebrates its European premiere in Geneva, while the BMW i8 Concept Spyder also makes an appearance. 5IFTF UXP DPODFQU NPEFMT SF‍ת‏FDU the current status of the ongoing development process and illustrate the potential breadth of an extended BMW i portfolio. At the same time they show how high-performance, zero-emission mobility is also able to deliver when it comes to emotional excitement and sheer appeal. Both models are built around BMW eDrive technology, which will provide a unique driving experience in all future BMW electric and plug-in hybrid models. These BMW eDrive powertrains, comprising the electric motor, lithium-ion battery and intelligent powertrain management, form the core of all BMW i models. The BMW Group will start supplying customers with driver-friendly, premium-quality electric mobility later this year with the BMW i3, whose technology is a response to the social, ecological and economic challenges of our times. The drive system and all other vehicle functions in the BMW i3 are powered by a specially developed high-voltage lithium-ion battery. One of the hallmarks of this battery is that its energy output, and thus the range of the vehicle, is less affected CZ ‍ת‏VDUVBUJPOT JO UFNQFSBUVSF UIBO is typical of such batteries today. The technology behind this is an intelligent heating/cooling system which always keeps the battery at an optimal operating temperature. This improves the everyday practicality, stable performance and life expectancy of the battery.
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A further priority in designing the BMW i3 was to reduce the energy consumption of electrical components. The cabin heating operates on the heat pump principle, which results in 30 per cent energy savings in city driving compared with a conventional electrical heating system, while the internal and external lighting uses energy-saving LEDs. Together, these two measures make B TJHOJ‍׊‏DBOU DPOUSJCVUJPO UP ʼnSBOHF security� in the BMW i3. Battery and consumer size and management are not the only measures BMW i is adopting to address range issues. The BMW i3 XJMM BMTP CF UIF XPSMEņT ‍׊‏STU FMFDUSJD vehicle to feature full connectivity and will consequently be equipped with innovative BMW iConnectedDrive TFSWJDFT DBUFSJOH TQFDJ‍׊‏DBMMZ UP UIF needs of electric mobility. These functions, which are specially adapted to BMW eDrive technology, provide drivers with a realistic range estimate for their journey before they even set out. The internetenabled navigation system is based on a dynamic range display which takes into account all the relevant parameters for the planned route and is therefore able to provide precise, reliable range predictions. In addition to the battery charge level, driving style, use of electric convenience systems and choice of drive mode, the calculations also take into account route topography BOE UIF DVSSFOU USBG‍׊‏D TJUVBUJPO 5IF system can identify energy-intensive uphill gradients on the route ahead and reduces the range computation accordingly. The same goes for energy-depleting stop-go conditions PS USBG‍׊‏D KBNT TJODF EFUBJMFE SFBM UJNF
The dynamic range display appears in the central information display, inside the navigation map. Based on the vehicle’s current location, all destinations reachable on the battery’s current charge level are shown in the form of a spidergram. Since the vehicle’s energy consumption, and therefore also its range, can be actively altered by the driver by changing to a different drive mode, the system always computes two different versions of the range graph. The range displayed depends on whether the driver has selected COMFORT, ECO PRO or ECO PRO+ mode. Depending on the destination, the Range Assistant if necessary recommends that the driver switch to ECO PRO or ECO PRO+ mode in order to increase the driving range. In the standard sporty but comfortable COMFORT mode, the BMW i3 already offers a range of 160 kilometres (100 miles). ECO PRO mode, on the other hand, selects a different accelerator pedal mapping, which uses less power and increases the driving range by around 10 per cent. In ECO PRO+ mode, all settings are geared to achieving the maximum possible range. In this mode the maximum speed of the BMW i3 is limited to 90 km/h (56 mph) and electrical consumers such as the heating and air conditioning are switched to energy-saving mode. As a result, the driving range is increased by approximately 25 per cent compared with COMFORT mode.
The driver can also ask the display to show charging stations within easy reach of his or her destination, and can reserve a slot at one of these locations at a further press of a button. The system also informs the driver how long it will take to charge the vehicle for the return journey, or to travel to a further destination. As a rough guide, in the time it takes to stop for a cup of coffee enough charge can be stored VTJOH ʼnGBTU DIBSHJOHŊ NPEF UP give an additional 120 kilometres (75 miles) of range.
THE NEW MINI PACEMAN THEThe NEW MINI PACEMAN new MINI Paceman launched in
103MPG BEATS ALL CHALLENGERS 103MPG BEATS ALL CHALLENGERS Displaying economy and manufacturers’ claims. It’s therefore QFSGPSNBODF UIBU XPVME CFOF‍׊‏U BOZ Displaying economy and DPNQBOZ ‍ת‏FFU UIF OFX #.8 E QFSGPSNBODF UIBU XPVME CFOF‍׊‏U BOZ &G‍׊‏DJFOU%ZOBNJDT FYDFMMFE JO UIF DPNQBOZ ‍ת‏FFU UIF OFX #.8 E recent RAC Future Car Challenge &G‍׊‏DJFOU%ZOBNJDT FYDFMMFE JO UIF 2012. Driven by green-Car-Guide. recent RAC Future Car Challenge com, the 116d ED won the Internal 2012. Driven by green-Car-Guide. Combustion Engine class by com, the 116d ED won the Internal achieving 103mpg over the 64-miles Combustion Engine class by Brighton to London route. achieving 103mpg over the 64-miles 5IJT BOOVBM DIBMMFOHF ‍׊‏STU Brighton to London route. introduced in 2010, showcases the 5IJT BOOVBM DIBMMFOHF ‍׊‏STU latest low energy vehicles including introduced in 2010, showcases the electric, hydrogen and hybrid latest low energy vehicles including models, as well as conventional electric, hydrogen and hybrid petrol and diesel engines, providing a models, as well as conventional real-works test of current and future petrol and diesel engines, providing a vehicle technology. real-works test of current and future The 116d ED was the only premium vehicle technology. vehicle in its class, beating other The 116d ED was the only premium FG‍׊‏DJFOU NPEFMT TVDI BT UIF ,JB 3JP vehicle in its class, beating other Vauxhall Astra and new Renault Clio FG‍׊‏DJFOU NPEFMT TVDI BT UIF ,JB 3JP over the 64-mile course. Vauxhall Astra and new Renault Clio Paul Founder over theClarke, 64-mile course.and Editor of Green-Car-Guide.com and Paul Clarke, Founder and Editor part of the victorious 116d ED of Green-Car-Guide.com and ESJWJOH UFBN DPNNFOUFE ʼn*U JT part of the victorious 116d ED an incredible achievement for ESJWJOH UFBN DPNNFOUFE ʼn*U JT BMW to achieve over 100mpg an incredible achievement for on a busy Saturday morning drive BMW to achieve over 100mpg from Brighton into central London. on a busy Saturday morning drive We are usually disappointed from Brighton into central London. with a car’s real-life economy in We are usually disappointed everyday driving compared to the with a car’s real-life economy in everyday driving compared to the
refreshing that this BMW exceeds manufacturers’ claims. It’s therefore JUT DMBJNFE FDPOPNZ ‍׊‏HVSF XJUIPVU refreshing that this BMW exceeds any compromise to the driving JUT DMBJNFE FDPOPNZ ‍׊‏HVSF XJUIPVU experience.� any compromise to the driving However, no expense has been experience.� spared with a high level of standard However, no expense has been TQFDJ‍׊‏DBUJPO UIBU JODMVEFT #MVFUPPUI spared with a high level of standard hands-free, 6.5� Control Display with TQFDJ‍׊‏DBUJPO UIBU JODMVEFT #MVFUPPUI J%SJWF $POUSPMMFS ,FZMFTT TUBSU BOE hands-free, 6.5� Control Display with DAB radio. J%SJWF $POUSPMMFS ,FZMFTT TUBSU BOE Stephen DAB radio. Chater, Corporate 0QFSBUJPOT .BOBHFS BU #.8 6, Stephen Chater, Corporate TBJE ʼn8F LOPX PVS DBST BSF DMBTT 0QFSBUJPOT .BOBHFS BU #.8 6, MFBEJOH XIFO JU DPNFT UP FG‍׊‏DJFODZ TBJE ʼn8F LOPX PVS DBST BSF DMBTT and driving pleasure but this result MFBEJOH XIFO JU DPNFT UP FG‍׊‏DJFODZ raises the bar further. Being able to and driving pleasure but this result achieve more than 100mpg is an raises the bar further. Being able to outstanding result and this is on top achieve more than 100mpg is an of it being the cleanest BMW ever outstanding result and this is on top PGGFSFE GPS TBMF JO UIF 6, DPVSUFTZ of it being the cleanest BMW ever of 99g/km CO2 emissions. 2012 PGGFSFE GPS TBMF JO UIF 6, DPVSUFTZ has seen BMW launch ActiveHybrid of 99g/km CO2 emissions. 2012 models in 3, 5 and 7 Series guises has seen BMW launch ActiveHybrid but while we push ahead bringing models in 3, 5 and 7 Series guises new technologies to market we but while we push ahead bringing will continue to enhance the new technologies to market we conventional combustion engine will continue to enhance the as has been clearly demonstrated conventional combustion engine here.� as has been clearly demonstrated For the latest BMW 116d here.� &G‍׊‏DJFOU%ZOBNJDT PGGFST WJTJU For the latest BMW 116d www.bmwbusinesspartnership.co.uk &G‍׊‏DJFOU%ZOBNJDT PGGFST WJTJU www.bmwbusinesspartnership.co.uk
THE AWARD-WINNING RANGE YOU CAN RELY ON. THEAAWARD-WINNING RANGE YOU REL Y ON. BMW’s greenCAN credentials were further host of award wins in 2012 gives you yet another reason to add A further host of award wins in 2012 #.8 UP ZPVS ‍ת‏FFU PG DPNQBOZ DBST gives you yet another reason to add Whether it’s the BMW Group being #.8 UP ZPVS ‍ת‏FFU PG DPNQBOZ DBST recognised for its commitment to Whether it’s the BMW Group being sustainability, or individual models recognised for its commitment to winning the best in their category, sustainability, or individual models these industry accolades demonstrate winning the best in their category, that time and time again BMW excels these industry accolades demonstrate against the competition. that time and time again BMW excels against the competition.
recognised with two GreenFleet BMW’s green credentials were 2012 awards - ‘Fleet Manufacturer recognised with two GreenFleet of the Year’ and the ‘Outstanding 2012 awards - ‘Fleet Manufacturer "DIJFWFNFOUņ GPS &G‍׊‏DJFOU%ZOBNJDT of the Year’ and the ‘Outstanding technologies. The FN50 Reliability "DIJFWFNFOUņ GPS &G‍׊‏DJFOU%ZOBNJDT Survey named BMW ‘Most Reliable technologies. The FN50 Reliability Manufacturer’ and the BMW 3 Series Survey named BMW ‘Most Reliable ‘Most Reliable Car’. The awards Manufacturer’ and the BMW 3 Series didn’t stop there with the Dow ‘Most Reliable Car’. The awards didn’t stop there with the Dow
March offers company car drivers low The new MINI Paceman launched in running costs with zero compromise March offers company car drivers low on practicality and sporty appearance. running costs with zero compromise Boasting 330 litres of usable boot on practicality and sporty appearance. capacity, increasing to 1,080 litres Boasting 330 litres of usable boot with the rear seats folded, the capacity, increasing to 1,080 litres Paceman packs a punch in the small with the rear seats folded, the car segment. Paceman packs a punch in the small carGenerous segment.not only in space, the new MINI Paceman had a strong standard Generous not only in space, the new TQFDJ‍׊‏DBUJPO XJUI UIF $PPQFS 4% MINI Paceman had a strong standard model featuring Bluetooth, DAB radio, TQFDJ‍׊‏DBUJPO XJUI UIF $PPQFS 4% height adjustable Sport seats and model featuring Bluetooth, DAB radio, 17� alloy wheels. height adjustable Sport seats and Available in two-wheel-drive of ALL4 17� alloy wheels. variants, the MINI Cooper SD also Available in two-wheel-drive of ALL4 offers exceptional fuel economy from variants, the MINI Cooper SD also 61.4mpg, emissions as low as 122g/ offers exceptional fuel economy from km CO BOE BO JNQSFTTJWF #*, 61.4mpg,2 emissions as low as 122g/ Countryman, the Paceman BOE BO JNQSFTTJWF #*, kmLike COthe 2 TVDDFFET JO QSPWJEJOH ‍ת‏FFUT XJUI B Like the Countryman, the Paceman more practical option. TVDDFFET JO QSPWJEJOH ‍ת‏FFUT XJUI B For practical more information more option. on the new MINI Paceman, visit For more information on the www.lloydnewcastlemini.co.uk new MINI Paceman, visit www.lloydnewcastlemini.co.uk
Jones Sustainability index awarding BMW the ‘Most Sustainable Car Jones Sustainability index awarding Manufacturer’ title for the eighth BMW the ‘Most Sustainable Car consecutive year. Manufacturer’ title for the eighth These are year. just some of the awards consecutive won by the BMW Group during These are just some of the awards 2012. For a full list, visit won by the BMW Group during www.bmwcorporate.co.uk/awards 2012. For a full list, visit www.bmwcorporate.co.uk/awards
For further information about BMW i or any of the models featured above, please contact: Andrew Local Business Development For furtherClark, information about BMW i or anyManager of the models featured above, please contact: Telephone: 0191 2617366 Mobile: 07771 922461 Email: andrew.clark@lloydgroup.co.uk Andrew Clark, Local Business Development Manager Telephone: 0191 2617366
Mobile: 07771 922461
Email: andrew.clark@lloydgroup.co.uk
Lloyd Newcastle Fenham Barracks, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4LE. Tel: 0191 261 7366 Lloyd Newcastle www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk Fenham Barracks, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4LE. Tel: 0191 261 7366 www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk
Innovation Meets Style Innovation Meets Style Lloyd Newcastle Lloyd Newcastle
The Ultimate Driving Machine The Ultimate Driving Machine
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Climate North East
Tyneside green firms team up for success
wo North East firms are working together after meeting at a networking event specifically for green businesses.
Sustainable consultancy Deep Green Sustainable Solutions and energyefficient lighting specialists Glowled Ltd met at ConnectFriday, which is aimed specifically at bringing likeminded businesses operating in the climate-resilient and low-carbon economy. The two green Tyneside-based firms have since teamed up to deliver a number of contracts. Andy Stephenson, managing director of Deep Green Sustainable Solutions, said: As a new company concentrating on helping organisations to improve their efficiencies and reduce costs while protecting the environment, I was keen to find like-minded companies to work with.
to work with, and it’s thanks to ConnectFriday that we were introduced and are now working together on a long-term basis.” ConnectFriday networking is hosted by ClimateNE, the climate change partnership for North East England, in partnership with Daisy Green Media & Events. Jennifer Atkinson, ClimateNE, said: “It’s clear that firms need to work together to boost the local economy and we are delighted that Andy and Arzhang are working together after meeting at a ConnectFriday event. “ConnectFriday are the only events held specifically for the growing number of green firms in the North East coming up with clever products and services to address both the impacts of climate change and to reduce emissions.
In fact, the events have proven so successful that we have started hosting a Twitter hour every Friday at 10am to open up the opportunity to continue networking in between the physical ‘real-life’ meetings, increase the reach for green businesses to make contact and join forces on a national basis and beyond.” The ConnectFriday Twitter hour was shortlisted as a finalist in the 2013 Climate Week Awards. Any green business can join in the Twitter Hour by using the hashtag #connectfriday on Twitter every Friday at 10am.
“We look at all aspects of a business and provide advice and lighting is a key area, so I was delighted to connect with Glowled whose reputation for specialising in energy efficient LED lighting products is second to none.” The two companies are already working together auditing energy efficiencies that can be made to an old Victorian building that is currently being used as offices by the Health Trust. They calculated that the savings that could be made by replacing old and inefficient light fittings with LEDs could potential savings could be in excess of 607,000kWh over 10 years. Arzhang Tahmosybayat, director at Glowled, said: “Deep Green Sustainable Solutions is exactly the kind of company we want
Green firms teaming up for success (L-R Andy Stephenson and Simon Burdus of Deep Green Sustainable Solutions, and Arzhang Tahmosybayat of Glowled.
Training for North East firms to build business resilience
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irms looking to build their resilience to risks such as market forces, skills shortages and severe weather events like snow and flooding can take part in training, which leads to a qualification, from March this year. It is being developed by ClimateNE, Government and other key stakeholders. Adrian Hilton, ClimateNE Coordinator, said: “Today's business environment is characterised by rapid, unpredictable change. But no matter what, firms must be responsive and resilient in order to secure long-term survival, profitability and growth. “We are developing this qualification to help firms identify risks, such as market forces, theft, skills shortage, or severe weather events, specifically relevant to their business and develop a practical and coherent business resilience plan. This will help them to protect their bottom line,
differentiate themselves from competitors, and ensure that they can continue to operate as usual in the face of potential disruption.” The one-day practical training course will be followed by submission of work which, subject to successful evaluation, will result in an accredited qualification. Adrian added: “Resilience in terms of supply chains is becoming increasingly important to both private and public sector organisations who demand their suppliers can demonstrate that they have considered resilience thoroughly and seriously. This accredited qualification means that businesses will be able to do just that.” The training is currently being developed and will be piloted from March to September. The training will be available for 70 businesses located in North East England free of charge during this time.
Dates and venues are currently being organised. It is likely that one training session for 10 people will be held once a month from March to September 2013. Following this, the training will be made available country-wide on a paid-for basis. To find out more and to register a free place email
Jennifer.atkinson@climatenortheast.com
2 1 1 My weekend with a Nissan LEAF Nissan LEAF
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’ve never been one to gush over a car. As long as it gets me safely from point A to point B and doesn’t cost the earth (in more ways than one) I’m happy. Even so, the opportunity to take the Nissan Leaf electric car for a weekend held enormous appeal. In principle, I’m a massive fan of electric vehicles, but I had never actually sat in one let alone driven one. The Nissan Leaf’s quirky styling immediately had me smitten. The headlights are like frog eyes and its body is sleek and sporty.
But things are getting better. I was reliably informed that charging points are arriving on both the M6 and M1 so ‘range anxiety’ may well soon become a thing of the past.
The interior is smart too and was luxuriously spacious with plenty of leg and head room. Climbing behind the wheel and switching on the power button activates a host of lights on the dashboard in a futuristically impressive fashion. Its clever on-board computer includes a sat-nav, a rear-camera for reversing, and can even look-up nearby charging points. There’s even an app so you can instruct the car to warm up from afar so it’s toasty upon arrival. As expected, the car was disconcertingly silent. More surprisingly, it was quick – its power immediate and responsive, and torque uphill was even and constant.
It was a pleasure to drive in weekend city traffic, as well as winding country roads. It felt robust and sure-footed and handled well. Once I had adjusted to the auto gearbox it was a pretty relaxing experience. When it comes to charging up the battery there are a few options. You can recharge with a standard cable and household plug that takes up to eight hours. Great for me but admittedly no good if you live in a block of flats or don’t have a garage or driveway. The other options are offered via charging points, which takes around half the time. Better yet, there are also rapid charge points that take about 30 minutes. Using these spots is free, so in the cities you’ll escape annoying parking fees. While North East England is incredibly well plugged-in, lack of recharging points elsewhere in the country poses a problem for distance driving and requires meticulous forward planning.
A full charge will last for about 100 miles, which costs roughly £2 in electricity. It doesn’t take much number crunching to realise the significant savings this offers. At £31,000 the Leaf isn’t cheap, but drivers can claim a £5,000 government grant towards this upfront cost. Running costs are cheaper than its conventional counterparts. Aside from the eye-watering fuel savings, electric cars are exempt from tax and congestion charges and tend to have cheaper insurance premiums. So if you drive to work and have access to charging points, it’s worth seeing if the sums work for you. A stress-free option could be to lease one, which works out at about £250 a month – which is likely to work out less than the average monthly fuel bill. I can safely conclude that my weekend with the Leaf was a joy and when I’m ready to purchase a car in the future, it will be at the top of my list. Even my petrol-head husband agreed. By Jennifer Atkinson
Thank you to Benfield Motor Newcastle for loaning us the car to review! drivebenfield.com
Confused about social media and how it can benefit your business?
Daisy Green Media & Events can help. We specialise in developing and delivering Social Media Strategies for business. Reach a local, national or international audience. For more information email Nicola Little Nicola@daisygreen.me or call 07939 537 123 FB: Daisy Green @Daisygreenmag @DaisyGEvents @BigEcoShow P: Daisy Features Ins: daisygreenmagazine
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Daisy’s Travel Review
Eco Breaks
dundream.com
highbroadwoodhallcottages.co.uk
High Broadwood Hall Cottages
Dundream
Fancy relaxing, unwinding and a bit of a ramble through some beautiful Northumberland countryside? Tempted? Well who wouldn’t be?!
If you are looking to get away and escape the hustle and bustle of city life then Dundream is the perfect location for you.
High BroadWood Hall cottages sit in their own farmland setting just up the road from the picturesque village of Allendale, Northumberland.
The house is situated in North Rhins of Galloway in south west Scotland surrounded by picturesque fields and farmland while looking out to sea with views of Mull of Kintyre, Northern Ireland and Arran. Elaine Hamilton built and designed Dundream, she once living on the farm next door as a child to then grew up and used her life experiences to create a home for herself and others to enjoy that had been designed with her holistic knowledge and environmental-friendly passion in mind.
Daisy stayed in Swallows Rest which has amazing Eco Credentials converted sympathetically to the beautiful surroundings and with a real focus on reducing the environmental impact. The High Broadwood Hall cottages are members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme and from this, they have incorporated the following Eco features into both properties: Air source heating, Solar panels. LED lights, extensive recycling facilities, water from their own bore-hole (spring well) and eco toiletries. The stay High quality and tastefully decorated with a food hamper to dive into. The living, dining, kitchen area is open plan and has ample room for a family of four or two couples and every gadget you could need is provided. Both ensuite bedrooms can be arranged as Super King or two singles. Each bedroom has a shower – either over the bath or a separate shower cubicle and there are eco toiletries on hand. French doors lead onto an enclosed wildflower area and the views beyond are stunning. Prices The prices of the cottage vary weekly and start from £290 for a seven night stay.
Key features including disabled access to the kitchen, bedroom and wet room throughout the entire ground floor. The Dundream philosophy is all about creating balance and harmony in the environment to promote well-being and relaxation, which has been achieved with the simple yet stunning living and bedroom areas that incorporating feng shui principles. The house benefits from a number of eco-friendly achievements which has contributed to its gold-level green tourism award and 5 star visit Scotland award including the reclaimed wood flooring, a private natural spring water supply and eco paint on all the walls. You can vist any of the local spots including Stranraer, portpatrick or the delightful Corsewall Lighthouse Hotel & Restaurant, or if you just want to relax the house has so much to offer you will never be disappointed. Prices start from: £140 per night and sleeps 8 to 10 people.
For full unabridged reviews visit www.daisygreenmagazine.co.uk/category/lifestyle-main/living-travel/
Haven Holidays landmarklondon.co.uk/en
The Landmark London
Loving The Landmark London, Five star quality with a conscience.
Haven Holidays are turning eco... Devon Cliffs, Perrin Sands and more... www.haven.com Prices from: £79
Daisy headed to London to visit one the capital’s leading luxury hotels. The hotel was opened as The Great Central Hotel in 1899 with 700 bedrooms. It was the last of the great Victorian railway hotels constructed during the golden age of steam and it simply oozes classic elegance and grandeur. The Landmark has Gold in the Green Tourism awards and is also awarded Considerate hotel. They participate in The Leading Hotels of the World’ (LHW) green experience whereby through LHW guests not only have the option of having a carbon neutral travel experience but LHW will also make a financial contribution on their behalf to Sustainable Travel International. They also promise their guests to; actively identify and implement green polices, purchase ethically sourced products, work with suppliers to help reduce their packaging and transport but there is so much more too. Their social responsibility pledge and its support of charities are also second to none.
The Langdale Estate
The Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 9JD www.langdale.co.uk Prices from: £109
Back to the hotel Check-in was seamless and we headed up to our room a Marylebone Studio. Spacious and comfortable was an absolute understatement. The bed was huge and extremely relaxing. The bathroom had a dressing room, large bath, separate shower and a separate toilet too.
The Green House
In the hotel.... Shops, spa, restaurants and bars all under one roof... Price Rooms from £250
The Green House, Woodend Rd, Ettrickbridge, Selkirk, Scottish Borders, TD7 5JJ www.hollinlee.co.uk/green-house Prices from: £260
Newlife Paints #ConnectFriday Award-nominated success for ConnectFriday networking.
ConnectFriday, networking to help businesses connect and find ways to work together on the green agenda, was recently shortlisted by Climate Week for its Local Community initiative award. It has also been nominated for the ‘PEA-ple's Favourite' Award, a new award category to be presented at The PEA Awards in October 2013. This award recognises the importance of individual recommendations rather than being judged by a panel of experts. The Twitter Hour, which takes place every Friday at 10am, was launched in October 2012 and it has proven exceptionally popular. It already has over 1,900 followers and, on average, reaches over a quarter of a million people globally each week. It is run jointly by ClimateNE and Daisy Green Media & Events and provides a way for green businesses make contact with each other and find ways to work together in the green economy. Nicola Little, Daisy Green Media & Events, said: “we’re thrilled that ConnectFriday has been nominated for awards already! We only launched it in October 2012 and it has proven exceptionally popular.” The Twitter hour was set up after the success of a number of ‘real-life’ ConnectFriday networking events held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to help businesses connect and find ways to work together to combat climate change and identify and exploit commercial opportunities. Jennifer Atkinson, ClimateNE, said: “ConnectFriday networking has been a really effective. There have already been a number of notable successes including two North East firms who met through ConnectFriday, identified shared interests and goals and now are collaborating on the development of a range of LED lighting projects.” Businesses can join the conversation and networking each and every Friday on twitter simply by following @ConnectFriday. Make sure you use the hashtag #ConnectFriday on all your tweets.
Newlife Paints Ltd is based in Ford, West Sussex. We professionally reprocess waste water-based paint back into a premium grade emulsion. All products in our paint range guarantee a minimum 50% recycled content, made up from waste paint diverted from landfill or incineration.
We offer a classic and contemporary range of 32 colours and provide a full colour matching service. Newlife’s environmentally friendly paint has a smooth consistency and covers effortlessly. Newlife paint has the opacity and depth of colour that you would expect from a premium emulsion; all offered at an affordable price. From inception Newlife Paints have worked to a set of core values: Respect and concern for the environment. A desire to make a difference. A commitment to quality, customer service and value for money Newlife Paints is a progressive company. We take pride in the professional and bespoke service we offer our customers, and the friendly, supportive atmosphere in our offices and factory.
Daisy’s Gardening
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Green fingers make a happy garden
Daisy’s top picks for an eco gardener
£44.99 argos.co.uk, £29.99 greenfingers.com, £124.99 nigelsecostore.com £65 edenproject.com, £9 henandhammock.co.uk, £7.14 bookdepository.co.uk £29.52 sears.com, £66 gardeners-world.net, £9.95 allthingsgreen.net
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Thank You
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Thank you to all partners and exhibitors that have taken part in the Big Eco Show event.
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Big Eco Show Floor Plan
Floor plan for Big Eco Show at Centre for Life
1 2 &3 4&5 6&7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Phoenix Taxis 18 Lloyd Newcastle 19 Utility Wise GLOWLed 20&21 Renew North East Cedrec 22 1st4Solar 23 Eco Ad Waterless 24 Urinals 25&26 Bio Health Solutions 27&28 NISP 29&30 Sunderland College 31 Etyres NAREC 32 Bdaily 33 34
Benfield Motors South Tyneside Homes Green Deal Products Tadea Energy Friend Potts Print UK Antalis RMBAuto Divine Departures Federation Small Business Green Energy Consulting New Life Paints KNW
35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47
Riverford Organics JCloth 3000 Opus Green Northumbrian Water Askham Bryan college Sunspirit Group Horizon Freedom Specialist Services Bottled Alley Glass Erika Tanith Photography Idratek One Trinity Green Deep Green Solutions
Accessing Green Deal, ECO and the wider low carbon market place can be a daunting task — we know! However in our experience a flexible, customer focussed approach works best. We have developed three offers for the sector and believe the wider benefits can apply to everyone. Group Horizon Training As low carbon specialists we have spent many years offering high quality training to people from all walks of life. From businesses looking to commercially up-skill existing staff to new entrants looking to work in this sector. Our ‘Green’ courses range from short programmes to full Apprenticeships. We cover: External Wall, Loft & Cavity Insulation Green Deal Advisor Renewables - Design & Installation Domestic Energy Assessor Electric Vehicle Charge Points Energy Efficiency Measures To date we have trained over 100 Green Deal Advisors and many, many more across our other programmes; including delivering the ‘Green Deal Go Early’ programme funded by DECC.
Group Horizon Energy We practice what we teach! We offer a range of installation and assessment services including Green Deal Reports, External Wall Insulation, Renewables and Electric Vehicle charge point installation. We are also supporting ECO projects nationally and working with a range of organisations including energy companies, manufacturers, social housing groups and installer partnership projects. We provide experienced, qualified and capable staff to meet the needs of your project, contact us for further information or to speak with one of our technical specialists. Group Horizon Futures We have supported hundreds of people into employment through our tailored training programmes. Our learners are ideal for SMEs looking to expand their capacity and skill set at all levels. Group Horizon Futures can work with you to put this in place, supporting employment in the local area an helping to grow your business without incurring recruitment fees. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you take advantage of the full range of opportunities in this exciting sector.
Call us on 0800 002 9805 www.grouphorizon.co.uk, info@grouphorizon.co.uk, @grouphorizon
Divine Departures
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Eco-Friendly Funerals !Wicker !Seagrass !Cardboard !CofÞn Cosies !Natural Burial Grounds !Biodegradable Urns
Find out more by contacting us: Phone: 0191 543 8963
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Email: linda@divinedepartures.co.uk
¥ Website: www.divinedepartures.co.uk
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Erika Tanith Photography
Erika Tanith Photography
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rika is an independent professional photographer working from her studio in Newcastle and on location around the North East. Specialising in wedding photography, her packages are competitively priced with luxury quality on all products. She also offers photography packages for;
Family portraits Couples’ shoots Children and babies Pets Modelling portfolios, Corporate events and a range of other photographic commissions.
All photography shoots are tailored to the needs of the client; service is professional and friendly and the results are always of the highest quality. Erika offers a large range of beautiful prints for purchase through the website. For more information and to view her portfolio please visit Erikatanithphotography.co.uk or call 07792 176 229
A Carbon Balanced Printing Company
CARBON BALANCED PRINTING GOOD CSR • GOOD PR • GOOD BUSINESS
Visit our stand at The Big Eco Show and follow @pottsgreenprint on Twitter to find out more.