Council extends sustainable growth project for businesses

Extra support for small businesses to take action against climate change is being delivered through its Net Zero project by Milton Keynes City Council.

It launched the initiative last year for 50 local firms and is now opening up the programme to more businesses in response to increased demand.

The council has teamed up with Ngage Solutions to provide fully funded practical support helping companies to achieve their sustainability goals. The support includes steering participating organisations to grant funding and training to help them make the most of low carbon opportunities and reduce their energy costs.

Deputy leader Cllr Robin Bradburn said: “It is really encouraging to see local businesses who share our vision of making our city carbon neutral and I look forward to working with them to achieve sustainable economic growth.”

The programme includes the steps businesses can take to mitigate climate change; access to low carbon initiatives; facilitating highquality services and training to capitalise on low carbon opportunities; a network of like-minded businesses who can work together.

“We are committed to tackling the climate crisis and this needs businesses and communities to come together to achieve meaningful action,” said Cllr Bradburn. n Find out more at NetZeroMK.org, email NetZeroMK@ngagesolutions. co.uk or call 01494 360569.

Of the 50 businesses supported by Net Zero MK last year, 21 made Net Zero pledges, said Adam Champney, head of funding acquisition and business development at Ngage Solutions.

IKEA signs in as Chamber gold partner

Retail giant IKEA has become a Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce gold partner as it looks to forge closer links with the city’s business community.

The company, whose Milton Keynes store near Stadium MK opened in 2005, employs 450 staff and is one of 20 across the UK.

Its Milton Keynes market manager David Manser (pictured below) said: “I am delighted to be starting this partnership. We are looking forward to working together to leverage our ability to be a good neighbour for our customers, other businesses in the area and the people of MK.