Learn How to Protect Your Business From The Changing Climate
9th September, 2010
Tourism businesses concerned about the disruption caused by severe weather conditions are being given the opportunity to hear how they can plan for a more secure future.
Devon’s Green Tourism Business Network (GTBN) autumn event, Changing Climate, Changing Business, will feature advice from experts on how to become more adaptable through forward planning, taking practical steps and introducing simple, effective management changes.
The free networking seminar takes place on Tuesday 21 September at Portmore Golf Park near Barnstaple from 11.00am to 2.30pm.
The event will be a unique opportunity to learn first hand how Portmore, a family-run business, coped with making these changes. Owner Colin Webber will talk about what he and his team have done and about the club’s five-year plan to reduce its carbon footprint.
Councillor Will Mumford, Devon County Council’s Executive Member for Economic Regeneration and Strategic Planning, said: “By staging this event, Devon County Council has responded to industry demand. Businesses have come to us asking for support and advice on this issue, and this free event is our response.
“The weather has a significantly bigger impact on the tourism industry than almost any other in Devon. Any changes could have a detrimental effect on business, significantly impacting on the county’s economy.
“The event will equip businesses with the information and tools to plan for a changing climate, raising awareness of issues and the need to plan ahead to reduce unavoidable costs. The day also offers a great opportunity to meet like-minded businesses and share best practice.”
The other speakers are:
• Emma Whittlesea, Sustainability Strategist at South West Tourism, who will explain the need to prepare for extreme weather and the carbon challenge
• Alex Webb, Manager at Climate South West, who will highlight business drivers for change and give examples of relevant adaptation actions and emerging opportunities for tourism businesses and
• Andy Bell, Manager of North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, who will explain how partnership management is working to develop sustainable, integrated land use within the reserve’s 3,300 square kilometres.
There will be a light lunch and the chance to enjoy a fact-finding tour of the golf park.
Places are offered on a first-come first-served basis by emailing paul.baker@devon.gov.uk or phoning 01392 383428.
ENDS
