Natural Benefits for Business

 The Value of Biodiversity

The Value of Biodiversity was launched at the UKBAP conference on 9th October 2009, please follow the link below to view.

Natural Benefits for Business

 This week is published the outcome of the pilot project in Cumbria - Natural Benefits for Business (NB4B) – that has enabled businesses to get advice on the benefits to them and the natural environment of directly engaging with biodiversity.  NB4B arose out of the work of Natural Economy Northwest (NENW), the North West Biodiversity Forum, Cumbria Biodiversity Partnership and Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency. ThisCumbria NB4B pilot ran for two years from April 2006 and aimed to show businesses how a simple change in site management or working practices could benefit wildlife and make business sense. 

A meeting hosted by the CBI in September will raise awareness of this pilot.  Time and time again, managers reported that their involvement in NB4B had paid dividends in terms of better staff morale, an enhanced company image and lower costs.  Working with Business Link, ENWORKS and the Local Biodiversity Partnerships, the intention is to mainstream biodiversity advice within the ENWORKS programme across the NW Region. 

This and other Natural Economy Northwest reports are available from our website (www.naturaleconomynorthwest.co.uk).  Natural Economy Northwest is a partnership programme funded by Natural England, NW Regional Development Agency and SITA Trust.  It has a vision of a ‘prosperous economic future with a thriving natural environment for the North West’.   

Will Williams

Natural Economy Northwest Programme Director