Focus on Greenwich

On the journey towards Net Zero

The Royal Borough of Greenwich declared a climate emergency in 2019 and agreed to set an ambitious target to reach net zero carbon emissions 20 years ahead of the national target.

The support of our business community is crucial to achieving this.

We are working with the

University of Greenwich (UoG) to promote knowledge transfer and business start-up around green technology.

On 20 October, businesses in Royal Greenwich came together at the University for the Greener Greenwich Expo to share their stories and get new ideas around sustainability and being green. Businesses in Royal Greenwich will have access to a variety of practical advice and information following the event, which we’ll be sharing via our newsletter. The Greener Greenwich Expo is the first of a number of events exploring ways that businesses can contribute towards the green agenda. Our first Best of Royal Greenwich Business Networking Event will be focused on supporting businesses to become greener. We’re also working closely with South East London Community Energy (SELCE) to deliver the Greener Business in Greenwich programme, helping businesses to reduce both their energy costs and carbon emissions through fully-funded schemes. Sign up to our newsletter to hear about any future events: royalgreenwich.gov.uk/ businessnewsletter

Join the Greener Business programme: selce.org.uk/breaking-new-ground/ greener-businesses

The Real Living Wage – Good for Business – Good for Society

The London Living Wage is an

independently calculated, voluntary hourly rate of pay, set by the Living Wage Foundation.

The rate, which is higher than the government’s national minimum wage, represents the minimum amount an employee needs to earn to provide a decent standard of living for themselves and their family. As a proud Real Living Wage Employer, we encourage other local employers to join the movement. With the cost-of-living crisis, it’s more important than ever.

Benefits of being a Real Living Wage Employer include: 1. Better employee retention 2. Happier staff equals more productivity 3. Improved relationships between employer and employees 4. Improved reputation of business 5. Differentiating your company from competitors

Marco Olmi, Managing Director at the Drury Tea & Coffee Company, an accredited Royal Greenwich Living Wage Employer, said: “As a fourth-generation family business, we care about our employees. Paying the London Living Wage proves this and is vital in cementing the relationship between all our colleagues. It’s not always the easy path for a business, but it is the right path.

Interested in becoming an accredited Living Wage Employer? Or, if you’re already accredited, would you like to join our campaign celebrating London Living Wage Week (14-20 November)? Email business@royalgreenwich.gov.uk to express your interest or to find out more.

How can the Council help your business?

In Royal Greenwich, professional advice is available on many aspects of running your business, from tendering for contracts to recruitment and marketing. We also run an e-business support programme to help businesses reach their potential online, which includes free workshops and seminars. For the latest business news, sign up to receive our newsletter:

royalgreenwich.gov.uk/businessnewsletter