Somerset climate change conference good for business

6.52.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Apr 2009

Graham Watson, MEP for the South West of England & Gibraltar is tackling the threat of climate change with the business community at a special event on Friday 15th May.

The event, "Climate Change - Managing the threat to your business" is an opportunity for members of the business community in the South West to come together and hear the thoughts of Mr. Watson on the environmental debate, ahead of the European elections on June 4th 2009.

Graham says, "I'm very happy to support this important event. We've teamed up with co2balance to ensure any carbon emissions from our European election campaign are offset.

"Offsetting our emissions shows our commitment to this issue isn't just skin-deep."

Graham Watson is working with co2balance, a Taunton company that helps businesses and individuals offset their carbon.

Rupert Cox, from inward investment agency Into Somerset, adds, "Somerset has more than its fair share of businesses with a green focus, and has been at the forefront of environmental technology for years, as well as being the first county to recycle more than half its household waste."

Into Somerset promotes Somerset as an ideal destination for environmental- and energy-related companies looking to relocate.

"Climate change is perhaps the single biggest challenge facing businesses and the public sector in the next 50 years," continues Rupert, "and we have some of the best examples in the country of companies that are trailblazing renewable energy as well as a major college running courses in Environmental Studies.

"Somerset is also the UK's first Transition Local Authority - ensuring that measures to save energy and cut global warming are at the heart of forward planning.

"It is therefore the perfect location for a discussion on the subject and re-enforces the potential for attracting more green businesses into Somerset."

Mike Rigby, Director of co2balance says, "The event will raise awareness of climate change and its impact on business in the South West, and highlight the risk as well as opportunities that it will bring".

Notes to Editors:

1. Details of the event:

Climate Change - Managing the Threat to your Business

15th May 2009 1.00pm (businesses invited to attend at 2pm)

1 Discovery House, Cook Way, Bindon Rd, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6BJ

For more information and to book interview slots, please contact Rachael Dry as above.

2. With their HQ in Somerset, co2balance have offices in Italy, Japan, Kenya and America.

co2balance's aim is to provide simple, practical and cost-effective ways for individuals and businesses to reduce their 'carbon footprint' and then balance their unavoidable carbon dioxide emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. After providing advice on carbon reduction, co2balance will arrange to offset the residual CO2 emissions.

Offsetting is the practice of calculating a client's carbon footprint and then investing in a carbon reduction project to reduce an equivalent quantity of carbon. For more information, visit www.co2balance.com

3. Graham Watson offsets his travel to and from the European Parliament every year

For more information, or to book an interview with Graham Watson, contact:

Rachael Dry - 01458 259176/07748 419467 Email: rachael.dry@libdems.org.uk

To speak to Rupert Cox, please contact:

Graham Godwin - 07956 196 878 Email: graham@mendipmedia.co.uk