Cumbrian businesses are planning to do their part to address environmental and societal challenges after a successful event to imagine new sustainable practices.

More than 30 companies from across the county came together for the My business: creativity, innovation & inspiration for a sustainable future event at Castle Green Hotel, Kendal.

Organised byThe Centre for Global Eco-Innovation at Lancaster University, theEco-I NW projectand Cumbria Action for Sustainability, the event was open to small and medium-sized business owners and leaders from Cumbria and North Lancashire.

It provided them with a framework and tools to think more creatively around ways they can engender more sustainable products, services or processes that also make economic sense.

“It was a really productive evening,” said Dr Joanne Larty, Associate Director of the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation, and one of the event organisers.

“We had businesses from across various sectors from South Lakes and Lancashire in attendance, all discussing innovative ways they might work towards more sustainable practices, as well as thinking about potential future collaborations.

“SME owners need to be creative and innovative in looking for practical and economically viable sustainability solutions for their business. We considered what sustainability might mean for their businesses, how sustainability might present new opportunities, and looked at what support is available to help.

“We had really positive feedback, and we’re looking at how we can keep conversations among those businesses going.”