The launch of
Cumbria Green Business Forum - a huge success!

Speakers at the Forum from left to right: Tim Farron MP, Clare Chapman (TCP), John Barwise(CGBF Chair), Vicky Darrell (Deputy Chair LDNPA), David Welch (Cote How Guest House), Emma Greenshaw(CBEN), Bill Smith (SLDT), Godfrey Owen (Brathay), Michael Hamer (CBEN), Nigel Christian(CCC)

Read other news about the CGBF launch... North West Evening Mail Businesses unite to spread green message Read more...

Brathay Hall was the venue for the launch of CGBF and the atmosphere was electric. Over eighty people from a wide range of local businesses packed into Brathay’s Conference Hall to share this momentous occasion and find out what the Forum can do for them – they weren’t disappointed.

This was the official Launch of an exciting new green business initiative to help businesses improve their environmental performance and raise the profile of Cumbria as a Centre of Environmental Excellence. Waste and recycling, environmental management, tourism and conservation and business partnerships were all on the agenda with excellent advice and information from a range of business and environmental experts. Local MP Tim Farron was there to lend his whole-hearted support and enthusiasm for this new initiative.

Quote Bev Dennison, Grasmere Hostel
‘I have never attended any meeting or conference for years with such a buzz’

There was praise too from local authorities, business leaders, voluntary organisations and environmental service providers who recognise CGBF as an ‘honest broker’ helping to promote and improve environmental services for businesses across the county.

Quote - Chair of CGBF, John Barwise
'This launch of the Forum has been a huge success. We now have a platform for businesses to build their knowledge of environmental management and a network for people to share their experience and help improve business environmental performance across Cumbria. Whether you are a plumber, electrician, shop keeper, manufacturer or hotelier – this forum is your voice to make sure environmental services across the County are fit for purpose.'

CGBF is run by businesses for businesses and aims to encourage sustainable best practice in all business sectors and improve environmental services for businesses across the county. CGBF will work closely with local authorities and other stakeholders in the county to improve environmental facilities and services. We are also committed to working closely with local communities supporting local environmental projects and raising awareness of local ethical and environmental concerns.

Most of the businesses involved in CGBF are already actively involved in environmental initiatives both in environmental management and local conservation projects. Others are keen to get involved and the Forum is there to help.

Quote Dave Welch Cote How Guest House, Vice Chair, CGBF
'Being green enhances all aspects of our business from sourcing local organic food and developing relationships with like minded people to the marketing of the business and seeing increased profits whilst being responsible to our greatest asset - the Cumbrian landscape but ultimately the planet!!
CGBF are committed to promoting green business and ensuring Cumbria is the Green Destination of the future'

The launch of the CGBF is a real boost for its members.

Now the hard work begins as we start to build a range of environmental information services for our members – where to buy ‘green products’, how to build an environmental management system, how to save energy, water and reduce waste. Check out the website and tell us what other information you would like to see in there.

Your Forum – your voice

Join the forum today and discover that being green will enhance your reputation and improve your business performance.