There are some great networks and resources in the West of England region that can help with your sustainability journey.

Regional 

University of Bath SME Sustainability Opportunities

There are some upcoming opportunities for SMEs to engage with University of Bath .  

Free sustainability audit for local businesses

These days companies face significant pressures when redesigning their business strategies to become more socially and environmentally sustainable. University of Bath are inviting interest from SMEs who would be interested in a free sustainability audit from postgraduate students on our MSc in Sustainability and Management. In the Autumn, their students will review the organisation’s existing sustainability position and make tailored recommendations on practical steps that could be taken to move the company forward. 

If you would like to find out more, please take a look at this overview document, register your interest here or contact Sarah Peel for an informal chat: s.e.peel@bath.ac.uk 01225 385030

Deadline for expressions of interest is 25 August.

Help with business challenges relating to Operations, Logistics, Procurement or Supply Chain Management

University of Bath have just started sourcing industry projects for their MSc in Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, to run from October 2025 to March 2026.  Supported by an academic team with broad areas of expertise, a small team of students would explore a genuine business challenge, coming up with practical solutions and recommendations for their client. 

Companies typically spend an average of 1 hr/week on the project – with great ROI being cited as one of the main benefits by previous partners. 

If you would like to find out more, please take a look at this video which gives an overview from a company perspective and find out more in this overview document, including key dates. 

Deadline for expressions of interest is 25 August.

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority Support

The West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is here to help small and medium businesses in Bath & North-East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire cut carbon and cut costs. Backed by over £3.6million from the Metro Mayor’s Green Recovery Fund, the schemes provide you with expert advice and financial support to take action against the climate emergency and cost of living.

West of England Combined Authority - Green Business Grants

www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/growth-hub/financial-business-support/green-business-grants 

Over 300 SMEs and charities in the West of England have been supported to buy products and equipment that cut their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. Projects have included LED lighting, solar panels, insulation, heat pumps, manufacturing equipment and cooking appliances. Applications must help the business to achieve a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to your current baseline emissions.

Grant is available first come, first served and all projects must be completed by March 2026. We can also help you find carbon saving opportunities and signpost to installer directories. For more information, please request an information pack.

Please note: trading address must be in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol or South Gloucestershire.

West of England Combined Authority - Carbon Surveys

Small or medium enterprises or charities looking to reduce your carbon emissions and energy costs can register for a free Carbon Survey.  This will help you to identify opportunities to reduce your carbon emissions, cut your utility costs and improve your energy efficiency. The survey will mean a look at your energy bills, visit your premises and assess your building and operations. It can help you find quick wins that you could action straight away for little or no cost, as well as those that may need more investment.

Carbon Surveys are available to SMEs and SME charities with non-domestic premises in Bath & North-East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

More details and registration at  www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk/growth-hub/technology-innovation/carbon-surveys.

Future Leap

futureleap.co.uk

Future Leap is one of the largest green business networks in the UK, with collaboration and innovation at the heart of everything, using these as tools in tackling the climate crisis together. 

Discover more about how Future Leap can support your business through its membership network, events programme and consultancy services.

Bath and North East Somerset 

Zero Carbon Nature Positive Network, Bath and North East Somerset Council

carbonneutralbathnes.ning.com

A platform for environmentally conscious individuals, groups and organisations. Learn what other people are doing and add your voice to climate action. 

Bristol 

Bristol’s Free Electric Van loan scheme

travelwest.info/for-businesses/bristols-free-electric-van-loan-scheme

Bristol City Council is offering organisations in Bristol the chance to try an electric vehicle for free. The scheme is designed to help you decide if an electric vehicle is the right choice for your organisation.

Free Active Travel support

www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/streets-travel/bristols-caz/get-free-active-travel-support

Helping you to reduce your car journeys with free cycling trials, eScooter credit and bus taster tickets.

Bristol Good Food Network

www.bristolfoodnetwork.org

Bristol Food Network C.I.C. supports, informs and connects individuals, community projects, organisations and businesses who share a vision to transform Bristol into a sustainable food city.

Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership

bristolclimatenature.org

A unique network of organisations that have pledged to work towards a zero carbon, socially just Bristol where all our communities and nature thrive

Black and Green Ambassadors

www.blackandgreenambassadors.co.uk

Connecting, empowering and celebrating diverse leadership and community action on environmental issues in Bristol and beyond; challenging perceptions, creating new opportunities and working towards ensuring the environmental movement is inclusive and representative of all communities.

National 

City to Sea

www.citytosea.org.uk

An environmental organisation on a mission to stop plastic pollution. They run people-powered, community–serving campaigns that help individuals and businesses to change the world whilst having some fun on the way. 

International

Future of Tourism

www.futureoftourism.org

The Future of Tourism is a coalition of six non-governmental organizations that have come together to stand united in an appeal for change.  This includes the Travel Foundation and Green Destinations.

The Travel Foundation

www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk

Based in Bristol, the Travel Foundation are a leading international sustainable tourism organisation dedicated to ensuring that tourism provides the greatest possible benefit to every destination around the world so that their communities and environments can thrive.