Sustainable Sefton Aims to Support 60 Businesses in Hospitality and Retail Sectors

Over 30 accommodation providers from Sefton attended an event at the Waterfront Hotel in Southport last week to take up support from Sustainable Sefton.  Thanks to funding from the UK Government and in partnership with InvestSefton, environmental consultants Groundwork kickstarted a new programme of activity aimed at supporting businesses primarily in the town centres of Southport, Bootle, Crosby and Maghull with their sustainability credentials. 

Sustainable Sefton will provide funded sustainability support to 60 businesses from the hospitality and retail sectors over the next 12 months, all of which will be supported by Groundwork consultants to develop a bespoke sustainability action plan.

The sustainability action plans will help the businesses reduce their costs, attract new customers and will contribute to the regions Net Zero target of 2040.

The event included practical tips on how B&B’s, small hotels and other accommodation providers can become more sustainable and outlined the multiple benefits of doing so. The agenda also included details of local grant funds, insights and experience from the sector and gave those attending the opportunity to meet with Groundwork consultants and register for 1-2-1 support.

Anthony Duffey from the Sunnyside Guest House is passionate about his business becoming more environmentally friendly. Having achieved a Gold Award through Green Business Tourism Accreditation Scheme, Sunnyside has gone on to win the Ethical and Sustainable Visitor Economy Business award at the recent Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.

Anthony, who is keen that more businesses follow his lead said: Wherever you are on your sustainability journey or even if you have not thought about it, it’s not too late, but it is essential that to grow your business and attract new customers. Businesses should now consider sustainable practices as part of their core business strategy ’

Additional events will be hosted in other areas of Sefton throughout 2024. Sessions focusing on independent retailers and bars & restaurants are being developed.

Greville Kelly, Director of Business at Groundwork said:
"We are really excited to be working with businesses across Sefton. Addressing your business's sustainability can lower your costs, grow your revenues and leave a better world for current and future generations, making it a real win-win opportunity. Through low and no-cost steps any business can begin to make improvements and the Groundwork team is here to support Sefton companies through the process."

Cllr Christine Howard, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills said:
“I am delighted to see that over 30 accommodation provides attended this first Sustainable Sefton event and hope that business across Sefton will register at https://groundworksbs.org.uk/sustainable-sefton/  to find out about future similar events and the advice and support that’s available to them through this initiative.”