In October 2005 the Green Business Network celebrated 10 years of service, providing environmental advice and support to local businesses, assisting community groups and establishing major recycling projects.

Established in October 1995 as a partnership between Kirklees and Calderdale Councils, the Training and Enterprise Council (T.E.C.) and the Rural Development Commission, the GBN started out with a budget of £30,000. It’s initial remit was to offer advice and support to ten small and medium sized enterprises to assist them in improving their environmental performance.

Since this time, thanks to the enterprise, energy and enthusiasm of the Project Manager Graham Wiles and his team, the GBN has grown significantly. Over the last ten years, it has given advice and assistance to over 1,500 businesses to help them improve their environmental performance, over 200 of which were given grant assistance to implement projects. The GBN has established and now operates a number of distinct but related environmental activities, many of which are social enterprises. Funding of over £7 million has been secured making a substantial contribution to the economic, social and environmental well being of the region. The GBN is still indebted to the ongoing support it receives from Kirklees and Calderdale Council’s.

The GBN’s work is informed by a commitment to social inclusion, and its projects actively involve the long-term unemployed, socially excluded young people and those with disabilities.

The GBN has established an excellent reputation for its innovative and pioneering project work which supports and encourages the principles of sustainable development, social inclusion, economic regeneration and environmental improvements. It intends to build and expand upon this solid foundation during the next ten years.