Last Updated: Nov 14

Category: GBN Projects

Representatives from five EU countries visited Kirklees in September to view a showcase of ‘best practice’ projects in Kirklees and Calderdale, created and supported by the Green Business Network.

Sixteen delegates from Sweden, France, Romania, Portugal and Spain spent two days exchanging ideas with the GBN and Kirklees Council and visiting GBN projects including ABLE in Wakefield, the proposed ABLE2 site in Heckmondwike, Lynwood Products in Halifax (plastic recyclers of Intruplas products) and Pennine Magpie, also in Halifax.

The European partners took the opportunity to learn more about the projects being run by the GBN and then all partners, including the UK, worked on setting up the new criteria for European funding. The European Comission has asked the group to prepare criteria on awarding funding for environmental assistance offered to SMEs and the development of green industries. This is a crucial development in the field of EU funding as it means experts in environmental business support will be key in deciding the appropriate funding criteria.
Cllr Sims, Cabinet member for Regeneration at Kirklees Council, said:
“The Green Business Network is an integral part of Kirklees Council’s commitment towards the green agenda. We are extremely proud that their work is being recognised as an example of best practice, not only within the UK, but within Europe too “.