This year, why not aim to increase your competitiveness in the market place by saving up to 10% on your business overhead costs?

Business Improvement through Environmental Solutions (BITES) is a business development initiative designed to help organisations throughout the borough enhance their competitiveness and sustainability through more efficient use and management of resources (energy, water, waste and raw materials). This project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.

The six month programme is delivered by environmental consultants Mabbett who are experienced in assisting businesses implement changes to their resources through an environmental management system and effectively, achieve cost-saving results. The programme is part-funded by Newtownabbey Borough Council and is delivered through a series of workshops and bespoke one-to-one visits to the business premises.

Councillor Robert Hill, Vice-Chairman of the Development Committee commented:

"This programme is a fantastic way for businesses to review and identify opportunities for saving on costs. Many past participants of the course find the one-to-one mentoring and site visits a vital support and also find other businesses experiences very useful. The course, will not only make your organisation more sustainable, but will also boost it through up-skilling and benchmarking with others on business performance."

The next course is due to commence in February 2014 and applications are now open. For further information on the BITES programme or to request an application form, please contact Robert Duncan on telephone: 028 9073 7873 or email Duncan@mabbett.eu.

Funding is also provided by Belfast City Council, Carrickfergus Borough Council, Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Lisburn City Council.

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