Incorporating sustainability or green issues into any company activity can help win new business, cut costs and increase profits.

According to a survey of 2000 consumers by YouGov, two thirds said it’s important to buy from environmentally responsible companies, so being seen as ‘sustainable’ puts a product in a better position to attract the consumer pound.

With this in mind a new two-year fully-funded programme is being launched in Kent and across the South East to help companies improve their sustainability.

PLATO: Sustain will enable Kent-based companies to ‘buddy up’ with some of the UK’s biggest brands as well as work with other local businesses on a ‘peer-group’ learning basis.

The programme of monthly seminars and meetings aims to focus on sustainable business practices and increase bottom line results for participants and is based on similar successful ventures across the UK.

Usually costing £3500 to take part, this programme is being underpinned with funding from SEEDA and the European Regional Development Fund. This will allow businesses in Kent to participate at no charge.

There will be two regional PLATO groups across the county - the East Kent group hosted by the KM Group and Pfizer, and the Thames Gateway group hosted by Coca Cola and Aylesford Newsprint.

PLATO: Sustain will be holding its South East launch event on Thursday at the Sofitel Hotel, Gatwick Airport.

Kent businesses interested in joining the programme are invited to attend.

This free event is being hosted by Roy Sheppard, award-winning presenter of ‘In the News’ on BBC Radio 4. Roy is also joining keynote speakers Jonathon Porritt CBE and David Grayson CBE, both notable commentators on the environment.

To find out more about becoming a PLATO: Sustain member, or to register your interest in the event, please call Jenny Dobson, Programme Co-ordinator on: 08457 35 45 55, or email: jenny.dobson@platogb.co.uk