ENVIRONMENT Agency Chairman, Sir John Harman, has cautioned all businesses that if they fail to comply with essential environmental legislation they risk hefty fines.

The warning comes as a free advisory website, www.netregs.gov.uk, is launched in Westminster.

It is estimated that smaller businesses generate as much as 60 per cent of commercial waste and are responsible for up to 80 per cent of pollution incidents. Despite this, a recent survey revealed only 19 per cent of small businesses in the South East can name any environmental legislation.

Failing to comply with environmental legislation can lead to costly fines and directors of the worst offending companies can be prosecuted. Businesses also risk missing out on the growing commercial benefits of good green credentials.

Sir John said: "We recognise that many smaller businesses are struggling to keep up with their increased environmental obligations, and want to give them the help they need to protect both the environment and their business.

"This is why we have developed NetRegs for small businesses wanting user-friendly, authoritative information on the environmental legislation governing their activities."

Visit www.netregs.gov.uk to check out your environmental obligations.