Businesses across the Marches within the environmental sector were given a real boost this week when it was announced by the Department of Communities and Local Government that further funding had been awarded to metnet (Marches Environmental Technology Network) allowing it to continue for another two years.
Funded via the European Regional Development Fund, metnet is a partnership between Shropshire Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, Herefordshire Council and Worcestershire County Council and is administered by Shropshire Council.
Since the network’s launch in May 2010, it has met with great success, engaging with over 300 environmental businesses in the area through its events, including a yearly conference, and via its website.
Environmental businesses have cited numerous benefits from accessing what metnet has to offer. These have ranged from ‘informative’ events and being the ‘eyes and ears’ for business support and funding opportunities, to providing networking that has led to new clients and business contacts and collaborative working to develop new products and services.
As metnet also supports businesses looking to diversify into the sector, it also works hard to promote links and a greater awareness and understanding of what the region’s universities can offer the sector.
Councillor Mike Owen, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Prosperity for Shropshire Council commented:
‘We are delighted by the success of this bid. It allows us to continue to support and grow what is an essential growth sector for Shropshire as well as the rest of the Marches. The network is really valued by the businesses that access what it has to offer, and we are gratified that with this funding we can continue to offer them essential support, information and business opportunities”.
For more information visit the website in the related information.