Staffordshire businesses invited to join an influential environmental network for free
Businesses looking to improve resilience and reduce costs through long-term energy efficiency are being invited to take up free membership of the Staffordshire Business & Environment Network (sben).
With a focus on supporting organisations across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to become commercially competitive through environmental innovation, sben offers a host of benefits to its members.
The network, which is sponsored by Michelin, AMRICC, Solar Star Power, Cosy Foundation and Midlands Insulation Solutions, also provides a framework for like-minded organisations to network and grow their companies within Staffordshire and further afield.
Adam Whitehouse, founder of TMT First Ltd, is the Chair of sben, which was founded in 1992. He said: “Membership of sben gives access to business tools, guidance and networking, at no cost for eligible companies.
“The network offers businesses the chance to become greener and more commercially robust.
“Benefits include events and training, providing practical inspiration and actionable take-aways, alongside access to our free online emissions and data tracking tool, The Tracker, which measures and manages emissions.
"Membership also includes a listing on the membership directory on the sben website, as well as a monthly newsletter, regular legal updates to help them stay ahead of environmental regulation and our new forum space where members can stay connected and collaborate. The Green Suppliers Directory is hosted on the sben website for those searching for/specialising in green products and services.
“Through the network I have met with so many amazing local businesses, learnt how to reduce energy and waste, cut costs, accessed funding and built an environmentally credible brand.”
Members are invited to visit other sben members premises for enviro-visits that showcase their environmental achievements. This can help businesses to implement actions that can improve their own environmental performance, reduce energy costs and improve supply-chain sustainability.
Everyone joining the network is invited to attend its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 27 November 2025, at Aston Marina in Stone. You can book your place via the website sben AGM 2025 - Staffordshire Business & Environment Network
The event will include a progress update, election of the management team for 2026 and presentation of the sben Awards, recognising local businesses making strides in environmental performance.
Two guest speakers will also share their real-world journeys and insights.
Neil Nicholls, operations director, Aston Marina, will discuss how the marina is investing in renewable power, local sourcing and sustainable procurement practices, while Andy McKeown, from Normans Musical Instruments, will share how an SME integrates sustainability into its supply chain, invests in nature-based carbon solutions and improves biodiversity.
The event will close with a networking session introduced by Staffordshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, Martin Murray, which will provide a valuable opportunity for local business leaders to meet, share ideas and forge collaborations.
Find out more at sben.co.uk or call the sben team on 01785 277 379.
