That is the message that will be delivered to businesses across Hampshire at a free seminar next month.

The Sustainable Business Seminar will allow companies to discover how to reduce their impacts on the environment and lower overheads at the same time.

The seminar will take a closer look at the environmental issues, which affect UK businesses and discuss how to balance financial and legislative requirements with environmental responsibilities.

Accountant PricewaterhouseCoopers will join forces with legal eagles Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons and the Sustainable Business Partnership, aiming primarily at small-to-medium-sized companies.

This is because these tend to slip through the net of support mechanisms and often fear that anything they do could be costly.

But Sustainable Business Partnership manager Stephen Duncan said much could be done without increasing costs, for instance by implementing a switch-off policy of computer equipment and lights.

He said: 'For all businesses, there are many chances to make small changes and become more profitable and these businesses need to know about the tax-saving opportunities that are out there for them.

'Cost is a big concern for business as is the time consideration as well but we are generally confident that by selecting the right measures they will see an improvement in the bottom line.'

The seminar comes with the county also preparing to run a Smart Commute Week, where people and companies will be encouraged to use park-and-ride schemes, work from home, stagger working hours or try alternative forms of transport to the car.

Among those taking part is Gosport Ferry which is offering free travel during commuter times on Alternative Commute Day, Friday, November 2.

To reserve a place at the free morning seminar, being held at Winchester Guildhall, please phone (01962) 845591 or you can e-mail sustainable.business.

partnership@hants.gov.uk.

jeremy.dunning@

thenews.co.uk