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Time for some housekeeping
In this month's Regulatory Bulletin, Prism highlights a useful document produced by the Environment Agency entitled: Management toolkit for small and medium sized businesses. This information pack contains helpful templates, specifically targeted to help small and medium size enterprises (SMEs).
Like most businesses, those involved in print have the potential to cause pollution. The management toolkit will help readers consider several points:
- Is there a less risky alternative to the way you do things?
- Is your equipment fit for purpose, inspected and correctly maintained?
- Are your procedures and training adequate?
- In the event of something going wrong, are you prepared to deal with it?
As well as responding to these questions, the toolkit will help readers identify and manage the typical impact they may have on the environment.
By applying best practice as detailed in the guide, advantages should include more efficient working practices and productivity, helping to create a sustainable business. It could also reduce risks and increase profits, with reduced operating costs, including costs associated with environmental regulation.
Furthermore, companies that follow the guidelines are more likely to obtain business from customers looking for partners with green credentials. Managing environmental issues could also improve a company's reputation amongst staff, customers and the public, with increased chance of funding by demonstrating responsible environmental management. Not only this, improved legal compliance means businesses avoid prosecution and receive fewer visits from environmental regulators.
Prism members also have access to the Planet Friendly Guide which offers support specific to digital and screen printers and their suppliers.
For all visitors to the Prism web site, there is access to a free Health and Safety audit for their company. This is a self-completed diagnostic tool, devised by health and safety experts, Bradley Environmental Consultants. The tool generates a report which explains where the organisation in question lies with regards to current Health and Safety Regulations.
When times are tough it is easy to regard these issues as more red tape that will weigh down your businesses. The reality however, is that when the unexpected happens, they can offer protection against the dreaded “If only” scenarios.
On a lighter note, Prism has a system for searching out grant aid and financial support for companies. This is not just designed to seek out funding at a European or UK level, but can be as focused as finding resources at Parish level for capital spend, training, environmental improvement, employment and other needs. Members receive a free report on all that is available to their organisation. Of course, there is no guarantee that funds will be available, but the more information that can be provided on company requirements, the more likely it is that Prism will be able to find the potential support that's out there.
