Manchester Evening News: Shell offers cash for climate change: “MANCHESTER'S small business community has been invited to pitch its ideas on how to combat climate change in exchange for cash rewards. Shell Springboard, a fund set up by oil giant Shell to encourage positive approaches to environmental issues, will select the six best initiatives.”: Thursday 18 August 2005
Sarah Walters
MANCHESTER'S small business community has been invited to pitch its ideas on how to combat climate change in exchange for cash rewards.
Shell Springboard, a fund set up by oil giant Shell to encourage positive approaches to environmental issues, will select the six best initiatives.
And it will give companies up to £40,000 to get their ideas off the ground.
Three regional panels of independent experts will pick the finalists, who will go head-to-head to be named the UK company with the best approach to climate change.
Available awards are limited by region, and judges will be looking for groundbreaking ideas that have sound financial planning and good market knowledge underpinning them.
Lord Oxburgh, chair of the national judging panel, said: "Tackling climate change is not just a job for governments and big business.
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"It is also an important opportunity for the four million or more small businesses in the United Kingdom."
A spokesperson for Shell said: "The idea behind the fund is that the business response to climate change need not be all about compliance and cost.
"For those with vision, society's need to reduce emissions can also be seen as a positive business opportunity."
To apply, business must be sole-traders, partnerships, limited companies and community interest companies that have been established for at least three months, have fewer than 250 employees and operate in the UK.
All entrants must also have a disclosable business plan and be able to demonstrate how their ideas will reduce the greenhouse effect whilst remaining commercially viable.
The deadline for applications is Friday, November 4 and the awards will be made next spring.
For full terms and conditions, or on online application form, by visiting the website www.shellspringboard.org.
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