It's been a while....Ecostudio update

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I’m probably not alone in feeling that posting to a blog can feel like a lonely occupation and for me it often slips down the list of priorities when running a small business. However, catching up with a few clients recently and generally feeling rather ashamed about the website looking a bit tired, has kicked me into action.

After 10 years or so at the leading edge of the sustainability field things do, at last, seem to be moving forward. We're nowhere near being a mainstream business agenda yet but with critical legislation being passed, corporate social responsibility and consumer demand driving change and stimulating growth it certainly feels like we're in a good place.

The website will be developed, but for now, here’s a quick update on things that have been happening at Ecostudio over the last few years (not mentioning the birth of my daughter):

We’ve renewed our focus on helping food and drink businesses and policy makers move away from single use packaging. Buoyed by the ‘blue planet effect’ and recent consultations around Extended Producer Responsibility, Plastic Tax and Deposit Return Schemes and so on. I was invited to host a Zero Waste conference with Food Centre Wales last year alongside speakers from Marks and Spencer, Volac, Pennotec and Natural Weigh. The event drew a sell-out crowd and initiated a series of sustainable packaging workshops that I have lead.

I’ve also been invited to speak at the Policy Forum for Wales Keynote Seminar about the Circular Economy next month, following a talk I gave for them last year. We’ve been working alongside Frith RM in reporting to WRAP and Defra on mandatory on-pack recycling labelling.

Iain Cox (left) chairing a panel discussion at the FCW Zero Waste Conference

The Sustainable Business Review – online self-assessment tool for food and drink businesses is now reaching critical mass and we maintain links to the Welsh Government and have supported them in the development of their Sustainable Brand Values that will encourage Welsh food and drink businesses to embed into their processes

We’ve been supporting social enterprise and charities to put sustainable practices in place through our work with Social Business Wales. We’re also working on a professional development programme for land based businesses, more to follow on that. Not to mention our sustainability training masterclasses that are helping business gain advantage from the growing demand for sustainable brands, products and services.

All in a days work…or so.

Food and Drink Wales plan for green growth in food manufacturing available now

Food and Drink Wales plan for Green Growth in food and drink manufacturing has been published this week following a launch by Jane Hutt at the recent Taste Wales conference.

'Doing Better Business - Opportunities for Welsh Food and Drink Manufacturers in Responsible and Green Growth' is written by Iain Cox of Ecostudio, with Welsh Government officials from Food and Drink Wales and with support from the industry.

This business-friendly publication sets out how the Welsh Governments intention for an environmentally and socially responsible food and drink sector is bringing commercial advantages to Welsh food manufacturers.

• it demonstrates how the Welsh food and drink industry is set benefit from the Welsh Government Food Action Plan and Future Generations legislation.
• it features best practice examples from Welsh food and drink manufacturers and trade buyers, including: Parsnipship, Ty Tanglwyst Dairy, Puffin Produce, Fruitapeel, Bangor Mussel Producers and NHS Wales.
• it describes the support available to Welsh food and drink manufacturers, including the Sustainable Business Review. A free online self-assessment that is helping 100s of small food companies to report their sustainable credentials to customers, and numerous trade buyers to meet CSR and legislation by assessing the sustainability of their suppliers.

Iain Cox the publication's author and Director of Ecostudio says:

"The UK marketplace for sustainably produced food and drink provides Welsh businesses with opportunities for growth. Driven by an increasing consumer appetite and new legislation, buyers from retail, wholesale and the public sector are actively seeking suppliers that can help them meet this growing market demand.

This was worth £8.64billion to the UK economy in 2014, up from £6.6billion in 2010*

Doing Better Business illustrates how the Welsh Governments plans for green growth are being put into practice by leading Welsh food and drink manufacturers and it gives a practical insight for how food and drink manufacturers  can take advantage of new opportunities for growth."

*according to UK Ethical Market Annual Report

Contact / further information:

Iain Cox

iain@ecostudio.org.uk

08452 696105

www.ecostudio.org.uk

This publication is available to download on Business Wales website by clicking here

Food businesses wanted for international publication

Sustainable food is worth £8.64billion to the UK economy. 

Driven by increasing consumer appetite and new legislation, buyers from retail, wholesale and the public sector are actively seeking suppliers that can help them meet this growing market demand.

Ecostudio is preparing a publication for the Welsh Government to promote how innovative food businesses profit through brands, products and services that benefit the environment and local communities.

We are seeking up to 10 food businesses from Wales to be included in this publication.

This is a free promotional opportunity. Please get in touch before 5pm Friday 17^th February 2017

Contact:

Iain Cox

m: 07827 815876
e: iain@ecostudio.org.uk

Iain Cox wins Sustainability Champion award!

Congratulations to the winner of the Sustainability Champion award sponsored by UWTSD : Iain Cox of #Ecostudio @CynnalCymru #SWAwards pic.twitter.com/if7e3a2Qlb

— Trinity Saint David (@UWTSD) November 17, 2016

New report available: How Community Food Co-ops make a positive contribution to future generations.

Since 2004 the RRU Community Food Co-ops programme in Wales has provided healthy and affordable food to those that most need it – whilst providing much needed access to market, and a straightforward distribution for an increasing number of regional growers and local produce. 

Run as a social enterprise and volunteer led there were over 300 co-ops active across Wales in 2016. 

The programme was established with Welsh Government funding to deliver multiple policy objectives on health, poverty and rural development. It is closely aligned with the goals of the Well being for Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015. They strive to ensure their operational activities and strategic decision making is environmentally sound and socially responsible. 

Ecostudio has worked closely with the team to develop an award winning 10 point sustainability plan. This has enabled them to monitor, evaluate and improve their performance whilst demonstrating a return on investment that adds value to the community benefits that they are established to deliver.

Our report provides a summary of this work to date. It can be downloaded here.

In 2011 @jonhenley asked me about sustainability & Welsh food. https://t.co/JHIn9GS80D Pls vote 4 me @FoodDrinkWales https://t.co/9dU2HDcyPs

— Iain Cox (@iain_cox) October 26, 2016

Iain Cox, Founder of Ecostudio, shortlisted for Sustainability Champion Award!

It's an honour to be on a shortlist of 3 for Sustainability Champion of the inaugural Sustain Wales Awards.

To get this far is a real boost to me personally and acknowledges the contributions of all that have been involved since I set up Ecostudio in 2008.

If you'd like to vote for me please do so here: http://www.cynnalcymru.com/sustainability-champion-2016/

If you'd like to find out a little more about me before you decide please read this article: http://www.mywelshpool.co.uk/viewerheadline/ArticleId/11801

Sustainable business toolkit for food SMEs launched at Royal Welsh Show

The Sustainable Business Review is a new self assessment for food companies led by Ecostudio as part of a 5 year partnership programme funded through the EU and Welsh Government.

Flyers designed for the Show

Susie, Lucy and Iain were at the Royal Welsh Show to promote the toolkit to exhibitors in a busy food hall. Around 50 food businesses are now signed up and we're looking forward to helping them to take advantage of the opportunities that the growing marketplace for sustainable food provides.

Bottles of award winning Welsh bubbly are also up for grabs for businesses that register for the Review by 7 August 2015 (not to mention the free sustainable business report they receive when its complete!).

We'll be announcing the winning companies very soon....pls check back.

We have an immediate requirement for a sustainable food researcher.

You'll be working with us on the Sustainable Supply Chains initiative a Welsh Government funded project that we've been running in partnership with f3 since 2009.

Your role will be to help us develop the Sustainable Business Review - a new self assessment toolkit for food and farming businesses that we are launching to the industry throughout Wales.

This is a 3 month fixed term post until the end of July 2015.

For further information and to apply for the role here.

Abergavenny Food Conference - a talk by Iain Cox with Debbie Handley of the RRU Community Food Co-ops

We were delighted to deliver a talk at the Abergavenny Food Conference last month alongside some inspirational speakers covering a broad range of topics about innovation in local food.

Hosted by Miller Research and now in it's 8th year the Conference is an integral part of the the annual, award winning, Abergavenny Food Festival.

Click here to watch us on YouTube.

Here's the blurb:

How doing business sustainably helps small food enterprises gain commercial advantage

Many food enterprises play a positive role in local communities and the environment. All too often however these efforts go unnoticed and growth opportunities are missed.

This talk draws on Ecostudio's work supporting small businesses to demonstrate their contribution to sustainable development.

It includes a working example of the RRU Community Food Co-ops 10 point sustainability plan.

RRU Community Food Co-ops wins national horticulture award for environmental practices!

We're delighted that the RRU Community Food Co-ops have been recognised for their leadership and commitment in sustainable development by receiving the Environmental Excellence Award from Horticulture Wales - an official organisation established to support Welsh horticulture business.

The Community Food Co-ops are long established to provide healthy and affordable food to those that most need it – whilst providing much needed access to market, and a straightforward distribution for an increasing number of regional growers and local produce.

Run as a social enterprise and volunteer led there are currently over 300 co-ops active across Wales. 

Ecostudio have been working with the RRU social enterprise since 2009.

A 10 point sustainability plan has enabled them to measure, evaluate and improve their performance whilst demonstrating an environmental and economic return on investment that adds value to the community benefits that they are established to deliver.

We'll write more about this here soon. In the meantime feel free to get in touch if you'd like to find out more.

Sustainably speaking at the UK Business Council for Sustainable Development and Cynnal Cymru

It’s not every day we’re invited to share the floor with representatives Coca Cola, Arriva Trains Wales and the Energy Savings Trust.

Yesterday’s Wales launch of the UKBCSD initiative is about encouraging a shift towards more sustainable behaviour in business, and the Sustainable Development Charter, seems to us like a fantastic opportunity to exchange knowledge with industry from across all sectors.

Our (soon to be launched) self assessment toolkit for food businesses to identify,improve and communicate their sustainability credentials demonstrates how Ecostudio can support the UKBCSD and Cynnal Cymru in enabling sustainable behaviour in business.

With flooding, snow and high winds disrupting travel links and perhaps serving as a (not so) gentle reminder of the role the climate has in our lives. Delegates that braved the elements to get to Cardiff learned about a variety of ways that large organisations and SMEs are winning new business through taking environmentally and people friendly approaches. 

Ways to save energy through using less water, improving safety and increasing customer satisfaction through better signage, using new (plant based) materials that prevent packaging waste and increase brand value were just some of the practical business activities described by an excellent and diverse group of speakers.

Drawing on Ecostudio work and using practical examples. Iain Cox explained the importance of developing sustainable approaches to business, the market drivers and challenges facing micro and SMEs, particularly those in the Welsh food sector.

More about the event including the presentations can be viewed here.

Free sustainable business coaching for Welsh food companies!

Ecostudio are offering an opportunity for up to 6 food companies to receive up to 2 half-day sustainable business coaching sessions. We're providing this free of charge subject to eligibility.

There are numerous benefits that food companies can gain from doing this. For example, food businesses that demonstrate good practices can take advantage of new opportunities in areas such as supplying the public sector, selling to retail and hospitality, or selling direct to consumers.

Ecostudio in collaboration with f3 have been awarded Welsh Government funding to develop the Welsh food supply chain.

Further information can be found on the project website. Click here.

If you’re interested in this opportunity email us asap we’ll call you to discuss in more detail.

Packaging for Horticulture – a practical guide for small enterprises

A new packaging guide has been published by Horticulture Wales.

Packaging for Horticulture – a practical guide for small enterprises is written by Iain Cox of Ecostudio with support from Susie Gardner and designed by Kate Hamer Design.

Using research and knowledge gained from the horticulture and packaging industries. This free online guide is designed to help small companies overcome the commercial challenges they face when considering their packaging options, it provides technical know-how and explains how good environmental choices can win new business.

For further information and to register with Horticulture Wales to download the guide, click here.

To view the guide directly on ISSUU click here.

Phase 2 of the Sustainable Supply Chains initiative underway!

Building on the success of our work with f3 local food consultants in 2009-2011 the next stage of the Sustainable Supply Chains initiative will focus on 2 things:

1. to develop a self assessment sustainable business toolkit, and:
2. to support 3 social enterprises to expand their marketplace.

Ecostudio are busy with the research and development for the sustainable business toolkit that'll aim to provide the means for any food business to plan for the future.

We'll add regular updates here so please check back or contact us.

Monitoring and evaluating social enterprise and community food initiatives

Sustainable development isn’t just about the environment, it’s about social responsibility and economic benefit. This is widely talked about, but when it comes to putting sustainable business into practice it can raise different challenges that requires a new set of skills.

In recent years political, academic, industry and consumer interest has grown considerably in this area which has given rise to the development of businesses with social and environmental conscience. Social enterprises are seen as way forward by enabling communities to take ownership of initiatives that contribute back.

Like any business, social enterprises need to demonstrate their benefits they provide to the communities they serve. However because these can include environmental and social benefits aswell as a financial profit the way these benefits are captured requires so much more than a profit and loss balance sheet or an environmental management system.

Over the last year or so Ecostudio have been working with leading social enterprises and community initiatives to establish sustainable performance indicators and a practical methodology for benchmarking these benefits. This has provided a straightforward way to demonstrate a social businesses contribution to a sustainable future and offers a practical way forward for planning for the future.

A feature on one of our clients will follow……please check back soon….or contact us for more info.

Ecological footprinting for SMEs, Sustainable Supply Chains, Developing Sustainable Food Business, Food packaging & Food Waste, True Taste Awards, rural development, alternative land use..................all in a day's work (well 4 years or so actually!)

Now into our 5th year we thought it was about time that we began spreading the word about some of the projects we've been involved with since we started way back in 2008.

Click here to download an update to some projects we've completed.

In the new year we'll publish the findings of some current projects that involve benchmarking and measuring the sustainable performance of a social enterprise, developing best practice guidnace for packaging in the horticulture industry, and news of our policy work on food waste and food packaging waste.

Drop us a line if you would like to find out more.

Hot off the press! Recent articles about Ecostudio's work featured in trade and national press!

Our recent work with the Rural Development team in Torfaen has been featured in the Farmers Guardian. Read more here.

We are also delighted to be featured in the Western Mail's Autumn Business Supplement Environment section. Read more here.

Rural businesses in Torfaen set to benefit from support for green innovation: Ecostudio press release

A new report highlights how rural businesses in Torfaen can be transformed into competitive sustainable enterprises that could lead the way for the rest of rural Wales.


The report, "A land based production study in the rural areas of Torfaen" identifies ways to enhance Torfaen’s natural resources through sustainable land use which will create new business opportunities for tourism, renewable energy, arts and crafts, forestry and community food production.

The report demonstrates how land owners, farmers and businesses can enhance the rural economy and environment through low impact livestock farming and increasing horticulture and biodiversity in the area.

It aims to help Torfaen County Borough Council meet the challenges presented in Torfaen’s Rural Development Plan for creating and maintaining a viable and sustainable supply chain in the region.

Iain Cox, the report's author and director of Ecostudio led the project, with support from f3 and IBERS at Aberystwyth University, says that Torfaen County Borough Council have shown their ambition and vision for making sustainable, economic and rural development happen.

“This report offers a blueprint for rural development activity not only in Torfaen but in other Welsh regions. It’s unique because it makes the links between rural business and sustainable land use and it demonstrates how this can reinvigorate the rural economy.

“Torfaen has an important industrial past and rich cultural heritage that when combined with its natural resources provides opportunities that will enable businesses in Torfaen to adapt to the challenges of a tough economy and a changing climate.”

The report has been commissioned by Torfaen Rural Action Group (CreaTe) at Torfaen County Borough Council and recommends practical ways for developing a sustainable supply chain for Torfaen produce through business mentoring, linking heritage sites,creating areas for biodiversity and branding the region through a producer quality mark such as ‘Made in Torfaen’.

"Torfaen County Borough Council is committed to supporting innovation and sustainability in the local economy and the findings of this report will help us meet the challenges set out in Torfaen's Rural Development Plan,” said Councillor Bob Wellington, leader of Torfaen County Borough Council.

“The report is a great example of how Torfaen can embrace sustainable practices and help farmers and rural businesses thrive in the longer term.”

Ecostudio consulted with over 50 rural businesses across seven rural wards of Torfaen during six months. Several businesses were shortlisted to receive individually tailored advice and a practical sustainability plan.

Andrew Tovey from Penyparc Farm took part in the project because he wanted to discover ways to grow his business and protect it from rising fuel costs. His business provides feed to livestock farmers and animal owners. The feed is made from grain grown on farm and by-products from energy crops and the food industry that would otherwise go to waste.

Commenting on the project he said “Ecostudio helped us look at ways to reduce our fuel bills and to market ourselves in ways that show how we benefit the local economy. We’d like help from the CreaTe Team to develop ways to share distribution runs with other farmers and we’re planning to use this money to market our feed to a wider customer base.”

The findings from the report will be prioritised and implemented during the current Rural Development Plan for Torfaen which runs until the end of 2013, and for activities that can be done beyond that.

• to read an executive summary of the report click here
• to find out more about Torfaen Council's Rural Development Plan click here

Legislating for Sustainable Development: Ecostudio's response to the Welsh Government's consultation

If you are interested to read our 1 page response to the recent consultation to legislate for sustainable development please click here to open the document.

In our experience the Welsh Government needs to act to ensure sustainable development is a reality in Wales and its important to do this because - aside from the commercial, environmental and community benefits - it offers a strong point of differentiation.

We don't think that the focus that the Welsh Government is putting forward is clear enough or practical to engage the majority of people or businesses - their approach is to obligate the public sector and this simply doesn't go far enough.

Let's push things forward....