As experts gather in Stockholm for World Water Week, businesses in the North West are being urged to think about water as a valuable commodity that is potentially being poured down the drain.

Nick Ward, Envirowise Regional Manager for the North West, says: “Reducing your water consumption is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to achieve cost savings and just taking simple measures can cut figures by up to 50%.

“The flooding across the UK last month clearly demonstrated that water has a price tag, with price increases now a possibility. Meanwhile water has become such a commodity in drought-stricken Europe that the EU Environment Commissioner has proposed a new pricing scheme to encourage consumers and businesses alike to reduce their water consumption.

“Droughts and flooding might seem to be opposite ends of the spectrum, but both could be side effects of climate change, and both highlight the importance and value of water. Every drop of water has a price and even something as simple as fixing a dripping tap can have a positive impact on their profits.”

Envirowise will be offering North West companies advice on the benefits of conducting a full review of their water use during next month’s Water at Work Week - which takes place from 17-21 September. But there are simple steps that every business can take now:

• Turn taps off fully and replace leaking hoses and worn tap washers for a quick and cheap way of saving water. In staff washrooms, push-button taps can use up to half the water used through conventional taps.
• Reduce the amount of clean water used in every toilet flush by fitting a water displacement device into cisterns
• You should be able to reduce your water bill by 20 - 30% by monitoring water use, finding and repairing leaks, using sprays or jets for washing, fitting triggers on hoses, considering cleaning-in-place and/or recycling of water.
• Reduce your need for mains supply water by looking at ways you could recycle ‘grey water’ for cleaning equipment, vehicles or outside areas.

Liverpool Chamber is hosting a Trade Mission to Dublin 17 - 19 September. This is ideal opportunity for companies who currently trade with Ireland or are new to exporting. Ireland is a good choice for first time exporters. Eligible Merseyside companies can receive a 50% subsidy towards mission expenses

The Chamber’s International Trade Team also offer a range of continuous professional development specifically designed for companies who are trading overseas or who are preparing to export or import.

Market Research
10 October 2007
12 May 2008

Introduction to Exporting
12 November 2007
18 February 2008

Export Procedures & Documentation
11 September 2007
9 April 2008

Letters of Credit
21 September 2007
5 March 2008
21 May 2008

Agents and Distributors
22 October 2007
28 January 2008
23 April 2008

Introduction to Importing
12 March 2008

Further details on any of the above events or to book please contact The International Trade Centre at: itc@liverpoolchamber.org.uk or tel: 0151 227 1234.

We received a message from the Liverpool Capital of Culture 08 Facebook group. It tells of the launch of a new initiative to set up a ‘culture cafe’ in Liverpool:

The product of the Liverpool Culture cafe facebook group has now launched: www.liverpoolculturecafe.com.

The Liverpool Culture Cafe is a Charitable organisation which will bring people together, from around the World, who have a passion for Liverpool, in order to create a Cafe in the heart of the City.

The Liverpool Culture Cafe will be be a platform for Cultural enrichment, informing guests about the cultures found throughout Liverpool using it’s menu and Arts.

It will be a platform for new and emerging talents.

The profit from this organisation will be used to support the growing talents of the area, continually investing into Liverpool and its future.

We are looking for 25,000 people from around the World who will make a promise to the future of Liverpool by pledging just £20. We have a matter of months before launch to find 25,000 people. Once 25,000 people have registered their pledge they will then be requested to offer their support of £20 and you will play an exciting role in the Liverpool Culture Cafe developments.

This is a Worldwide Capital of Culture first and we want you to be a part of it, here in Liverpool.

We have already receieved some local media interest. Please head over and register now on www.liverpoolculturecafe.com and then tell your friends, family and relatives.

The quest is on to find 25,000 people who will pledge a promise to Liverpool. Will you be one of them?

Mark Bowness
on behalf of the Liverpool Culture Cafe development team

Liverpool Chamber wishes them luck with this venture.