The city of Liverpool has officially declared 2009 to be the Year of the Environment.

Liverpool Chamber is fully committed to this initiative and is doing its bit to promote environmentally responsible business practices.

Since 2006 when we signed the Northwest Climate Change Charter Liverpool Chamber has been committed to raising awareness of the climate change agenda among members.

We are working closely with local businesses and agencies to develop an action plan to take forward the environment agenda in the city region.  An Environment and Energy Committee exists at the Chamber to identify members’ issues and to influence key decision-makers.

In the future we are committed to providing support for businesses to help mitigate environmental risks and exploit the opportunities of a low carbon economy.

Some useful services:

.    A tender alert service helping to source local suppliers to reduce your carbon footprint.
.    Environmental training - covering everything from how to write an environmental policy to achieving a recognised environmental standard.
.    Chamber Utility Auditing - a service to help reduce gas, water and electricity bills.
.    Environment themed events and activities.
.    Information on environmental legislation
.    Signposting to other agencies that can help.

For many years the Chamber has adopted a reduce, recycle and re-use policy. We are making changes in our offices to ensure lights, computers, air-conditioning and water heating are turned off when the office is empty and hope to achieve an environmental quality standard in this the Year of the Environment.

For more information about our environmental policies, please email our Policy Department.

Aircraft carriers. They’re ace aren’t they? Everyone should have one.

Well until that dream becomes reality, the next best thing is available this weekend. HMS Ark Royal is coming to town! And thanks to Mersey Ferries, you can get the chance to sail along side the Navy’s flagship, gawk up at her and think ‘Blimey, that’s a big ship’.

Here’s the details from Merseytravel:

Passengers on board the Mersey Ferries can get up close to the Royal Navy’s fleet flagship - HMS Ark Royal - when she visits Liverpool from this Thursday.

The ferries will take in the majesty of the 210m vessel during regular cruises operating throughout the visit.

Two ferries will take to the water for additional cruises in the afternoon of Saturday 17th January when the vessel is open to the public, with live commentary from blue badge guides.

River Explorer Cruise services, calling at all three terminals, will depart from the Pier Head at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, 2.30pm, 3pm, 3.30pm and 4pm and will be sailing as close and as safely as possible to Royal Navy vessel.

Commentary will also run on the 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm sailings on Sunday 18th January.

Other cruises will operate as normal.

People should call 0151 330 1444 or visit www.merseyferries.co.uk if they would like any further information.

More about Ark Royal

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Here’s some news from one of Liverpool Chamber’s latest members, Auditel.

“Over 90% of businesses could reduce their annual overheads by at least 25%,” says Stuart Styles, owner of Auditel’s latest branch, which has just opened in Liverpool.

Auditel is the UK’s premier independent cost and purchase management consultancy, currently working with over two thousand businesses and managing in excess of £100m of essential services expenditure - including communications, energy, water, waste management and premises-related costs.

“These expenses are incurred by every business regardless of prevailing economic conditions,” says Stuart, “but very few are achieving best value and most are paying more than is necessary. At Auditel we aim to ensure that our clients always get the services that best meet their specific requirements, at the best price available. This means we regularly achieve savings in excess of 25% and, of course, these savings go straight back to the clients’ bottom-line profits.”

Stuart Styles continues, “Since the deregulation of the utilities markets, the number of suppliers, tariffs and service options available has become such a minefield that without specialist guidance and advice it is increasingly difficult for business owners and managers to settle on the right solutions for their particular needs, let alone find the time to investigate all available options thoroughly. What’s more, we can even rectify historical billing errors and achieve refunds.”

Auditel work on a no-saving, no-fee basis and will carry out a comprehensive analysis off-site and offer an ongoing auditing service for their clients. “Several local firms have already expressed an interest in Auditel’s services, especially with the growing concerns over energy costs and the current economic climate, so the Liverpool office seems set to hit the ground running”, reports Stuart.
For further information:
Stuart Styles
Auditel Cost and Purchase Management Specialist
Tel:        0845 815 0885
Mob:           07921 722075
Email:        stuart.styles@auditel.co.uk
Website:    www.auditel.co.uk