EnviroNet Thames Gateway Business Network Launch

Visionaries in London Thames Gateway have always planned for the long term; and even during these tough times with businesses tightening their belts, a lot is still happening here. Building on the strength of the region's clean-tech sector, we unveiled our EnviroNet business club for the first time at Futuresource 2009, ExCeL, London last month; inviting delegates to join the pilot of this new, free, environmental industry network and benefit from London Thames Gateway's exclusive networking and supply chain opportunities.

The EnviroNet website www.gtlon.co.uk/environet is to be the main hub of the network, comprising: advice on public sector funding and incentives, forums, networking opportunities, news, research and statistics.

Peter Jones OBE of the London Waste & Recycling Board commented: "Time is short to achieve the environmental industrial revolution we need in the next two decades. There is a tremendous opportunity for the UK to position its expertise to supply the resultant global market but that will only be achieved through information, collaboration, and effective policy implementation between community, business and legislators.

He continued: "The London Thames Gateway EnviroNet initiative is truly deserving of support. It is an excellent example of this process in action and it will undoubtedly deliver in the form of accelerated implementation, innovation and community buy-in over the coming years."

Other industry heavy weights showed their support at the show, having been consulted in the planning process. The London Thames Gateway Development Corporation also joined Gateway to London on the stand to showcase the London Sustainable Industries Park (SIP) in Dagenham Dock. Intended to be a ‘living laboratory', the Institute for Sustainability at the London SIP will provide a unique opportunity to explore and implement new technologies across the region, bringing together businesses, academic institutions and research organisations.

The buoyant atmosphere at Futuresource was no surprise, given the energy in the environmental technologies sector in the surrounding area - London Thames Gateway. The regional economy is well placed for the future and with transformational projects in the pipeline; sustainable industries firms can fulfil their potential here. London Thames Gateway has a major resource recovery opportunity, a growing sustainable industries market, excellent property options and government support.