IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF SMALL‐ AND MEDIUM‐SIZED ENTERPRISES: A STUDY IN AVON

There is a policy commitment within the EU and the UK to improve the environmental performance of business. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) comprise over 90% of businesses and their activities significantly affect the environment, yet they are notoriously difficult to reach and to influence. A study was carried out in Avon in late 1994 to mid-1995 to assess the environmental performance training needs of SMEs and to make recommendations for a programme to improve performance. The research had two phases: firstly, areas of training needs and attitudes to training were established using questionnaires and interviews with SMEs and, secondly, an assessment of existing training provision, both for general business skills and for environmental performance, was carried out. The recommended programme focuses on the role of Training and Enterprise Councils and similar providers, such as local authorities, which may be in the process of implementing plans to promote sustainable activity in the business community.