ENVIRONMENTAL businesses in Herefordshire must prepare to meet growing demand for their products and services by developing and innovating, delegates at a conference heard.

The Marches Environmental Technologies Network (metnet) conference, held at Ludlow Racecourse, discussed how expanding markets for renewable energy in homes and businesses will require businesses fit for purpose in terms of both technology and longevity.

Almost 100 delegates from across the Marches area took part in a day of presentations, networking and seminars aimed at creating links in the industry but also to help them to develop as effective businesses.

Conference organiser and metnet project manager, Patricia Head, said: "The buzz around this year's event was that of an industry sector that can feel its momentum. People were embracing the messages of creativity, while also seriously taking on board the opportunities put before them for growth and development through support and learning.

"It's a high point of our year to get them under one roof and exciting to think what might come about thanks to the connections made at this event."

Delegates were given access to in-depth knowledge of opportunities for accessing grant funding and taking part in public sector tendering processes, along with key business skills such as improved communications and networking.

They also received a motivational boost from key speakers.

Author, business advisor and academic, James Bannerman, gave a session on creativity and lateral thinking in business, while journalist and adventurer, Andy Pag, regaled them with inspirational tales of travelling the world on recycled chip fat and cocoa butter, in vehicles salvaged from scrap yards.

Paul Hutchens, chair of metnet in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “Much of the renewables industry has been started by people with belief and passion and it is growing up now. We have skills and the ever-improving technologies, now we need to do the 'business as usual' bit; how do we become more efficient, reach out to the right parts of the market, present ourselves collectively as ready to do business?

“We need to take our green halos off. We used to say we were different to everyone else. Actually now we're not any different, but we're a product that needs to be pushed out to the marketplace. In ten years time there won't be 'green' things, they will just be things. Take cars for example; hybrids and high efficiency vehicles are now quite normal. It's going to be the same with buildings and with energy. We have to be running businesses that are marketed properly, trustworthy, stable and fit for the future – and that's what we're focusing on helping people with today.”