1. Marches Environmental Technologies Network A business network supporting businesses within the Environmental sector across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin & Worcestershire COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH COLLABORATION

2. The networks activities are aimed at small to medium sized enterprises: e.g. Businesses providing environmental good and services – including waste management and recycling - based in the Marches Businesses looking to diversify into the sector e.g. plumbers and electricians, construction and insulation companies (especially as a result of the ‘Green Deal’ ), manufacturers or indeed anyone wanting to enter the environmental technologies supply chain or provide an environmental product or service.

3. What does metnet offer? CONNECT Provides the opportunity for businesses to meet with other environmental companies to network and build contacts COLLABORATE Encourages business to join together opening the way to greater business opportunities SUPPORT From general business support to funding initiatives and key contacts, metnet can help INNOVATE Points businesses in the right direction, highlights funding and puts businesses in touch with leading specialists at Higher Education Institutions.

4. How does it do this?: 1. Through a programme of FREE EVENTS throughout the year i.e. breakfast briefings, legislative updates, general business topics like marketing and social media Meet the Buyer opportunities Exhibition opportunities Major conference each year featuring keynote speakers from the environmental industry or general business speakers

5. How does it do this? (cont): 2. Through its website at www.met-net.co.ukwww.met-net.co.uk Register your business for FREE and create your own mini- site Feature in the metnet Directory of environmental business across the Marches for FREE Listen to how metnet has helped other businesses by viewing our case studies Access a wealth of information, contact other metnet members and make sure you receive the metnet bulletin

6. How does it do this? (cont): 3. Through the metnet bulletin it provides: information about forthcoming metnet events notification of other relevant industry events Tender opportunities Funding news and information Industry initiatives and support

7. How does it do this? (cont): 4. Through its two officers – Dr Jane Yardley & Patricia Head based in Ludlow and their colleagues within the local councils. Whatever your question or query – why not get in touch?

8. What businesses have said about the help metnet can provide: “metnet has contributed significantly to our growth” “Through metnet we have met and are collaborating with other companies, which I am confident will contribute to our growth” “metnet has helped us win contracts by providing information” “We’ve launched a new service following information gained from metnet…” “metnet has proved to be an invaluable asset to our business growing”. “A very helpful and useful facility for advice, publicity and partnering” “An excellent resource for environmental businesses” “metnet has definitely been instrumental in forming excellent business links closer to home”. “Networking and exhibiting opportunities have been great …We have picked up business directly and built relationships from the network. “metnet provides eyes and ears on business support. As a small company we don’t have time to keep a look out for what new support is available. The metnet bulletins are great for giving filtered information…” Source: Quotes taken from Evaluation Reports provided by independent consultants, Ursus Consulting

9. Follow us on Twitter: @metnet1 Join our metnet group on LinkedIn and/or simply contact us! Call 01584 838248/838249 or email metnet@shropshire.gov.uk or within your local Council speak to: