Kent businesses looking at sustainability should take advantage of free advice and help when going green, according to a design and new media agency that has done just that.

Launched by Matt Hobbs, wife Claire and business partner Simon Root seven years ago, Maidstone-based Tangerine counts the General Dental Council, Hillreed Homes and Caprice Holdings – owners of The Ivy restaurant – among a diverse portfolio of clients.

When the company wanted help with proving – and improving – its eco-credentials, it turned to Business Link, the free business information, advice and support service. Tangerine now has a sustainability policy, knows its carbon footprint and offsets the CO2 used by the business.

Managing Director Mr Hobbs said: “Sustainability is playing an increasing role in determining where contracts go, particularly for public bodies which have to make sure they are dealing with companies whose credentials stand up to scrutiny.

“A Business Link Sustainable Business Adviser helped us prepare our environmental policy, provided us with information on carbon footprinting and supplied the details of three private suppliers who could help measure ours.”

Tangerine has built on those foundations by engaging Carbon Plan, a specialist environmental consultancy, to calculate its carbon footprint, and PURE, the Clean Planet Trust, for the purposes of offsetting as it bids to become a Carbon Neutral Company. By making donations to PURE, Tangerine is supporting renewable energy and efficiency projects around the world.

Sustainability is now fully incorporated into the everyday routine for Tangerine’s 14 employees who have made simple changes such as taking public transport to meetings, drinking Fairtrade tea and coffee at work and ensuring that all electrical equipment is turned off when not in use. Tangerine also works with and supports local charities such as the Kent Association for the Blind.

Mr Hobbs said: “Everyone can do their little bit, can’t they? In truth the nature of our work meant our carbon output was already quite low so it hasn’t resulted in huge upheavals but we are taking steps to reduce our environmental impact wherever possible. That is important for our own peace of mind – and being able to prove our eco-credentials could also prove invaluable when tendering for future contracts.”

Paul Dracott, from Business Link, said: “Business Link research shows that more than half of SME businesses feel under pressure from their customers to demonstrate their sustainability performance. Examining the environmental impact of your business and taking steps to minimise any negatives makes a powerful statement about the sort of company you are.

“Not knowing where to start can be a hurdle, but Business Link advisers can help you work out what you can do and how to do it – at no cost to your company.”

Business owners can now take a 10 minute quiz, via the Business Link website, to determine how sustainable their business is. Answering a series of simple questions, results in a company rating from A to E. This information can then be discussed with a Business Link adviser, who can offer information and support to improve your sustainability performance. Visit businesslink.gov.uk

To talk to a Business Link adviser, call 0845 600 9 006. Alternatively, a wide range of guides and tools to help you improve your business can be accessed by visiting businesslink.gov.uk/southeast