The Westmorland and Furness Green Enterprise Hub has reflected on its efforts to help more than 150 businesses in the region to become more sustainable.

With funding from Westmorland and Furness Council, and the support of partners, the Hub seeks to help small businesses to reduce their carbon emissions, cut high energy bills, and increase efficiency.

Efforts have included assessing the impact of EV charge points, installing solar panels to reduce bills, and assessing energy savings through fabric and operational changes.

Molly Woods, programme manager for the Low Carbon Communities Team at Cumbria Action for Sustainability, said: "We know that the appetite for developing sustainable business practices here in Cumbria is strong.

"We are proud to have worked with a host of amazing innovators who are continually finding new and better ways of doing things that reduce their carbon impact and benefit our local economy.

"It's exciting that more and more businesses are now getting on board and challenging 'business as usual'.

"Organisations are now realising that it's a win-win situation.

"Reducing carbon emissions comes hand in hand with lower running costs, business resilience, and improved reputation and ability to secure customers and staff.

"It makes sense for both business and the planet."

The hub also provides specialist advice, training, and workshop events, as well as energy audits and carbon audits.

For more information on the training and support available, visit cafs.org.uk/events or contact the helpdesk at greenhub@cafs.org.uk