Companies reduce costs through improved environmental management

A number of Newtownabbey companies have taken steps to boost their sustainability and competitiveness after taking part in the BITES (Business Improvements Through Environmental Solutions) programme.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Dec 2014, 05:31 BST
Attending the BITES business programme final event at Belfast City Hall are (l-r) Lee Dempster, Dessian Products Ltd; Iain Joannides, Invest Northern Ireland; Deputy Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Pat McCudden; Robert Duncan, Mabbett; and John Doherty, NI Trucks Ltd. INNT 51-507CONAttending the BITES business programme final event at Belfast City Hall are (l-r) Lee Dempster, Dessian Products Ltd; Iain Joannides, Invest Northern Ireland; Deputy Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Pat McCudden; Robert Duncan, Mabbett; and John Doherty, NI Trucks Ltd. INNT 51-507CON
Attending the BITES business programme final event at Belfast City Hall are (l-r) Lee Dempster, Dessian Products Ltd; Iain Joannides, Invest Northern Ireland; Deputy Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Pat McCudden; Robert Duncan, Mabbett; and John Doherty, NI Trucks Ltd. INNT 51-507CON

The initiative, part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund in conjunction with local councils, supported environmental management and resource efficiency in the workplace, with participants learning how to identify savings in transport, energy, water and waste costs. As well as business improvement workshops and one-to-one mentoring, the programme was also complemented with best practice site visits.

A special celebration event was held on Wednesday, December 3 to officially close the programme and mark the achievement of the companies who took part.

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Commenting at the ceremony, Deputy Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Pat McCudden said: “I’m delighted to hear about the real impact the BITES programme has had within the participating companies. Collectively the programme has assisted businesses to identify over £364,000 worth of annual efficiencies.”

John Doherty of Mallusk-based NI Trucks Ltd added: “Participating in the BITES programme has enabled us to make considerable cost savings and implement improved environmental practices resulting in the establishment of procedures to the level of British Standard 8555 Phase 3. We have also worked in collaboration with our sister company Dessian Products Ltd to improve recycling measures and we look forward to sharing that knowledge across the whole of the Gaffer Group.”

For further information about the support available from council for local businesses, log on to www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/Business.asp

Related topics:Newtownabbey