Plymouth and South Hams cost-saving expert urges local firms not to miss a simple trick

"As profit margins are further squeezed and operational costs continue to spiral for practically every business in Plymouth and South Hams, I'm amazed that more business managers from the area aren't taking advantage of free and impartial advice to help them save money." This is the view of Brendon Westacott, a special adviser with the Improving Your Resource Efficiency (IYRE) service, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and delivered in Devon and Somerset by Peninsula Enterprise.

"Although we've helped many businesses across Devon and Somerset save and make money over the past year or so, there are countless other small and medium-sized firms that, quite frankly, are missing a trick when it comes to staying ahead of competitors and maximising income. I would urge anyone to take advantage of this service sooner rather than later. It will not be around forever and the longer a business manager waits to take inevitable action, the more ground they will have to make up ... and, assuming they weather the current economic storm, that could be very costly indeed!"

The IYRE service is tailored to the precise needs of an individual company and provides up to 12 hours of free and impartial specialist environmental support for all eligible businesses. Following a full site assessment and detailed analysis of utility bills, a full report is prepared recommending where and how a business can maximise its use of resources and minimise energy and waste costs. 

The service can also provide information and support for businesses looking to develop environmental management systems such as ISO 14001which can help companies win more contracts or tenders. A limited amount of funding is also available on a first-come first-served basis to provide a financial contribution in support of any capital or consultancy project that will improve resource efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

"The case for managing resources and energy use effectively is very persuasive," says Brendon. "Not only will it boost commercial opportunities, but it will also maximise profit margins - even when revenue streams are static - and help to maintain scope for reinvestment in new commercial ventures and innovations. Quite simply, there's nothing to be lost and everything to be gained by contacting the IYRE service - even if it's just an exploratory discussion with our on-line Adviser, Chloe Bush."

For more information on the IYRE service visit www.businessanswers.info/iyre or to find out more how your business can benefit from the service call 0845 608 2323 or email iyre@peninsula-enterprise.co.uk.