A task force to help businesses achieve net zero emissions targets has been created by Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce. Entitled the IoM Business Sustainability Group, it is chaired by Chris Gledhill, chief executive officer of PDMS.

He said: ‘The Group is a subsidiary of Chamber’s Climate Change Group, set up in 2019 to allow businesses the opportunity to exchange ideas on environmental initiatives and best practices.

‘The idea is to take that a step further by providing a forum to share practical to knowledge and to promote action towards achieving net zero emissions, no matter what size of business or what sector.

‘The role of the IoM Business Sustainability Group is to oversee the strategic side and work in parallel with the Government’s climate change strategy.

‘We plan to work with existing members of the Climate Change Group and welcome participation from Chamber’s wider membership by encouraging knowledge sharing, and promoting collaborative solutions for lowering emissions and reducing environmental impact.’

The sub-group is open to any Chamber member.

Its aims and objectives include: acting as a collective voice for the local economy; promoting a responsible approach to the Climate Change Bill; serving as a rallying point for local businesses looking to improve sustainability; collating concerns and questions; providing clear and straightforward answers, and providing knowledge sharing opportunities related to sustainability.

They will be working on encouraging and promoting collaborative solutions for lowering emissions and improving environmental impact, and developing new ideas locally to advance the transition to a green economy.

They also aim to ensure positive engagement with Government, making constructive recommendations to decision-makers on strategy, policies and legislation.

External partnerships will be fostered to promote sustainability, including with the wider communities such as the agricultural and fisheries sectors

There will also be presentations and discussions from global topic experts, and opportunities for members to attend local workshops and training courses.

l You can find out more about the Group at www.iomchamber.org.im