THE leaders of a new Business Futures Forum for Herefordshire have been announced.

Jimmy Swan, operations director of Wye Valley Brewery of Stoke Lacy, near Bromyard, has been nominated to jointly chair the forum, due to launch on January 15, with Gareth Williams, managing director of Caplor Energy of Hereford. The Forum provides a network of support and information to local businesses looking to increase efficiency and profitability while enhancing their sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.

Led by a private sector steering group and co-ordinated by Herefordshire Council, the Forum meets quarterly. Members benefit from a range of discussions and presentations, as well as the opportunity for members to tour facilities of regional businesses to see first hand practical examples of energy and efficiency initiatives.

Mr Swan said: "We have worked closely with Caplor Energy on an extensive solar panel installation here at the brewery and it is a great opportunity to work together on this new Forum to help bring businesses together and share their experiences. This ultimately benefits the economy of Herefordshire and, of course, the environment."

Mr Williams added: "It is always pleasing to witness the change you can make to a business with energy efficient installations. The technology available in 2015 has developed so far that most businesses should be able to consider alternative options to improve their sustainability and become more of a green business."

To register interest in becoming a member of the forum contact the Energy and Environment Team at Herefordshire Council, which is co-ordinating the Forum at: eem@herefordshire.gov.uk 01432-383262