Kingston is set to host a significant national initiative aimed at enhancing local business sustainability. ‘Impact October’, a program led by Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) in partnership with sustainability advisors Profit Impact, will bring a series of funded workshops and one-on-one consultations to the area.
The initiative is designed to provide tailored support to businesses looking to improve their social and environmental impact while boosting their sustainability practices. The event will take place at Town Square Kingston, a coworking and small office space, on Wednesday, October 9, starting at 10am.
Event Overview
Participants will initially receive a sustainability scorecard to assess their performance in social, environmental, and business aspects. Following this, they can join workshops and schedule in-person surgeries to address specific challenges and discover ways to enhance their business’s sustainability.
The workshops will also be held in Tunbridge Wells, Bicester, and Hereford, each week focusing on different topics. Businesses can attend workshops remotely at other locations and then participate in the Kingston event when it arrives in their area.
Key Insights and Goals
Ryan Gough, Hub Manager at Town Square Kingston, emphasized the importance of dismantling the belief that sustainable businesses must sacrifice profitability. “There’s a misconception that being sustainable means operating like a charity, but that’s not true,” Gough stated. “Sustainability can be integrated into business practices without compromising profitability. From quick wins like waste reduction to long-term strategies such as developing local supply chains, we aim to help businesses grow by fostering connections with their communities and creating shared success.”
Sarah Whale, Managing Director at Profit Impact, will be leading the workshops. Whale highlighted that sustainability is not reserved for large corporations. “Many SMEs can achieve sustainability with the right support. Our goal is to guide businesses through the process, demonstrating that sustainability is achievable and beneficial for companies of all sizes.”
The B Corp Ethos
Impact October is inspired by the B Corp movement, which emphasizes balancing profit with purpose. Both TownSq and Profit Impact are certified B Corp companies, aligning with the initiative’s core principles. This certification supports companies in managing their social and environmental impact while pursuing profitability.
For those interested in participating, the upcoming event in Kingston represents a valuable opportunity to enhance their sustainability practices and contribute positively to the local economy and environment.
