08 February 2008, 16:41 PM
  • Want to learn more about going green and how it can benefit your business? Then make a date with A Taste of Sussex's free networking event.

Taking place on 20th February 2008 at the Ashdown Forest Llama Park, Wych Cross, East Sussex, the event, which is sponsored by Business Link is open to everyone in the food industry,

This is an excellent opportunity to meet and make contacts with other local businesses, and to listen to some insights on sustainability from the guest speakers, Linda Johnson, Managing Partner of the Llama Park and Jan Jackson, Sustainable Business advisor for Business Link.

The Llama Park started on a very small scale in 1996, evolving out of Linda’s long established passion for llamas, alpacas and South America. The business has expanded rapidly over the last few years and now, as well as being a breeding centre for llamas and alpacas and tourist attraction, has a well established retail enterprise selling luxury alpaca knitwear, a Conference and Corporate Hospitality facility and an excellent Coffee Shop focusing on fresh, local, fair trade and organic produce.

The Llama Park has had a proactive ‘green’ policy and has been committed to operating sustainably for many years. It won the SEEDA Sustainable Business Awards (Rural Business) 2004 and joint winner of the SE Green Tourism Award 2006. “No business can afford to ignore the current concern about the effects of climate change,” explainS Ms Johnson.
“Operating sustainably is no longer just for ‘tree huggers’; its mainstream and it’s here to stay. So everyone in business, especially those engaging with the public, needs to take this on board.”

Jan Jackson has 20 years experience in business and was the Chair of UNEP Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Business Development 2000-2002. She has been involved with everything from setting up a carbon offsetting scheme for BA Holidays to a “Reduce, Re-use and Recycle” scheme for office waste at East Sussex County Council. Jan will be advising on how profitability can be improved by responsible business practice, focusing on the key issues of minimising food waste and packaging.

The event is free but places are limited so booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Call Sussex Enterprise on 01444 259230. The event begins at 5pm and is expected to end by 7pm. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the Llama Park.