MORE than 40 local businesses came together recently to launch a collaborative and supportive initiative to assist companies in their journey towards becoming net zero, writes Mel from the Taunton Green parents team.

The brainchild of local business owners David Harris-Heffer, from Initiis Ltd, who run the Vodafone stores across Somerset, and Simon Darch, of local IT Solutions firm SRD Technology UK Ltd, the pair worked alongside Taunton Chamber of Commerce and green solutions consultancy Balanced Energy Ltd to offer local companies the opportunity to share their eco-goals, talk through steps they have already taken and inspire and encourage future actions.

The launch event was also supported in person by both Taunton Town Council and Somerset Council, with Cllr Caroline Ellis saying “It is wonderful to see a room full of business people, keen to grow with a more eco-friendly emphasis, taking pride in their local area and setting out to establish a greener and more sustainable future.

"We are keen to continue supporting the group and look forward to being part of its future.”

David Harris-Heffer added: "We have EDF at Hinkley Point, JLR at Gravity and Leonardo at Yeovil and to be part of those supply chains you need to have a sustainability plan – as well as from April, with the NHS.

"In the latest research, however, only 16 per cent of businesses in Somerset have a green plan in place.

"If we could potentially be one of the first towns in the country to be net zero that would be a fantastic accolade.

"Taunton is perfectly positioned to be that town - as the county capital of Somerset."

The group will be meeting regularly to offer encouragement, share learnings and collectively make a lasting difference.

To get involved, please email office@taunton-chamber.co.uk