An innovative scheme to encourage office-based companies to use their mobile phones to uncover cost savings is being trialled next week in Bristol by the resource efficiency programme Envirowise.
By simply texting the word WASTE to 88058, the user receives a link on their mobile phone to a specially designed savings calculator - accessible via WAP technology or a series of text messages.
Users then enter straightforward details about their office and typical resource use, and their phone will display the sorts of money savings they could make in areas such as water and paper use, by putting in place low or no-cost environmental improvements. Details of other sources of practical advice are also given, including the confidential Envirowise Advice Line.
Paul Gilbert, Envirowise Regional Manager for the South West, said: "The purpose of this pilot is to see how we can make use of the latest media channels to get the message out about the benefits of resource efficiency to as many offices as possible.
"Bristol is well known for its strength in the financial services sector, and this together with the large concentration of office-based companies makes the city an ideal candidate for this trial."
The news of the trial comes following recent research conducted by MORI on behalf of Envirowise, that reveals while three-quarters of small and medium sized businesses consider the reduction of business waste as an important issue, a fifth still do not know where to turn for environmental advice.
"Our existing website at www.maximiseprofit.org.uk has already proved to be very popular with companies, but by making use of mobile phones we can get the message out in a new, fresh way that can give people ways to make an immediate difference to their company's bottom line. We would encourage all office-based companies in Bristol to give the service a try."
The pilot scheme runs in Bristol from 5 to 9 June, with a further pilot planned for a wider area in August 2006. The savings calculator service is free to use, but mobile networks may charge for WAP and text usage.
For more information on Envirowise and its free services for businesses, call 0800 585 794 or visit www.envirowise.gov.uk.
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About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact.
Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits (Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales only) delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms, to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge. For more information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk or call 0800 585 794.