Sustainability Event 6th October 2026

Join us at Fordhall Organic Farm, England's first community-owned organic farm, for an inspiring morning focused on practical sustainability for businesses. Set in the stunning Shropshire countryside, Fordhall is renowned for its pioneering approach to organic farming, environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and community-led enterprise.

This event will bring together businesses from across the region to explore how sustainability can drive growth, resilience, and long-term success. Through expert presentations, shared experiences, and practical examples, attendees will gain valuable insights into the opportunities available to organisations looking to enhance their environmental impact and reduce costs.

We'll also hear directly from the Fordhall Farm team about their remarkable journey, how sustainability sits at the heart of their business, and the role community ownership has played in creating a thriving, purpose-driven enterprise.

The morning will conclude with an exclusive guided farm tour, providing a unique opportunity to see sustainable practices in action and learn more about the farm's innovative approach to land management, food production, and conservation.

Why Attend?

• Gain practical guidance on becoming a more sustainable business
• Understand the commercial, environmental, and reputational benefits of sustainability
• Learn from organisations delivering sustainability and net-zero projects across the region
• Discover funding, support, and resources available to help your business on its sustainability journey
• Connect with like-minded businesses committed to making a positive impact
• Experience sustainability in action through a guided tour of Fordhall Organic Farm

Agenda

• 09:00am – Arrival, Refreshments and Networking
  
• 09:30am – Welcome from the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce
  
• 09:35am – Fordhall Organic Farm: Sustainability in Practice
• Hear from the Fordhall Farm team about the farm's inspiring story, their commitment to organic and regenerative farming practices, and how community ownership has helped create a sustainable business model.
  
• 09:45am – Ben Webster, Marches Energy Agency 'Working from Home – saving carbon and money on your home and business energy usage'
• With more business owners and employees working remotely, a more significant part of a businesses carbon emission is from the energy used at home. Marches Energy Advice (MEA) are here to provide expert, impartial advice on how you can save money on your energy bills, improve the comfort of your home office and reduce the carbon emission of your home and business operations.
  
  
• 09:55am - Rick Shaw, Rick's Environmental CIC 'Turning your Company's CSR into Natures Recovery'
• Discover how businesses can transform their Corporate Social Responsibility activities into meaningful environmental action that supports local nature recovery. Rick will also bring a fun and interactive wildlife quiz to the session.
  
• 10:05am - Hayley Jones, Vepa 'Making Your Workplace More Sustainable Through Smarter Furniture Choices'
• Hayley will explore how businesses can make more sustainable purchasing decisions through responsible sourcing, recycled materials and furniture solutions designed for longevity. Attendees will gain practical insights into creating greener workspaces.
  
• 10:15am – Q&A Session and Networking
  
• 11:00am – Event Close or stay for an Optional Guided Farm Tour