“Regeneration of the high street” [Malcolm Bell, chairman of Visit Cornwall] and “the towns that keep the businesses vibrant” [former East Devon Cllr Philip Skinner]… Read More »The tussle over car park charges

The Rockfish seafood restaurant chain in the South West have been doing very well – with the Restaurateur of the Year in June last year… Read More »Rockfish submit ‘finalised design plans’ for Drill Hall

“Resonate with their sense of identity, values and worldview.” [The Climate Outreach think tank] “Avoiding waste is common sense (the most popular narrative)” . One… Read More »How to engage people on climate change

Translating plans into action. . How are we going to ‘decarbonise’ our transport? How are we going to get around without relying on petrol/diesel/coal-powered electricity?… Read More »How are we going to ‘decarbonise’ our transport?

“The role of microgrids in hybrid renewable energy systems is becoming increasingly significant as the world continues to shift towards cleaner and more sustainable energy… Read More »An alternative to electricity pylons: local energy production

Businesses will no longer be able to supply single-use plastics. [UK government] An all-in deposit return scheme and the extended producer responsibility policy have been postponed. [UK… Read More »Good news, mixed news on single-use plastic

‘Rethink’ @ BBC Radio 4 . Are more of us working from home in the Sid Valley? How is our mental well-being at work these… Read More »What’s the future of work in the Sid Valley?

“We will need to think about building in rural areas too.” [Housing Federation] . The government has committed to build 1 million homes over this… Read More »More housing: what about rural?

“If you can offer zero bills and save the planet as well, then you’re on the right track” [Octopus Energy] The UK’s housing stock is… Read More »‘Zero energy bill’ housing for Exeter

Think tanks and pressure groups battle to control the narrative. . OFFSETTING, NEUTRALITY AND GOING ZERO Here’s help for business from edie on how to navigate… Read More »Carbon neutral or net zero?

Greening the streets of Sidmouth [Futures Forum] . Planting trees is seen as a ‘good thing’ – but it very much depends on where and… Read More »‘Fill our streets with trees!’

“Where is the most polluted spot in Sidmouth? Looks like the Post Office roundabout is a contender.” . The politics of air pollution has been ratcheting up… Read More »Air pollution levels in Sidmouth “exceeds limits”

Making ‘marvellous meadowbed’ out of council-owned land. And ‘when biologically diverse gardens contain “cues to care”, they become more acceptable to neighbours.’ [Joan Nassauer, professor of landscape… Read More »The ‘rewilding’ debate: ‘meadowizing’ 

“Business confidence in the South West higher than the national average. [chartered accountants ICAEW’s Business Confidence Monitor] . During the very slow months of deepest… Read More »How well are businesses doing in East Devon?

“Consumers care about sustainability—and back it up with their wallets” [McKinsey] . It’s the Rural Services Network’s national rural conference in September – and they have… Read More »Do businesses have a wider responsibility to the environment?