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South London Guardian series editor Sean Duggan addresses Merton Chamber of Commerce

The resounding message from Merton Chamber of Commerce's AGM was that going green makes business sense.

Nine out of 10 customers are actively looking for environmentally friendly products - according to the Guardian series' editor, Sean Duggan, citing a recent ICM survey in his speech to the meeting at Cannizaro House.

Mr Duggan, who helped set up the Green Guardian pages and awards, added that 22 per cent of customers would shop with the greenest businesses available.

"We are not just talking about a hard-core of eco warriors being attracted by green business - we are talking about the vast majority of people out shopping everyday in Wimbledon town centre," he said.

"And almost one in four say they will automatically do business with your competitors if they are greener than you."

He added: "The very fact I have been invited to speak at Merton Chamber of Commerce's AGM shows how green issues have shot up the business agenda.

"Let's face it, just a couple of years ago the environment was still regarded as a fringe interest, with little real interest to daily life in this country - let alone hard-nosed businesses.

"But we are rapidly entering a new era when, like it or not, the environment will be a central consideration in everything we do."

The green message was reinforced with a reminder of the Greening Business services offered by southlondon.biz - the enterprise arm of Merton Chamber of commerce.

For only £10, greening business advisors can review a company's energy and waste management and draw up an action plan to help them go green.

Chief executive of Merton Chamber of Commerce, Diana Sterck, said: "It's fantastic to celebrate the first anniversary of our going green service.

"We have already helped 400 businesses save money through reusing, recycling and reduction. And with customers looking for environmentally friendly options, it's also good for PR."

Companies that are interested in receiving advice and guidance from a GoGreen Business Officer (GBO) should call 020 8947 0055.

4:11pm Friday 2nd May 2008

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