A SCHEME to help firms increase profits and help the environment has received a £5,000 boost.

NatWest bank has pledged the cash to Groundwork Business Environment Association for a programme aimed at small and medium-sized businesses.

The sponsorship comes on the back of European Unions funds won last year to enable the Groundworth BEA initiative to expand its operations as a key part of the East Lancashire Business Environment Network.

The network brings together Groundworks, local councils, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ELTEC and Northern Technologies.

"We are committed to good environmental performance in our operations and can see clear business benefits," said corporate manager Harry Collinge.

"The bank realises that small companies often need help to identify their environmental priorities in a maze of new regulations.

"The BEA will help them avoid potential problems, increase their profitability and retain valuable jobs."

The cheque was accepted by the president of the BEA, Sir David Trippier.

He said: "We know that banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions are increasingly demanding assurances about environmental performance as well as financial data."

"We are grateful for NatWest's recognition that smaller companies need cost effective and understandable support."

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