A major regional conference to promote environmentally friendly working practices among Dorset businesses will take place next Thursday.

Issues to be tackled will range from assessing a company's carbon footprint, current legislation on environmental issues and the local carbon economy, to ways in which firms can become more resource efficient.

Speakers include; Tony Williams, executive director of Environmental and Economic services at Bournemouth Borough Council who will discuss the Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset Multi Area Agreement and its environmental direction and Alisdair Brown, waste manager at the South West Regional Development Authority who will present the case for Business Resource Efficiency.

Special workshops for business owners cover topics such as Corporate Social Responsibility, presented by Caroline Burr from the Bournemouth University Business School, and Mike Birkin from Friends of the Earth who will review the South West Regional Economic Strategy which commits business to growth within environmental limits. Chief Executive of Dorset Business, Peter Scott, said: "The Conference will ask searching questions, offer some solutions, and help dispel a few myths. There are plenty of reasons for attending the event, not least because by being more environmentally aware and resource-efficient, businesses can increase their profits, reduce their waste and be compliant.

"Government is clear that it wants the UK to take the lead in investing in low-carbon technology and energy-efficient products and services.

"This is our chance to show how Dorset is rising to the challenge".

Organised by Dorset Business, the one-day conference and exhibition takes place at Portland Spa, Southwell Parl, Portland staring at 9.30m with morning presentations followed by afternoon workshops.

Participation at the conference costs £60 including lunch, workshops and exhibition. Details from Lorraine Hubbard, email: lorraine.hubbard@dorsetbusiness.net.