FREE training courses are to be offered to business in Colchester and north Essex on how to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Colbea, a business support and enterprise agency, is offering what is known as low carbon sustainability training to firms which employ less than 250 people in the hope the businesses will hit net-zero targets.

The courses are due to begin on Thursday, June 9, and will be led by experts in sustainable business practices.

Free of charge, residents in Chelmsford, Colchester, Maldon, Tendring, Uttlesford, Epping Forest and Rochford can attend the workshops.

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Statistically, smaller businesses around the UK contribute approximately half of business greenhouse gas emissions across the country but Ashleigh Seymour-Rutherford, the chief executive of Colbea, said the advice offered to businesses on the course will help them take the lead on climate change.

She said: “The UK is legally committed to reaching net zero by 2050 and smaller businesses will play a key role in achieving this.

“This course helps give businesses clear, practical advice which can become a structured set of actions that can be implemented by any business and make a real difference to everyone’s future.”

Information on the courses can be found via www.colbea.co.uk/learn.