Evaluation of Business and Environment Programme

The evaluation involved a desk-based study of a range of company and project data from Scottish Enterprise Tayside files, discussions with relevant stakeholders, face-to-face and telephone surveys of participating employers and a postal survey of Tayside Environmental Business Forum members.

It is found that the programme is well-constructed and fits well within the new strategic framework. The B&E has achieved most of its objectives but there has been less success in encouraging businesses to exploit green opportunities. Participants have benefited as a result of the Programme through ensuring they comply with relevant legislation, thereby enabling them to continue operating. It is found that the net impact of the programme has been in safeguarding/creating 22.3 FTEs at the Tayside level and 23.1 FTEs at the Scottish level.

A change to the way that the B&E programme is delivered is recommended, consisting of a shift in focus towards assisting companies to implement environmental projects with both business and environmental benefits. The continued support of Scottish Enterprise Tayside for the project is also recommended. It is suggested that the provision of an environmental helpline facility is considered and that less emphasis is placed upon attempting to promote green market opportunities to businesses.

A change to the way that the B&E programme is delivered is recommended, consisting of a shift in focus towards assisting companies to implement environmental projects with both business and environmental benefits. The continued support of Scottish Enterprise Tayside for the project is also recommended. It is suggested that the provision of an environmental helpline facility is considered and that less emphasis is placed upon attempting to promote green market opportunities to businesses.