THE Business Environment Network (BEN) which has been championing Carlisle and Eden businesses which address environmental issues, has extended its services to the whole of Cumbria.

Now based in the Penrith offices of Cumbria Rural Enterprise Agency (CREA), BEN offers a free environmental audit by an expert to advise and guide businesses to achieve more from their resources and gain a greener reputation.

BEN project coordinator Sam Gyllensetz said: "BEN helps businesses to reduce costs by introducing sound environmental performance. We guide you through the maze of environmental rules and regulations which now affect almost every business in the country."

BEN can help with a structured waste and energy minimisation programmes including: l Improving environmental management skills and practices.

l Increasing the level of recycling.

l Cutting operating costs by reducing waste and making better use of raw materials.

l Benefiting the environment by reducing waste going to landfill.

l Reducing the risk of pollution.

l Ensuring awareness of relevant environmental legislation.

l Contributing to a sustainable economy.

l Developing best practice by reducing, and recycling waste.

l Cutting energy costs.