We are delighted to announce that our Founder and Chair Adam Whitehouse has been named as the new Chair of the Staffordshire Business Environment Network (or SBEN for short.)
He replaces Judith Smith who stood down as Chair this week at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting.
SBEN which was founded in 1992, works together with businesses across the county to address the climate emergency we face. The membership organisation, which is free to join, aims to help businesses reduce their environmental impact and contribute towards the UK’s target of bringing all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
Judith who owns and runs an environment management and sustainability consultancy has been the Chair since 2014 will remain a key part of group.
Adam who opened his first circular economy retail store (The Mobile Trader), in the late 90’s has spent his entire career aiming to ‘keep technology alive for longer.’
He said: “I am passionate about keeping technology alive for longer and ensuring we all understand the benefits for our planet and our pockets of repairing not replacing tech. The circular economy has a key part to play in helping tackle the climate emergency we are facing, and I am excited about sharing my experiences and knowledge with other small businesses, as part of my new role in SBEN.
“Of course, I have big shoes to fill – Judith has done an amazing job at the forefront of the organisation for such a long time – an organisation that has been a key driver in supporting businesses across the county to achieve their sustainability goals and take positive steps towards reducing their carbon footprint. I am looking forward to working with Judith and our other members going forward.
He added: “I am keen to work with and expand the SBEN network, to ensure all businesses across Staffordshire have the opportunity to make the most of SBEN membership.”
Adam’s first shop specialised in refurbishing and reselling mobile phones. Today his business, TMT First, is Samsung’s largest volume consumer repair partner and this week it was announced that they are participating in the Apple Independent Repair Provider (IRP) program. That means that TMT will have access to genuine Apple parts, sourced from Apple and use Apple diagnostics, tools and processes to make sure Apple product repairs are completed to the highest standards.
Judith said: “It’s nearly ten years now since I became Chair and the organisation has grown and developed hugely during that time, with the climate crisis becoming more of an emergency every single day. Organisations like SBEN are crucial in helping businesses know and understand what support is available and what they can do to help tackle the climate crisis together. Although I am standing down as Chair I will still be heavily involved as part of the organiser’s group, and I look forward to working with Adam and seeing how much SBEN and its members will benefit from his knowledge and expertise.”
SBEN is connecting, supporting, and growing the skills of Staffordshire businesses and organisations, working together towards sustainability and net zero. It provides businesses and people with the knowledge, skills, tools and confidence to achieve their environmental goals. It also provides practical advice on developing and implementing environmental policies, promotes examples of good environmental practice and identifies opportunities for members to access funding and support to grow and improve their business. To find out more about SBEN go to: sben.co.uk, call 01785 277379 or email [email protected]
