The Hampshire Sustainable Action Network (HSAN) is a practical support network for businesses that want to make progress on sustainability without the jargon, pressure or unrealistic expectations. It’s built for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are trying to balance environmental responsibility with the day-to-day realities of running a business. We know that for many firms, sustainability can feel like a luxury – something that’s hard to prioritise when margins are tight and time is short. HSAN exists to make it easier, more achievable, and more relevant. The network is led by businesses, supported by the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, and shaped by what members need. There’s no fixed agenda, no push for certification, and no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, HSAN offers a space to learn from others, share what works, and act at your own pace. We run five events a year at venues that showcase local success stories. These are designed to be straightforward and useful – not lectures, but conversations. You’ll hear from other businesses in Hampshire who’ve made changes that helped their bottom line as well as their environmental impact. The focus is on what’s possible, not what’s perfect. Outside of events, we keep members informed through regular updates, case studies, and practical resources. We also help businesses tell their own stories – clearly, honestly, and without overclaiming. That includes support with communications, training to avoid greenwash, and help with writing impact reports or award entries. HSAN is about peer-to-peer support. It’s not just about what you can learn – it’s also about what you can share. Members are encouraged to contribute their experiences, promote each other’s successes, and help build a community that’s grounded in trust and realism. If you’re curious about sustainability but unsure where to start, HSAN is for you. If you’ve already taken steps and want to connect with others, HSAN is for you too. It’s open, flexible, and built around the idea that progress is better than perfection. Hampshire Sustainability Action Network (HSAN) Meetings Thursday 5th February 13:00 – 15:30 Thursday 28th May 13:00 – 15:30 Wednesday 22nd July 13:00 – 15:30 Unlocking Hampshire’s Green Potential Tuesday 10th November, Apollo Hotel, Basingstoke
Passionate about sustainability in your business?
Upcoming Green Events for 2026
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Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust
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9:00 – 13:00
Watch this space for more details!
This brand-new initiative is designed to strengthen Hampshire’s network of sustainability-focused SMEs through shared learning, collaboration, and support. The first session brought together business leaders and operational champions who are passionate about making sustainability a practical reality in their organisations.
”Kicking off the Hampshire Sustainability Action Network was a brilliant moment for the Chamber and Agilico—and seeing so many businesses dive in with real energy and purpose was inspiring. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see what we build together.
Ross McNallyCEO, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce
Hear from Philip Tutt-Leppard from 360 Integrated PR on why you should join our Hampshire Sustainability Action Network.
Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is working with a broad partnership of businesses to deliver relevant content, information and advice for those who are wishing to become greener and more sustainable.
Benefits of becoming an eco friendly business
Putting your green commitments at the heart of strategic business plans and incorporating them into your business objectives provides real benefits, from the monetary to the reputational and beyond.
A sustainable business has three bottom lines (the 3 Ps): people, planet and profit. The main driver for any business wishing to become sustainable should always be to protect the environment and the health of local communities. They can do this by reducing waste, minimising carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency.
However, there are also many commercial reasons why sustainability should be a priority as it helps to:
- Improve brand image and reputation
- Increase employee retention and aid recruitment
- Increase productivity and reduce costs
- Get ahead of the curve
To become involved in the work of our Green Innovation Steering Group, please contact Lisa Hall, on 01329 242420 or at Lisa.Hall@hampshirechamber.co.uk
Ideas for businesses to become more eco friendly
– Go paperless > instead rely on software (paperless billing, digital docs)
– Associate businesses with green vendors/local suppliers (think local)
– Change lightbulbs to more efficient options
– Replace outdated equipment
– Use biodegradable cleaning products
– Let employees work from home
– Educate, educate the employees within a company on what they could personally be doing to be ‘more green’
– Use green web hosting services
– Create a green space, include houseplants.
– Make charitable contributions
– Host events such as tree planting/community gardening etc
– Sustainable travel – travel to work scheme
– Turn it off – every night turn all appliances and equipment off
Need to be careful not to appear as though companies are greenwashing and instead commit to making a real difference in the community.
The 5 Step Green Plan
Some businesses may feel they want to start taking steps towards becoming an eco friendly businesses, however feel lost and don’t know where to start. Creating a 5 stage plan for businesses to follow to increase their sustainable practises, will allow businesses to start making small but considerable changes to their business.
This could look something like:
1. Improve the office space for employees, slowly turn the office into a
green space. This could be buying houseplants to clean the air, increasing
natural light by opening up the windows and painting the walls a light
colour etc.
2. Going paperless, including paperless billing and digital documents to
avoid wasted paper.
3. Change all light bulbs in offices to eco-friendly LED’s or motion sensor
lights.
4. Using green web hosts, such as Ecosia.
5. Create an action plan to ensure all lights/electrical items are being
turned off each and every night to save power.
Allowing a space for businesses to come and receive advice, talk over the changes they are making and sharing any positive results of these changes.
Useful Reports
Building Sustainable Futures for UK Businesses
This paper is part of a series of five policy areas which develop realistic recommendations for the future of the UK economy, and fresh and compelling proposals for government.
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