Businesses in Newcastle supported by Green Street initiative
Green Street, which aims to create environmentally friendly high streets and prosperity in retail and hospitality, has been working with businesses in the East End of Newcastle.
The group has exceeded its original goal of helping 25 businesses, with 37 being supported in Byker, Heaton, and the Ouseburn.
Victoria, Carl, Jo and Joe at The Cumberland Arms (Image: Angela Carrington)
The businesses received tailored advice on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable packaging.
Joe Tordoff of Green Street said: “We work with businesses to understand their priorities and sustainability goals.
“After an initial consultation, we provide a detailed report with practical recommendations to help them save energy, reduce waste, and cut costs.
“Businesses also receive a £1,000 grant to implement sustainable changes, and they are provided with the Green Street Working Towards a Greener Newcastle branding so customers can easily find the businesses taking part.”
One business that has benefited from the initiative is The Cumberland Arms.
Owner Jo Hodson said: “My favourite part has been planting wildflowers to create a meadow space, making the area more beautiful and bee-friendly.
“We plan to host music sessions in the meadow during summer.
“Green Street has also helped us improve insulation and upgrade to energy-efficient lighting, which not only benefits the environment but also saves us money.”
The Old Coal Yard is hailed as another success story.
Owner Carl Kennedy said: “Through Green Street, we replaced old sodium lighting with energy-efficient LED lights, saving at least £400 annually.
“The programme made us assess every aspect of our energy use, and the improvements have been invaluable.”
Victoria Robertshaw, founder and director of Green Street, said: “We’ve worked with an incredible variety of businesses, from cafes to repair shops, hairdressers to fish and chip shops, and even a city farm, helping them find practical, cost-effective sustainability solutions.
“Customers care about sustainability, and this project helps businesses meet that demand in a manageable way.”
Councillor Dan Greenhough, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for economy, jobs, and skills, said: “This project has been about finding practical solutions to help small businesses which are so central to our local economy.
“Green Street has been a huge part of that by working closely with businesses to find out how the project can support them to grow and flourish in what are challenging economic times for businesses up and down the country.
“The progress made with Green Street means we have many businesses doing more for the environment while reducing their own running costs, and they’ve been able to strengthen their connections with the local community in the process.”
Businesses interested in getting involved can visit greenstreet.org.uk.