LDA enchance equipment recycling

London Development Agency to 'enhance' the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment

The London Development Agency (LDA) is investing 3 million into the recycling sector in London, through its enhance business support programme. After receiving 1.8 million of funding in 2005, enhance has received a further 925,000 revenue grant and will also manage a capital fund of 2 million to continue to support business expansion and develop the capital's recycling supply chain infrastructure.

The range of services it will offer has increased so enhance will now support larger companies that are looking to expand their operations, as well as continuing to develop and assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises working with electrical and electronic equipment or other recyclable materials.

Helen Keenan, Director of Product Development, London Development Agency, said: "The London Development Agency is investing almost 3 million in London's recycling industry.  We recognise the importance of providing support to the sector to ensure that in the future London is able to manage its own waste.  In its first 18 months, enhance helped grow over 170 'green' enterprises.  We're hoping the service will create another 20 new businesses and 200 jobs in London over the next 18 months."

Jamie Blake, Director of Resource Management, enhance, said: "With the London Development Agency's funding, enhance will make a big difference in developing the capital's recycling, reprocessing and remanufacturing capacity.  With 17 million tonnes of waste produced in London each year, we hope to make a major impact in helping create and attract new recycling businesses to London.  Managing London's waste better, will contribute to combating climate change by reducing the amount of waste going to landfill, thus reducing carbon dioxide and methane emissions, as well as reducing the dependence on virgin materials."

Businesses requiring assistance can apply online at www.enhancelondon.co.uk. Those that can make a positive contribution to London's economy and environment through their recycling, reprocessing or remanufacturing operations will be eligible for support.

enhance will be looking to develop the skills of 400 people within the recycling sector and wants to engage with more enterprises that are led by
women, black, Asian, minority ethnic, and disabled people.

 

About enhance
enhance is a free service, funded by 2.7 million from the London Development Agency (LDA), and delivered by London Remade and London Community Recycling Network (London CRN).  It manages a capital fund of 2 million and provides support and advice to London-based enterprises working in, or aspiring to join, the recycling, reprocessing and remanufacturing sectors.

It aims to facilitate growth amongst businesses and social enterprises, working with recyclable materials in London; offering expert advice on business development, marketing, access to funding, finding premises, and its network of contacts.

A comprehensive online information resource provides access to the latest legislation, news, events, training, funding and tender opportunities.  You can register for the latest tailored industry and enhance news updates with the enhance fortnightly e-newsletter and RSS feeds - visit www.enhancelondon.co.uk.

Businesses and social enterprises working, or aspiring to work, in London's recycling, reprocessing and remanufacturing sector can apply for funded support.

London Remade
London Remade is in the business of recycling, creating environmental solutions for a sustainable capital.  This is achieved through developing markets for recycled content products, providing tailored support to help grow green enterprises and introducing green practices to existing businesses.

London Community Recycling Network
London CRN is a not-for-profit, second tier organisation, dedicated to supporting and promoting community-based sustainable waste management activities, and make them the preferred solution - financially, socially and environmentally - for the people of London.

London Development Agency (LDA)
The LDA is the Mayor's agency for business and jobs.  The LDA prepare the Mayor's business plan for London and mobilises the support and resources of hundreds of partner organisations to help build a thriving economy for London's people, businesses and communities.  The LDA is dedicated to improving sustainability, health and equality of opportunity for Londoners.