Scotland’s environment is one of its greatest assets, and is also a major contributor to the economy. Many businesses in Scotland are taking significant steps to improve or reduce their impact on the environment, often saving money in the process.

The VIBES Awards (Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland) have been developed to recognise these efforts and encourage new ideas and best practice.

Aimed at a wide range of industry and business sectors, from multinational corporations to small owner-managed businesses, the VIBES Awards scheme publicly rewards good environmental performance and innovation. Prizes are awarded in three size categories at a high-profile awards ceremony in December 2006.

This is a valuable opportunity to have the success of your organisation widely recognised. The main aims of the competition are to:

• encourage the efficient use of resources
• enhance the competitiveness of organisations
• improve environmental performance
• support the wider goals of sustainable development including social benefits through community and staff involvement.

Customers are becoming increasingly aware of environmental policies and good practice. A good environmental policy, well implemented and communicated, should enhance your image, help create good relations with customers and reduce their operating costs.

Alan Balfour, commercial director of Scourie-based Loch Duart Ltd commented: "We were absolutely delighted to receive this recognition of what we do. We feel strongly that it is vital for us to take what environmentally friendly measures we can in our business, and the fact that consumers are considering these factors more and more is very encouraging for us, as is the fact that these Awards were set up to recognise and reward businesses such as ourselves.

 “This can only be a good thing if it encourages more businesses to be a little more aware of their environmental impacts.”

You can apply by contacting the VIBES Awards co-ordinator on Tel: 01896 754 797, who will send the application form and guidelines for the competition.

You can also complete the application form online via the website www.vibes.org.uk

Applications should be completed by 30 June 2006.