mhl support launches seminars to allay fears of environmental burden on UK business

"Companies with an Environmental Management System and ISO14001 certification will have a distinct commercial advantage over those that do not." Marc Schroder, CEO, mhl support

Leading risk-management solutions provider mhl support has convened a series of free seminars addressing companies’ responsibilities under environmental legislation. The move is in response to concerns expressed by many of the firm’s 3,500 UK clients.

Last year, courts handed out more than £3.5m in fines, eleven years behind bars, and more than 240 days of community service to individuals, companies and company directors who committed environmental crime last year", said mhl support C.E.O. Marc Schroder. "Many of those prosecuted were unaware that they had broken the law, but the figures demonstrate that non-compliance with environmental requirements can have very expensive consequences. It’s no wonder our customers want to know what they can do to protect themselves."

Perhaps surprisingly, most of the fines were levied against firms engaged in perceived 'low risk' industry sectors. "The E.A.'s highest fine to date was imposed on a wine company" Mr Schroder said "and other guilty parties include nursing homes and food outlets."

The seminars have the dual objective of explaining how the establishment of an Environmental Management System (EMS) can not only ensure that litigation is avoided, but also open the door to significant potential new business.

"The government has announced that, within five years, it expects that SME’s will be responsible for fulfilling a third of public contracts" Mr Schroder said, "but take it as read that companies without an EMS will miss out on the opportunities. Moreover, it is increasingly common for private sector tenders to carry clauses demanding environmental credentials. Companies with an EMS and ISO14001 certification will have a distinct commercial advantage over those that do not"

The next seminars in the series will take place in Coventry, on 4 November at The Hilton Hotel and on November 13th at The Hilton Hotel at Manchester Airport. They will begin at 9.30am and finish at noon. Existing clients of mhl support have been invited, but others interested in attending may book a place by telephoning 08453 100 600 or by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it