Climate Emergency

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The Climate Emergency facing our world is a very real issue, but there is plenty we can do to take action to help protect our planet.

Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a Climate Emergency in the borough in 2019 and put forward its Climate Emergency Response plan, which aims to help the borough become carbon neutral by 2045.

This is a space to share ideas, stories and tips about what you are doing locally to reduce your carbon emissions and impact on the environment. Now's the time to react and play your part to make our borough carbon neutral.


The Climate Emergency facing our world is a very real issue, but there is plenty we can do to take action to help protect our planet.

Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a Climate Emergency in the borough in 2019 and put forward its Climate Emergency Response plan, which aims to help the borough become carbon neutral by 2045.

This is a space to share ideas, stories and tips about what you are doing locally to reduce your carbon emissions and impact on the environment. Now's the time to react and play your part to make our borough carbon neutral.


What are you doing to tackle the Climate Emergency?

Residents, community groups, schools and businesses across the borough are busy playing their part to protect our local environment and reduce their impact on the planet by reducing their carbon emissions.

Lots of people taking action together can make a big impact and we want to hear all about the things you are doing. It could be a short tip, a blog or vlog on a certain topic, a pledge to say what you hope to achieve or about an event you’ve organised.

By sharing your story, you could inspire others across the borough to take action today and help us achieve our ambition of being a carbon neutral borough.

Please add your story here

  • You can add text, photos and videos to your story
  • Please ensure you have permission to share anything featured here
  • Please remember this is a public space, so please do not share any personal information about yourself or others in your comment.

We may occasionally contact people who have uploaded an inspiring story to ask if we could share it wider, such as on the Council's social media channels or our Climate Emergency enewsletter. We will always ask permission before we do this and we will only share stories with your approval.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. 

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  • Share University of Chester students win two UK enterprise awards and showcase business to The Princess Royal on Facebook Share University of Chester students win two UK enterprise awards and showcase business to The Princess Royal on Twitter Share University of Chester students win two UK enterprise awards and showcase business to The Princess Royal on Linkedin Email University of Chester students win two UK enterprise awards and showcase business to The Princess Royal link

    University of Chester students win two UK enterprise awards and showcase business to The Princess Royal

    by Felicity Roberts, almost 3 years ago

    University of Chester students have won two awards and showcased their carbon-cutting venture to HRH The Princess Royal in a UK competition championing young entrepreneurs who are leading the way with their enterprise and innovation.

    Representing the North-West, students from the University’s Business School were recognised at the Young Enterprise (YE) UK Start-Up Final.

    The team was presented with the award for Best Pitch Deck and team member Eleanor Jones was awarded the title of Student Entrepreneur of the Year. The Pitch Deck award was presented after the students submitted their business plan in advance, and took part in the... Continue reading

    University of Chester students have won two awards and showcased their carbon-cutting venture to HRH The Princess Royal in a UK competition championing young entrepreneurs who are leading the way with their enterprise and innovation.

    Representing the North-West, students from the University’s Business School were recognised at the Young Enterprise (YE) UK Start-Up Final.

    The team was presented with the award for Best Pitch Deck and team member Eleanor Jones was awarded the title of Student Entrepreneur of the Year. The Pitch Deck award was presented after the students submitted their business plan in advance, and took part in the pitching competition on the day. The Student Entrepreneur award is given to a student who has developed significantly as a result of the start-up journey.

    They were the first of the 15 teams from across Britain to speak to Anne, Princess Royal, who showed great interest in their eco-friendly business, A Wild Life. The business offers seeded cardboard boxes, as a more sustainable way to package goods. Consumers can plant the packaging which is integrated with flower or vegetable seeds.

    She spoke to each member of the business: Eleanor Jones; Josh Sellings; Aaron Jones; Demi Evans, and Jade McArdle, who provided an overview of their product and business journey.

    The students are currently in the second year of their undergraduate degree studies in Business Management, International Business Management and Events Management at Chester Business School. They developed the idea as part of the Entrepreneurial Thought in Action module which is one of the ways students are supported to start their own business and learn the skills of new enterprise management.

    Jade McArdle, Managing Director of A Wild Life, said: “Our young enterprise journey has been incredible. It has taught me so many personal and professional skills that I can take forward with me. Meeting HRH Princess Anne and explaining our business to her was an amazing experience that I am very proud of.”

    Josh Sellings added: “To share this entrepreneurial journey with this amazing team has been an absolute pleasure and I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience. This journey has taught me so much about myself and improved all aspects of my character while improving my business knowledge and experience. I can't wait to be a part of what A Wild Life does next."

    Dr Connie Hancock, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Management at Chester Business School said: “Our enterprise students did an outstanding job of representing the Business School in the UK Start-Up Final; coming out with two awards is tremendous.

    “The Princess Royal herself was impressed by their business idea and came straight over to their trade stand when she arrived at the venue. The students have worked tirelessly on their business, and I am extremely proud of all of them.”

    Lecturer and Joint Leader of the Entrepreneurial Thought in Action Module, Cheryl Sorensen shared more on what the recognition means: “We are extremely proud that A Wild Life won Best Pitch Deck during the Young Enterprise national final. Winning this award is a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to A Wild Life and everything that it stands for. It is an honour for us to be able to support this business and its student founders. Alongside this, Eleanor’s win is an amazing and well-deserved achievement, as her resilience and motivation as an entrepreneur are outstanding.”

    Conor Dangerfield, Lecturer and Joint Module Leader, added: “This achievement is not only a win for A Wild Life, but also for our module, Entrepreneurial Thought and Action. It demonstrates the high quality that our amazing students strive to achieve and the results that can come from hard work, dedication, and a supportive entrepreneurial network, which is incredible at Chester Business School.

    “We would like to express our gratitude to Suzanne Lockwood, the judges, and organisers of Young Enterprise, as well as our wider faculty, for their support and encouragement. The awards are a celebration of collective efforts, and we look forward to what comes next.”

    The YE UK Start-Up Final was held at the University of Salford earlier this month and welcomed student entrepreneurs from across the UK to pitch their business to a panel of respected judges from organisations including The Marketing Trust and The Institute of Leadership and Management. High profile guests also included the Civic Mayor of Salford and the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

    Supporting the Chester students at the event were: Dr Connie Hancock; Cheryl Sorensen; Conor Dangerfield; Enterprise Tutors Athalia Dangerfield and Andy Firr, as well as Student Rep, Piyush Choudhari.

    This year’s Start-Up Final coincides with the 60th anniversary of YE, a national financial and enterprise education charity that motivates young people to succeed in the changing world of work by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and confidence they need. For more information on YE, please visit: https://www.young-enterprise.org.uk/.

  • Share Let's make this years Sustainable Cheshire Festival a true Cheshire West Event on Facebook Share Let's make this years Sustainable Cheshire Festival a true Cheshire West Event on Twitter Share Let's make this years Sustainable Cheshire Festival a true Cheshire West Event on Linkedin Email Let's make this years Sustainable Cheshire Festival a true Cheshire West Event link

    Let's make this years Sustainable Cheshire Festival a true Cheshire West Event

    by Eco Communities, almost 3 years ago


    Our Sustainable Cheshire Festival on the 23rd September is in Grosvenor Park once again and we want it to be a truly Cheshire West event. We are looking to link with community organisations and businesses from throughout the region.

    Our work has often been a bit Chester centric as this is where we all live, but we have already supported lots of regions. Tattenhall are very close to it's Plastic Free Community accreditation with our help as well as Neston. Then we are working on Frodsham and Ellesmere Port. We have also supported Malpas with it's Sustainable event.

    It... Continue reading


    Our Sustainable Cheshire Festival on the 23rd September is in Grosvenor Park once again and we want it to be a truly Cheshire West event. We are looking to link with community organisations and businesses from throughout the region.

    Our work has often been a bit Chester centric as this is where we all live, but we have already supported lots of regions. Tattenhall are very close to it's Plastic Free Community accreditation with our help as well as Neston. Then we are working on Frodsham and Ellesmere Port. We have also supported Malpas with it's Sustainable event.

    It would be great to have a reptresentation from every corner of Cheshire West for a stall/ talk about what you are doing where you live around sustainability. We have some fantastic growing project, repair workshops and more all happening in Cheshire West, lets bring all these ideas together and share with each other and residents..……

    Lets make this years event a truly Cheshire West event.

    We hope to get some funding so we can make it bigger and better….. any ideas please let us know…

    Please share with your group, networks etc…..

    Let the team know if you are interested in getting involved with a stall and or volunteeting to support this event for 2023. We had some great online talks from across the region over Covid and it would be great to replicate this within a real life environment.

    We should also have lots of news on our Cheshire Cup Club project by September, our reusable, returnable coffee cup scheme being lanched very very soon.

    Check our website and sign up for our newsletter if you don’t get this already.

    Website - LINK

  • Share How does Cheshire West score on its Climate Emergency achivements? on Facebook Share How does Cheshire West score on its Climate Emergency achivements? on Twitter Share How does Cheshire West score on its Climate Emergency achivements? on Linkedin Email How does Cheshire West score on its Climate Emergency achivements? link

    How does Cheshire West score on its Climate Emergency achivements?

    by Eco Communities, almost 3 years ago

    In 2019 Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a climate emergency to focus on climate change as an organisational priority. Climate Emergency UK, a grant funded organisation, was set up to maintain a data base of councils which have and haven’t declared an emergency and a scoring system. As well as the council database of those having declared, they also started asking councils set questions. In 2021 the data they collated put Cheshire West at a score of 58%, with Manchester City Council at 87%. But we were above average which was 50%.

    The next review will come out later... Continue reading

    In 2019 Cheshire West and Chester Council declared a climate emergency to focus on climate change as an organisational priority. Climate Emergency UK, a grant funded organisation, was set up to maintain a data base of councils which have and haven’t declared an emergency and a scoring system. As well as the council database of those having declared, they also started asking councils set questions. In 2021 the data they collated put Cheshire West at a score of 58%, with Manchester City Council at 87%. But we were above average which was 50%.

    The next review will come out later this year and they are already starting to ask councils for replies to a list of updated questions. Read full article here.


  • Share Chester Cycle Buddies on Facebook Share Chester Cycle Buddies on Twitter Share Chester Cycle Buddies on Linkedin Email Chester Cycle Buddies link

    Chester Cycle Buddies

    by Cathey Harrington, almost 3 years ago

    I'm Cathey from Chester Cycling Campaign. I'd like to tell you about our fabulous "Chester Cycle Buddies" scheme to help people who would like to cycle more in Chester.

    We know (because people tell us!) that many people would like to cycle more in and around Chester, but don’t really know how to go about it. You may be unsure about riding on your own, riding in traffic, or where to park your bike. Or maybe you’re back on a bike after some time and need a bit of practice. Or maybe you want to know what’s changed since you... Continue reading

    I'm Cathey from Chester Cycling Campaign. I'd like to tell you about our fabulous "Chester Cycle Buddies" scheme to help people who would like to cycle more in Chester.

    We know (because people tell us!) that many people would like to cycle more in and around Chester, but don’t really know how to go about it. You may be unsure about riding on your own, riding in traffic, or where to park your bike. Or maybe you’re back on a bike after some time and need a bit of practice. Or maybe you want to know what’s changed since you last rode - or you just need a bit of a confidence boost.

    We can help! We match you up with one our members who is an experienced cyclist who can help you with whatever you would like. That might be planning cycle-friendly routes to places you would like to go, riding with you to test out routes and answering any queries you may have. It's free, and you don’t have to be a Campaign member to use Chester Cycle Buddies!

    People are often surprised to learn how easy it can be to get around Chester by cycle (work, children’s schools, shops, city centre, leisure, friends, etc).

    Do click through to Chester Cycle Buddies on our website here . We look forward to seeing you!

    Photo credit: London Cycling Campaign.

  • Share Chester students with growing venture named finalists in UK enterprise awards on Facebook Share Chester students with growing venture named finalists in UK enterprise awards on Twitter Share Chester students with growing venture named finalists in UK enterprise awards on Linkedin Email Chester students with growing venture named finalists in UK enterprise awards link

    Chester students with growing venture named finalists in UK enterprise awards

    by Felicity Roberts, about 3 years ago

    A team of University of Chester students with an eco-friendly business has been selected as a UK finalist in a competition bringing together the country’s most talented young entrepreneurs.

    The students were crowned Young Enterprise (YE) Start-Up Awards UK finalists after impressing judges at the North West stage of the competition with their carbon-cutting venture, ‘A Wild Life’. The business offers seeded cardboard boxes, as a more sustainable way to package goods. Consumers can plant the packaging which is integrated with flower or vegetable seeds.

    Students Jade McArdle, Eleanor Jones, Demi Evans, Aaron Jones and Josh Sellings will compete for... Continue reading

    A team of University of Chester students with an eco-friendly business has been selected as a UK finalist in a competition bringing together the country’s most talented young entrepreneurs.

    The students were crowned Young Enterprise (YE) Start-Up Awards UK finalists after impressing judges at the North West stage of the competition with their carbon-cutting venture, ‘A Wild Life’. The business offers seeded cardboard boxes, as a more sustainable way to package goods. Consumers can plant the packaging which is integrated with flower or vegetable seeds.

    Students Jade McArdle, Eleanor Jones, Demi Evans, Aaron Jones and Josh Sellings will compete for a series of awards at the final in May, including the title of YE UK Start-Up Company of the Year.

    They are currently in the second year of their undergraduate degree studies in Business Management, International Business Management and Events Management at the University’s Business School. They developed the idea as part of the Entrepreneurial Thought in Action module which is one of the ways students are supported to start their own business and learn the skills of new enterprise management.

    A total of 13 teams of student entrepreneurs competed at the North West final, which took place at University Academy 92 (UA92) in Manchester, with just five teams going on to represent the region in the UK final.

    Student Jade McArdle, Managing Director of A Wild Life, said: “The North West final was a great opportunity for us to not only promote our business, but also ourselves. It was a perfect networking opportunity with people from different areas of business and enterprise.

    “The constant conversation of our business in general chat, to the business interviews meant that we were always forward-thinking on the idea and our business processes which has helped us find ways we can improve, for the next round of the competition and beyond.

    “We are so happy that all of our hard work paid off and that we are through to the UK final.”

    Lecturer and Joint Leader of the Entrepreneurial Thought in Action Module, Conor Dangerfield said: “A Wild Life truly exemplified the high standards of our University of Chester student community. While competing against our closest regional competitors, the members of the team excelled in their preparation, creativity, confidence, and business acumen.

    “They were interviewed separately in three stages, denoting their capabilities for market entry, international exports, and their overall strategy in their competitive industry. Their last challenge, pitching in front of everyone, was as consistent as their interviews.

    “They excelled throughout the day, highlighting in-depth knowledge of different aspects of their company and the wider industry.”

    Cheryl Sorensen, Lecturer and Joint Module Leader, added: “Conor and I, the team, and the department are immensely proud that we can say that these students represent Chester Business School.

    “We can now prepare for the next challenge, where the students will compete with the UK’s best and brightest young entrepreneurs.”

    The YE Start-Up Awards UK final will be held at the University of Salford on May 10, 2023, and will welcome student entrepreneurs from across the UK to pitch their business to a panel of respected judges. The winners of the UK Start-Up Company of the Year title will go on to compete in the European YE Awards.

    The North West final took place in February.

    For more information on Young Enterprise, please visit: https://www.young-enterprise.org.uk/.

  • Share Schools invited to take part in Chester Community Energy’s 2023 Sustainability Competition on Facebook Share Schools invited to take part in Chester Community Energy’s 2023 Sustainability Competition on Twitter Share Schools invited to take part in Chester Community Energy’s 2023 Sustainability Competition on Linkedin Email Schools invited to take part in Chester Community Energy’s 2023 Sustainability Competition link

    Schools invited to take part in Chester Community Energy’s 2023 Sustainability Competition

    about 3 years ago

    Schools are reminded that they have until Friday 31 March 2023 to enter the below Sustainability Competition by Chester Community Energy Ltd

    To celebrate COP27 taking place recently, Chester Community Energy Ltd is launching its 2023 Sustainability Competition for State-Funded Schools and Six-Form Colleges in west Cheshire. The competition is open to Secondary Years: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 and mixed year groups are able to apply as a team.

    Are you up for the Challenge?

    There are great prizes for the winning team and £500 for your school to spend on sustainability initiatives!

    This is a... Continue reading

    Schools are reminded that they have until Friday 31 March 2023 to enter the below Sustainability Competition by Chester Community Energy Ltd

    To celebrate COP27 taking place recently, Chester Community Energy Ltd is launching its 2023 Sustainability Competition for State-Funded Schools and Six-Form Colleges in west Cheshire. The competition is open to Secondary Years: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 and mixed year groups are able to apply as a team.

    Are you up for the Challenge?

    There are great prizes for the winning team and £500 for your school to spend on sustainability initiatives!

    This is a great opportunity for students to work collaboratively and learn about sustainability, energy conservation and renewable energy, whilst helping your school become more energy efficient.

    All the information you need (including an info sheet for teachers) can be found here: http://www.chestercommunityenergy.org.uk/schools-competition-2023/

    What do you need to do?

    1) Create a team (maximum 5 students). School staff can help out too.

    2) Research how the carbon footprint/energy consumption of your school could be reduced. Look at last year’s winning entry which you can find here: Competition 2022

    3) Submit a project idea (maximum 2 pages of A4) which you think will enable your school to save the most energy or save on carbon footprint.

    About Chester Community Energy Ltd

    Visit http://www.chestercommunityenergy.org.uk/ to find out how we are Working Together For A Sustainable Future.

    Chester Community Energy Ltd is a registered Community Benefit Society which develops and facilitates renewable energy schemes in Chester and the surrounding area. Our aim is to produce renewable energy generation, reduce the carbon emissions in our area and encourage energy efficiency. We raise funds to carry out our work via grants and public share offers.
    The prizes will be supplied from our Community Benefit Fund.


    Best of Luck!

  • Share Why should our School become a Plastic Free School and what is a Trash Mob? on Facebook Share Why should our School become a Plastic Free School and what is a Trash Mob? on Twitter Share Why should our School become a Plastic Free School and what is a Trash Mob? on Linkedin Email Why should our School become a Plastic Free School and what is a Trash Mob? link

    Why should our School become a Plastic Free School and what is a Trash Mob?

    by Eco Communities, about 3 years ago


    Eco Communities are the local representative for Surfers Against Sewage who certify schools as Plastic Free. We have worked as part of the Plastic Free Communities campaign since 2016, achieving Plastic Free Chester in 2018 and currently supporting, Neston, Tattenhall, Frodsham and Ellesmere Port to achieve Plastic Free Community status with an overall aim of Plastic Free Cheshire.

    We have provided talks and workshops in schools around the region including Northwich, Chester and Tattenhall. And also supported the first Plastic Free School in the region Grosvenor Park Academy, Chester.

    We are asking schools to take action during British Science Week.... Continue reading


    Eco Communities are the local representative for Surfers Against Sewage who certify schools as Plastic Free. We have worked as part of the Plastic Free Communities campaign since 2016, achieving Plastic Free Chester in 2018 and currently supporting, Neston, Tattenhall, Frodsham and Ellesmere Port to achieve Plastic Free Community status with an overall aim of Plastic Free Cheshire.

    We have provided talks and workshops in schools around the region including Northwich, Chester and Tattenhall. And also supported the first Plastic Free School in the region Grosvenor Park Academy, Chester.

    We are asking schools to take action during British Science Week. From 10-17th March.

    This involves encouraging schools to join others across the whole UK to hold a ‘Trash Mob’ (basically a big clean up and Brand Audit 😊)

    Join us for a Nationwide TRASH MOB this March for British Science Week – Plastic Free Schools – Surfers Against Sewage

    Read more - LINK

  • Share The Flood Hub's brand new KS2 Climate Change Education Package on Facebook Share The Flood Hub's brand new KS2 Climate Change Education Package on Twitter Share The Flood Hub's brand new KS2 Climate Change Education Package on Linkedin Email The Flood Hub's brand new KS2 Climate Change Education Package link

    The Flood Hub's brand new KS2 Climate Change Education Package

    about 3 years ago

    The Flood Hub have announced the launch of their second Education Package, which is all about climate change. It contains a number of lessons and resources for schools and young people and aims to increase their knowledge on climate change. It can be found on their ‘Learning’ page here or by clicking on the following link: https://thefloodhub.co.uk/ks2-climate-change-lessons/.

    The lessons are pitched at KS2 level (ages 7 to 11), although a lot of the material included can be adapted for other key stage levels. Each lesson pack contains a PowerPoint lesson, a lesson plan with teacher’s notes and resources such... Continue reading

    The Flood Hub have announced the launch of their second Education Package, which is all about climate change. It contains a number of lessons and resources for schools and young people and aims to increase their knowledge on climate change. It can be found on their ‘Learning’ page here or by clicking on the following link: https://thefloodhub.co.uk/ks2-climate-change-lessons/.

    The lessons are pitched at KS2 level (ages 7 to 11), although a lot of the material included can be adapted for other key stage levels. Each lesson pack contains a PowerPoint lesson, a lesson plan with teacher’s notes and resources such as worksheets, which may be required for in-class exercises or homework.

    Below is an outline about each of the four lessons:

    • Lesson 1 - This lesson helps students to understand the difference between weather and climate. It introduces some of the different global climate zones that there are, and which countries are in them. The final part of the lesson gives some examples of extreme weather which will be covered in a later lesson.
    • Lesson 2 - This lesson is all about climate change, what it is, the causes of it and why it is happening. It covers the greenhouse effect and how it is causing global warming and consequential climate change, as well as some of the human activities that are causing it.
    • Lesson 3 - Extreme weather, rising global temperatures and sea-level rise are just some of the effects of climate change that are covered in this lesson. This lesson will teach pupils all about some of the various effects and make them aware that these effects are becoming increasingly visible year on year.
    • Lesson 4 - This lesson highlights some of the steps that we can all take to reduce the effects of climate change. It includes those which can be taken both at school and at home and provides ideas of how we can spread the awareness of climate change to a wider audience. It also introduces the terms “carbon neutral” and “net zero”.

    The Flood Hub have posted about the launch of the lessons on their social media channels:

  • Share Students set for regional competition as venture plants seeds of success on Facebook Share Students set for regional competition as venture plants seeds of success on Twitter Share Students set for regional competition as venture plants seeds of success on Linkedin Email Students set for regional competition as venture plants seeds of success link

    Students set for regional competition as venture plants seeds of success

    by Felicity Roberts, about 3 years ago

    University of Chester students have impressed judges with their carbon-cutting seeded cardboard box venture to win a place in the regional final of a competition championing young enterprise.

    The team has been chosen to represent the University at the North West Final of the Young Enterprise (YE) Start-Up Awards. They will compete for a host of awards and the chance to go on to represent the North West at the UK Final.

    The students stood out against tough competition with a presentation for ‘A Wild Life’, a business they are developing to offer seeded cardboard boxes as a more sustainable... Continue reading

    University of Chester students have impressed judges with their carbon-cutting seeded cardboard box venture to win a place in the regional final of a competition championing young enterprise.

    The team has been chosen to represent the University at the North West Final of the Young Enterprise (YE) Start-Up Awards. They will compete for a host of awards and the chance to go on to represent the North West at the UK Final.

    The students stood out against tough competition with a presentation for ‘A Wild Life’, a business they are developing to offer seeded cardboard boxes as a more sustainable way to package goods.

    They were selected from six teams who pitched at a University event to: Suzanne Lockwood from Young Enterprise; Irene Gutierrez Pinilla and Jordan Carabine from Bentley Motors; Paul Gillen, who has worked in senior roles for companies including Oadby Plastics, and Robert Dodson, whose extensive business experience includes Sales/Commercial Director at Nice-Pak International.

    All of the students put their business ideas forward as part the Entrepreneurial Thought in Action module, led by Conor Dangerfield and Cheryl Sorensen. The module, in turn, is part of a range of the University Business School’s degrees, and one of the ways students are supported to start their own business and learn the skills of new enterprise management.

    The members of the group: Jade McArdle; Eleanor Jones; Demi Evans; Aaron Jones and Josh Sellings, are second year students in Business Management, International Business Management and Events Management undergraduate programmes.

    They will represent the University of Chester at the regional YE Final on Wednesday, February 22, at University Academy 92 in Manchester.

    Eleanor Jones, Operations Director for A Wild Life, said: “As I do most of my shopping online, I was aware of the amount of packaging that I was receiving. With the desire to become more environmentally-friendly, I developed the idea of sustainable packaging which integrates cardboard with flower or vegetable seeds. This allows consumers to offset their carbon footprint by planting their packaging, allowing new life to grow. I am part of a fantastic team, with each member contributing their own attributes and skills to the project, which has brought this idea to fruition.”

    Fellow student and team-member, Demi Evans said: “As the marketing director and as someone who is more creatively inclined, it's been great to offer my skills to the team by visually representing who we are and what we do. My highlights so far have been creating and designing the branding and visuals - logo, website and social content. Not only have my skills developed from this project but from the amazing team I have been able to work with.”

    Student Jade McArdle, the venture’s MD, added: “I am passionate about this project as I attended Young Enterprise last year and was really inspired. Eleanor and myself wanted to work together as our styles complement each other well and that was when we founded the team. Lots of ideas for a brand concept/identity came to me. My mind is naturally creative, so it’s been great collaborating with Demi and her marketing skills to bring everything to life.

    “As managing director, I have learned a lot about running a business and how to manage tasks and our team. I love having the opportunity to create something completely from scratch and see it develop, and use a range of skills throughout the project.”

    A Wild Life was selected after a standout presentation, with the team providing exceptional detail and answers to questions. The judges loved the idea of a sustainable product, designed to tackle climate issues and educate their target market on giving back to the planet.

    Lecturer and Joint Module Leader, Conor Dangerfield said: “This year, outstanding groups have stepped forward with a diverse range of products and ideas. This resulted in a tough choice for judges, in deciding who was going to represent the University of Chester at this year’s Young Enterprise regional event. Both myself and Cheryl are immensely proud of the students who participated and who continue to build their own companies.

    “A Wild Life epitomises the brand that they aspire to enter the market with, every member has gone above and beyond to deliver this from a simple idea to an up-and-coming business venture. This includes difficult negotiations with manufacturers, resulting in an initial sample product, a detailed marketing plan illustrating their brand and values throughout, strategic plans to diversify their product range and well-informed financial projections to support their company’s growth.

    “The Business School and University community should be very proud of all the students involved and the efforts that they have made to represent authentic entrepreneurial endeavours.”

    Cheryl Sorensen, Lecturer and Joint Module Leader, added: “Congratulations to A Wild Life for making it through to the regional finals - and to all of our Entrepreneurial Thought in Action module students for their continued hard work, engagement and commitment to entrepreneurship, and for showcasing their exceptional business ideas which wowed the judges on the panel.”

  • Share Love business and the planet this Valentine’s with week-long festival on Facebook Share Love business and the planet this Valentine’s with week-long festival on Twitter Share Love business and the planet this Valentine’s with week-long festival on Linkedin Email Love business and the planet this Valentine’s with week-long festival link

    Love business and the planet this Valentine’s with week-long festival

    by Felicity Roberts, about 3 years ago

    University of Chester staff, students and partners are encouraging everyone to love business and sustainability this Valentine’s week with a free future-focused festival open to all.

    Set to be kicked off in style by Chester Football Club players and coaches showing their skills and drills, the Festival of Professional Futures runs through the week from Monday February 13.

    The Festival features business events for everyone, including sessions from digital skills and innovation to entrepreneurship, which are expected to be of particular interest to people from businesses and across professions; students and alumni.

    Organised by the Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth... Continue reading

    University of Chester staff, students and partners are encouraging everyone to love business and sustainability this Valentine’s week with a free future-focused festival open to all.

    Set to be kicked off in style by Chester Football Club players and coaches showing their skills and drills, the Festival of Professional Futures runs through the week from Monday February 13.

    The Festival features business events for everyone, including sessions from digital skills and innovation to entrepreneurship, which are expected to be of particular interest to people from businesses and across professions; students and alumni.

    Organised by the Cheshire and Warrington Business Growth Programme (BGP) team at the University of Chester, it celebrates the business support services provided by the University. All of the events take place at the University of Chester Business School at Queen’s Park, in Chester, CH4 7AD, apart from two online sessions for those unable to attend in person.

    The Festival’s diverse programme of events offers ‘meet the expert’ sessions, business masterclasses and workshops, as well as networking events.

    Among these are workshops on sustainability, marketing, net-zero and virtual reality, and the chance for representatives from businesses and other organisations to meet future recruits for placements and graduate roles. Students can meet future employers and come away with a wealth of professional skills.

    Tree planting and volunteering in action will also be part of the activities.

    Louise Goodman, Business Development Manager at the University said: “This collection of events brings together University of Chester staff, students and BGP businesses to support business and the community, networking and collaboration, innovation, entrepreneurship, digital transformation and the transition to net zero.

    “We’re looking forward to seeing students, businesses and people from across the community getting set for the future in our week-long celebration of business growth support delivered through the University.”

    The Festival includes the following events:

    Monday February 13

    • Employer in the Foyer - Enterprise Rent-A-Car - 11.30am
    • Chester FC Skills and Drills Session - 1pm
    • Student Enterprise and Business Showcase and Networking - 1.30pm

    Tuesday February 14

    • Hot Topics in International Trade - Ask the Expert (online event) - 12.30pm
    • 'Think Beyond' Business Masterclass - Ask the Expert - 3pm

    Wednesday February 15

    • Work Based Learning Drop-in for Level 5 Students and Business Hosts - 10am
    • Taster: Carbon Literacy, Climate Justice and Careers in Sustainability - 11am
    • Chester Youth Climate Action Network Drop-in - 11am
    • Wild Garden Clean Up Outdoor Volunteers Drop-in - 12pm
    • Community Orchard Planting - 12.30pm

    Thursday February 16

    • Job Search and Interview Preparation - 10am
    • Developing a CV for Maximum Impact - 10am
    • Matching Graduate Skills to Employer Needs - 12pm
    • The Value of Apprenticeships (online event) - 1pm

    Friday February 17

    • Taster: Creative Learning Through Lego Serious Play - 10.30am
    • The Power of Social Media in Business - Ask the Expert - 12pm
    • Virtual Reality for Business - 1.30pm

    All of the events are free, and are open to everyone. To find out more and book a place on any of the sessions, please visit the Festival of Professional Futures Eventbrite Collection web pages at: https://bit.ly/professionalfutures2023.

    Keep an eye on the Eventbrite listings for any updates and additions, including for the weekend of the Festival week.