Businesses in the food sector can now keep abreast of changes to environmental legislation thanks to a new registration tool from NetRegs.

A new, free website, www.netregs.gov.uk, has been set up to offer practical advice to small businesses on their environmental obligations.

The new tool is launched as the latest SME-nvironment survey reveals that a worryingly high 84 per cent of small businesses in the food and drink sector asked could not name any environmental legislation.

The survey also found that 58 per cent of smaller food and drink manufacturers want more information and advice on environmental issues.

Small businesses can register on NetRegs - set up by the UK’s environmental regulators - to receive free email updates about environmental issues affecting them and links to further information and advice.

The e-alerts can be personalised to provide information relating to the food and drink sector, such as changes to the rules on hazardous waste or adjustments to the regulations, as well as more general environmental updates on subjects including water and air emissions.

By ensuring they comply with environmental legislation, smaller manufacturers can avoid the risk of prosecution and reap significant commercial benefits in terms of cost savings and improved customer relations.

According to the SME-nvironment survey, 60 per cent of food and drink companies agreed that complying with environmental legislation could help cut operating costs, while 72 per cent thought it could improve customer relations.