A special event to encourage the region's tourism industries to have an environmentally friendly approach to business is being organised by the Broads Authority.

A special event to encourage the region's tourism industries to have an environmentally friendly approach to business is being organised by the Broads Authority.

The Green Sky Thinking Conference is a free event being held at the Assembly House in Norwich from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Wednesday.

The aim is to illustrate how going green is good for Broads businesses, with inspirational speakers and an open forum discussion led by Ian Russell, chairman of the Broads Tourism Forum, and leading Lancashire businessman Jon Beavan, who has successfully introduced a sustainable tourism business network in the Forest of Bowland.

Other speakers will include Ingrid Marques, from East of England Tourism; Janie Neumann, from Green Business UK; and the Broads Authority's direct-or of conservation and countryside management Simon Hooton.

The Broads Authority's head of tourism Bruce Hanson said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses to learn what free advice, help and training is available to them and how having a greener approach can greatly enhance their profitability as well as having a positive effect on the environment.”

Any businesses wishing to attend should contact Rachael Evitt at the Broads Authority on 01603 610734 or email Rachael.Evitt@broads-authority.gov.uk.