SMALL business owners from across Oxfordshire pledged to work in a more environmentally-friendly way and try to encourage their suppliers to do the same following a green networking event.

A dozen SME owners and managers attended the 'Growing Green' discussion in July to talk about the 'challenges' of environmentally-sustainable growth and look at more sustainable ways forward.

Their thoughts at the event were captured on a video which has now been published on YouTube.

One business owner told the film that, following the workshop, he would try to encourage clients, including international suppliers, to trial more sustainable business methods.

Another said he 'definitely needed to cut down on his miles on the road'.

Another of the SME owners was Sian Liwicki, who runs Bothy Vineyard near Abingdon with her husband Richard.

She told the film: "It's been really useful learning about what other people think and picking up on their enthusiasm.

"I think, most positively, it's about feeling that energy, taking it home and applying it to my business to keep it going."

The workshop, which piloted a new 'engagement model' with SME owners and managers, was designed to 'spark discussion fresh thinking and action'.

It was hosted by Cowley Road-based climate change communications firm Climate Outreach.

There was also input from Oxford University, The Open University Business School and Uk Energy Research Centre.

Watch the video at youtu.be/QKQhG8uGEEg