Businesses in Romford are being urged to go green if they want to get ahead.

A warning the firms could be losing out to the competition by failing to make their businesses more sustainable, came at an event in Romford hosted by Lloyds TSB Commercial.

A new survey by Lloyds showed that although 43 per cent of south east businesses believe that becoming more sustainable will create more opportunities.

More than a third feel they are not doing enough to capitalise on them.

More than 100 businesses were given guidance at the event last week at the City Pavilion.

Martin Bumpus, senior manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial in Romford, urged companies to get serious about sustainability.

He said: “Sustainability is an incredibly important issue for all SMEs (small to medium sized enterprises) in the UK and the wider international business community.

“Embracing environmental practices has resulted in a whole new era of business thinking, and it is critical that local firms understand the significance of this shift or run the risk of falling behind their competitors.

“Romford SMEs have made clear that they require increased guidance from other organisations on improving their sustainable credentials, and so the event was designed to put customers in touch with one of our 300-strong nationwide team of business and environment managers who can help them achieve a greater understanding.”