Taste of the West, the UK’s largest independent regional food group, is the latest organisation to get behind NatWest and Newsquest’s recently launched climate campaign.

The Make A Pledge climate drive aims to get 1,000 businesses in the South West to make at least one commitment to reduce their carbon footprint. In the first week alone over 120 businesses signed-up by making their pledge.

For thirty years Taste of the West has championed food and drink producers from the West Country. Formed in 1991 the Exeter headquartered organisation represents over 1,000 food and drink businesses in the region.

John Sheaves, CEO of Taste of the Waste, said: “The South West is a UK-leader for world class food and drink and much of this success is built upon the strong ethical standards of the businesses and industry innovators based here.

“Many have already taken huge steps to reduce their carbon footprints by adopting more sustainable practices, which have positively influenced other regions of the UK.

“This campaign is an important opportunity to build upon the foundations already laid by these businesses.”

Paul Edwards, Chair of the NatWest South West Board, said: “The South West’s food and drinks industry is a key part of the region’s economy. It has an excellent track record of innovation in sustainability and we hope that by working with Taste of the West we can help these businesses even more. The urgency for action has never been greater than today, which is why this campaign is so important.”

Tracy Hayden, a director of advertising at Newsquest, said: “We’re delighted to welcome on board Taste of the West as our latest supporters of the climate campaign. This is such an incredible organisation to have supporting the drive to get businesses to make a climate pledge and we appreciate the efforts of John and their members.”

To make your pledge email your company name and pledge number (1-10) to climate.pledge@localiq.co.uk.

1: Measure and Reduce Your Greenhouse Gas Emissions

2: Reduce Energy Consumption

3: Give Renewable Energies a go

4: Reduce office waste

5: Help your staff go greener with their travel

6: Choose Greener Infrastructures and Equipment

7: Choose Sustainable Suppliers

8: Contribute to climate action in society

9: Promote Environmentally Friendly Ways of Working

10: Sign-up to the UK Government’s Together for our Planet Campaign