A free business networking breakfast with a difference organised by Cornwall Wildlife Trust, in partnership with University of Exeter Business School, will be held on Friday, January 27.

With a focus on corporate social responsibility, and including case studies from local businesses who will share their sustainable working practices, the aim is to inspire business people for the year ahead.

Stephen Hickman, programme director BSc Business at University of Exeter Business School, said: “Wildlife gives so much to brand Cornwall. Businesses can learn an awful lot from the innovations of nature's resilience. This event provides a great opportunity for businesses and community organisations to share awareness about nature through corporate social responsibility, in a way that is helpful to wild Cornwall’s environment, people and business sector.”

As well as a chance to network with like-minded companies, attendees will hear from Trust wildlife experts about how to incorporate nature into business for the benefit of people and the environment. Local businesses will also share their ethos of sustainability to encourage enhancement of nature and CSR into their core business, which leads to positive profits.

Speakers include Cheryl Marriott, head of conservation for Cornwall Wildlife Trust; Lizzy Stroud from accommodation provider Railholiday; and Sarah Morrison, from organic children’s clothing company Frugi.

The keynote talk will be from serial entrepreneur, Louis Hurst who has built businesses in a number of sectors from telecoms to coffee. He is a pioneer of conscious capitalism and believes "a business that makes just money is a poor business." In his talk, he will demonstrate that taking a holistic and ethical approach to business planning will have a positive effect on profitability, people retention, and business longevity.

Louis said: “The way we do business has changed massively in the last decade, consumer choice and ethical awareness is greater than it ever has been. It is essential for a business to survive they need to embed themselves into the communities they work with. By placing community engagement at the heart of all business activities you will see increased consumer loyalty, greater staff retention and increased revenues.”

Serena Pettigrew-Jolly, business support manager for Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: "We are very happy to have tremendous support from the business sector, including many local businesses that have a passion for a thriving natural environment as well as healthy communities and commerce.

"Our inaugural Wild Business event is the perfect setting to meet like-minded businesses and share ideas. I encourage any business who wants to stand out from the crowd and support the important work we do to join us. Our aim is to find a way of working together for wildlife and people in ways to suit your individual business, no matter what size. We live in a beautiful part of the world, and partnerships go a long way in helping us protect it.”

The Wild Business event will be running from 8am to 11.30am and is free to attend. It will include complimentary continental breakfast, refreshments, networking and workshops. Booking is essential and spaces are limited, so go to wildbusiness.eventbrite.co.uk to reserve a place.