JONATHON PORRITT, one of the most significant green thinkers of his generation, has been confirmed as keynote speaker for the Northwest Business Environment Awards, which has attracted over 100 entries.

He will address up to 300 guests on the importance of environmental leadership for a sustainable future in the Northwest, at the annual awards ceremony on 19 October at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.

Jonathon is an outspoken proponent of renewable energy and sustainability and has been a trusted advisor to a range of organisations and individuals, including Marks & Spencer and the UK Government. He co-founded the sustainable development charity, Forum for the Future, and was formerly Director of Friends of the Earth and Chair of the Sustainable Development Commission, which published the influential Prosperity without Growth? report.

Jonathon commented: "I'm looking forward to speaking at the Awards in October and to helping the Northwest celebrate its environmental business success stories. Sustainable development is at the very heart of the event and is something I have always been passionate about.

“It's great to see so many businesses, large and small, vying for the chance to be recognised as one of the Northwest's Green Heroes, and speaking out about the steps they're taking towards a more sustainable future for us all."

The Awards are hosted for the first time this year by ENWORKS, the Northwest’s flagship environmental business support service. Todd Holden, ENWORKS Director, said: “We’re delighted that Jonathon Porritt is joining our drive to highlight the achievements of Northwest businesses in improving environmental and economic performance. Jonathon has demonstrated his leadership on this agenda for many years and I look forward to hearing his current thoughts on the subject.”

ENWORKS has supported more than 10,000 businesses in the Northwest since its establishment in 2001. With funding from the NWDA and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), its network of experienced advisers is helping Northwest businesses with annual cost savings of £104 million and CO₂ savings of over 323,000 tonnes per year.

Last year's event sold out well in advance and tickets are now on sale for the 2010 ceremony. The afternoon event takes place from 2.00pm until 6.00pm and tickets cost £32 per head. Book your place at the awards here.