sben celebrates 1,000 members!

Staffordshire Business and Environment Network (sben) has reached an amazing milestone as it welcomes its one-thousandth member!

SWM is a proud member of sben, and vice versa, and has been for many years. Founded in 1992, sben provides insight, expertise and inspiration to help organisations increase profitability, improve environmental performance and reduce environmental impacts. It was of the longest-running such bodies in the country.

And now, an artisan fudge producer has been named the 1,000th member of the network marking a major milestone!

Amber Danks, owner of Uttoxeter-based Danks Family Fudge, joined sben to strengthen her sustainability strategy and has already immersed herself in the network’s programme of events. With sben’s support, she is actively reviewing her energy use, identifying opportunities to reduce environmental impact and embedding practical improvements to support environmental responsibility and long-term business growth.

“Being the 1,000th member is a real honour and has strengthened my commitment to running a company where success is founded on solid sustainable practices.”

Amber Danks

Watch Amber’s video here to hear what being sben’s 1000th member means to her and her business.

“Reaching our target of 1,000 members is a significant achievement for the network and for Staffordshire as a whole. This milestone reflects the growing commitment of organisations across our county to take meaningful environmental action. By working together, we are helping businesses become more competitive, more resilient and better prepared for the future.”

Adam Whitehouse, sben Chair.

“I have had the privilege of working with the sben team and being part of the network for over 17 years. This latest milestone demonstrates the network’s credibility, inclusiveness and impact, and everyone involved should congratulate themselves on this amazing achievement. Long may their influence across Staffordshire and beyond continue.”

Alan Carr, Senior Sustainability Adviser, SWM

By enabling businesses to operate more efficiently and responsibly, sben’s work delivers benefits beyond individual organisations. It supports a cleaner environment, a stronger local economy and a more resilient business community.

Pictured are Clare Chapman, SWM Membership Manager, and Andy Whyle, SWM Associate.

Related content

WMCA logo

20 Oct 2026

Employer-Led Construction Academies Programme: Grants to Address Skills Shortages

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is offering up to £1 million grant funding per project to help you establish and run your own Employer-Led Construction Academy in the West…

Member News

Read more
ecobirmingham logo

20 Oct 2026

What Help Can You Get? Energy Bills, Grants and Support

ecobirmingham has compiled a guide to grants, schemes and other support that householders in Birmingham may be eligible for to improve home energy efficiency and manage household energy costs. The…

Member News

Read more
OctopusEV digital stacked full name dark

23 Sep 2026

Octopus EV join SWM as Gold Supporting Member to help drive towards a greener future

Did you know your employees’ cars can help your business reach net zero? And SWM members receive an exclusive £100 credit for vehicle charging! Sustainability West Midlands is delighted to…

Member News / SWM News

Read more
dark blue green portrait 500

23 Sep 2026

DRIVE35 grant funding to develop EV supply chains in the West Midlands

The DRIVE35 initiative aims to accelerate the UK’s transition to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and strengthen the automotive sector About the opportunity The West Midlands Supplier Readiness and Transformation Fund…

Member News

Read more