28 January 2003

The Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards today recognised the efforts made by Bonnyrigg based firm, Dryden Aqua, to become more environmentally focused whilst delivering greater business efficiency.

Dryden Aqua was shortlisted in the ‘Small Company’ section of the East Region category for the 2002 VIBES Awards, and although the business was not ultimately a regional winner, the competition’s judges were so impressed by the high level of commitment to the environment evident within the company that they wished to recognise it formally.

Presenting the award was Stewart Prodger, a VIBES Steering Group Member and also SEPA’s National Press Officer. He commented: "It’s tremendous to see such enthusiasm and commitment from Howard Dryden. The judges were generally impressed by his company’s commitment to the environment and his recognition of its value to the future. We look forward to them reapplying and would encourage other local companies to apply for a VIBES Award when the 2003 competition opens this spring."

Ken Collins, Chairman of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and member of the national judging panel added: "Effective environmental management is not only good for business, the economy and competitiveness but also benefits the surroundings in which we work, live and relax. VIBES aims not only to reward those who display a high degree of environmental awareness but also to encourage others to follow their example. "

Howard Dryden , Managing Direction of Dryden Aqua, was delighted to receive the recognition for the AFM® (active filtration media) project. "We have the potential to use all of the waste green and brown glass bottles in Scotland, and convert the waste material into a product that filters waste water and helps pollution of the environment".

• VIBES is a national initiative to reward and promote sustainable business practices through encouraging new environmental initiatives, raising awareness of best practice within the workplace, promoting effective resource use, recycling and pollution minimisation.

• VIBES is a partnership between Business Environment Network, CBI Scotland, Forward Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Rolls Royce, Scottish Council Development and Industry, Scottish Executive, Scottish Energy Efficiency Office, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Environment Link and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

• The competition is divided into 3 categories: small (15 or fewer employees); medium (between 15 and 250 employees); and large (250 or more employees).

For further PR details contact

Emma Hargreaves, Tel: 0791-9111107, E-mail emma.hargreaves@sepa.org.uk

or

Stewart Prodger, Tel: 07788 916857, E-mail: stewart.Prodger@sepa.org.uk

Website www.vibes.org.uk