EIGHT in every ten small and medium-sized businesses cannot name an environmental regulation relating to their industry, despite the legislation applying to every company, research has shown.

Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire is urging SMEs in Wiltshire to take advantage of the free advisory service it offers, in association with Envolve, on UK environmental law.

Business Link says that, beyond the legal obligation, environmental management makes good business sense by having a positive impact on a company's profit margins, competitive advantage and reputation.

Businesses can save by using materials more efficiently, producing less waste and improving housekeeping to reduce energy and utility bills.

Sally Tonkin, environmental business consultant for Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, said: "By law, every company in the UK has an obligation to adhere to environmental management.

"But there is poor understanding among SMEs about how their activities can impact the environment and potentially contravene legislation.

"There are a number of simple and practical measures they can take which will change or improve business practices so that the regulations either no longer apply or have a reduced impact.

"Our free advisory service exists to provide confidential guidance and solutions to ensure SMEs are compliant and have a robust environmental management policy."

A legal regulation is likely to apply to each of the following activities:

Importing, making or selling packaging or packaged goods.

The use of organic solvents, for example, paints, adhesives or inks.

The disposal of any type of waste material, from office paper to oil and chemicals.

The disposal of waste or effluent into a surface water or foul water drain without consent - for example, run-off from pressure-washing vehicles.

SMEs are entitled to a free site visit and there is a telephone helpline for businesses with queries relating to environmental law - 01225 484444.

With on-site visits, an environmental business adviser will spend a half-day with each company, conducting a confidential legal compliance check.

Within three weeks of the visit, each company will receive an Environment Action Plan, which will highlight areas for improvement, where savings can be made, or grants applied for, provide further information or a bespoke environmental policy.

For further information, contact Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire on 0845 600 41 41.