Small traders joined Calderdale Council and the United Co-operative to discuss unique ways of operating ethically and implementing sustainability.

More than 37 businesses were represented to network and share best practice taking advantage of the profile achieved by high street names such as Marks & Spencer and Virgin speaking out on the subject.

At the event at Hebden Bridge Trades Club, delegates heard presentations from straw bale building experts Amazon Nails; marketing agency Blue Ginger; ethical consultant to social enterprises Adrian Ashton; the Trades Club; Calderdale Climate Challenge; community car share scheme Hour Car and Ecobee, which specialises in website hosting and development. Also attending were Kerbside Recycling, Fairtrade Forum, Calderdale Volunteer Centre, Home Recycling Ltd and Treesponsibility.

Organiser, Jason Elliott of Ethical Jobs said: "The idea is that people can find out who is around them who can help with goods or services and who have the same approach to sustainability and business ethics."

Chris Hasling of Home Recycling Ltd, Sowerby Bridge, said "This is a great way to do business." Many of the delegates had not been to a networking event of any sort before.