MANY smaller businesses in the North-East are failing to take action to protect the environment, a study has revealed.

The study, commissioned for the NetRegs environmental legislation advice website, found that of 1,400 small and medium-sized businesses questioned, only 25 per cent had taken any measures to limit their environmental impact.

Thirty six per cent said they would welcome more information and advice in dealing with environmental matters.

NetRegs, which can be found at www.netregs.gov.uk, has been developed by a number of partners, including the Environment Agency, to help smaller businesses understand their environmental obligations.

NetRegs co-ordinator Tim Fanshawe said: "This research shows that smaller businesses are failing to take steps to limit the effects of their activities.

"NetRegs is designed to help smaller businesses navigate the environmental legislation affecting their particular activities.

"Compliance is not just good for the environment, there are also real commercial benefits to be had by small business.

"A greener firm is often more competitive."