STUDENTS are to lead the charge in making businesses more sustainable and ethically aware.

The Business Ethics & Environmental Students (BEES) programme led by the University of Southampton has reached the final stage of development as they get set to hold their official business launch next week.

During the event the BEES programme team will be explaining what BEES can do to reduce costs while improving sustainability and competitiveness of local organisations.

The University of Southampton and its students’ union (SUSU) jointly created the BEES programme in August when they beat competition from more than 100 unions to win £175,000 funding to champion sustainability in local businesses.

The launch is on March 18.