Companies in Yorkshire and Humber are adopting an increasingly risky business strategy, according to new research revealed today - by not recognising the impact environmental behaviour could have on their competitive position.

A survey conducted by sustainable business experts Envirowise found 51 per cent expected no change' in the environmental awareness of customers and clients in the near future. This is despite the UK market for green goods and services topping an annual £29 billion and rising, according to the Co-operative Bank.

While 79 per cent of Yorkshire and Humber companies say they view the environment as a quite important' issue, in reality just over a quarter (27 per cent) are actually taking practical action.