THE Post's series on green technologies has demonstrated that companies no longer need to adopt environmentally-friendly practices simply for the good of the planet.

The "green economy" has thrown up opportunities for products which make money, and that's when companies sit up and pay attention.

Sustainability still brings huge positive social, environmental and community benefits, but it also makes a profit and keeps shareholders happy.

Expertise in the field is now coming full circle. Ideas dreamt up by Notts entrepreneurs and exported abroad are creating demand for jobs back home.

Hardstaff haulage groupemploys more than 240 people here and the expansion of business to build new dual-fuel engines is fuelling a demand for people with engineering skills locally.

The new economy means the business doesn't have to move away from the area. In fact, it has teamed up with local universities to employ PHD graduates.

The firm needs people with technical training, and Notts can provide. It's a wonderful circle.