JUST how environment-minded is business in York and North Yorkshire? Large firms throughout the region are being invited to take part in the latest Green Index, designed to find out.

Organised by Business in the Community, the annual survey comparing the environmental credentials of the largest companies in Yorkshire and Humberside will not be published until next June.

But Iain Groark, Business in the Community's development director said: "We need to make sure that all the businesses we invite - from environment managers through to chief executives - know that featuring in the index is a must for their business, and we will let them know what they need to do to perform well."

Yet again, this index - the fourth - will feature a business champion. Last year it was received by Bill Wilkinson, former chief executive of Yorkshire Water who is chairman of the Business in the Environment campaign in Yorkshire.

Already questionnaires are being prepared for distribution early in November.

Among the York firms targeted will be Shepherd, Persimmon Plc, Costcutter of Dunnington, Thrall Europa, Card Protection Plan and Superbreak Mini Holidays.

Amanda Green, Business in the Community's index manager said: "We broadened out our targets from the top 100 firms in the region to the top 500.

"What we are looking for are management systems which firms have in place to guide their own environmental impact and in this small companies can often be the equal of big ones."

Rob Brown, director of finance development at Norwich Union in York has taken on the task of persuading the region's business leaders to take part in the green parade.

He said: "Asking companies to participate in the index is a tough challenge but not something they should shy away from.

"It demonstrates a willingness to improve environmental performance and sends a strong signal to customers, employees and the local community."