Member Article

Sustainable working practices a priority for SMEs

SMEs are increasingly changing their culture to accommodate sustainable working practices.

A recent report found that 33% of smaller companies had a sustainability strategy in place, and a further 23% had plans to formulate a strategy in the next two years.

Focussing on case studies of businesses across the UK, U.S and Canada, the report showed that sustainable businesses can appeal to customers’ changing values, strengthen relationships with suppliers and can reduce the variable costs of running a business while diving profitability.

Director of Newcastle based Terra Infirma Ltd and author of The Green Executive, Gareth Kane, said: “Sustainability is fast becoming a do or die issue for small business - it’s no longer like-to-have or a way of saving money, but is fast becoming a key way of securing customers.

“In tightly fought competitions for contracts, sustainability can often be the difference between winning or losing for small business. It is no longer a case of, “go green, save money,” but “go green or bust.”

“With large public and private sector organisations pushing sustainability down through their supply chains, small businesses are increasingly left with the ultimatum “go green, or we’ll find a supplier who will.”

Sandra Rapacioli, head of sustainability at CIMA, said: “We are seeing a shift in culture where SMEs are looking past survival and recognising that successful sustainability performance translates to long-term success.

“One leading UK stationery business supplies provider is a great example. Initially sceptical, the company has not only reduced energy costs by an average of 5% year-on-year for the last four years, but has also increased sales and profits by differentiating itself as a sustainable supplier.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .