Member Article

East Midlands distribution and manufacturing group steps towards sustainable success

A Northamptonshire-based business has increased its company-wide sustainable practices following financial support from NatWest to achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

See Limited is one of six million SMEs that could help to achieve half of the UK’s decarbonisation goals, according to NatWest’s new Springboard to Sustainability Report.

The report has found that with the right funding, knowledge and training, SMEs could create up to 130,000 new jobs and produce around 30,000 new businesses, resulting in an estimated £160 billion opportunity for the UK economy.

See Limited is made up of a trio of businesses: Inspired Surfaces Limited, Rex Bousfield Limited and Performance Panels Limited; all of which are involved in the distribution and production of wood veneer and laminate surfaces.

The carbon footprint of the group is measured independently each year to identify areas of focus and driving new sustainable initiatives including the implementation of the company’s individual Carbon Management Programme.

The group has invested in ‘carbon credits¸ which is an internationally recognised way for organisations to manage their carbon emissions. See Limited has invested in three years’ worth of carbon credits based on carbon emission generating activity, to futureproof its efforts and free up time needed to work on its carbon sequestration.

See Limited’s carbon credits have been used to support global projects including the development of wind farms in India and for the Kumasi Stoves project in Ghana, which replaces open fireplaces with improved cookstoves, reducing the rate of deforestation.

At its HQ in Corby, Northamptonshire, See Limited is reducing its carbon footprint generated through operational activities. This includes purchasing new machinery, switching to a greener energy provider, and introducing an electric company vehicle policy.

In December 2021, the business also launched a tree planting initiative for orders placed on its B2C product line. Partnering with MoreTrees, who work closely with tree planting companies across the world, See Limited’s commitment resulted in 102 trees being planted in its first week of launching. This will help the Group meet its first annual target of planting 2,500 trees, with the ambition to reach 10,000 over three years.

Robert Thompson, CEO of See Limited said: “We’re proud to have made such significant progress with our decarbonisation plans in 2021 – it’s a true testament to our team for their ongoing commitment to adapting our way of working for the sake of the planet.

“We recognise that there is still further to go in our sustainability journey, but it’s imprtant to acknowledge how small steps make a large and lasting impact. NatWest’s recent report

shows the power that SMEs have in truly making a difference, and we’re fortunate to have a strong network of like-minded external partners, who are helping on our journey.“

Paul Marsden, relationship manager at NatWest said: “Supporting businesses in their change strategies is a true passion for NatWest and we want to help companies reduce their carbon footprints and implement greener processes. See Limited have proven themselves to be industry leaders in this area, and it was great to play a small part in facilitating this progressive green agenda.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rebecca Sweeney .