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Five ways going green can improve your bottom line: A guide for West Midlands SMEs

Sep 12, 2024

4 min

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As sustainability becomes a central focus for businesses across the globe, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the West Midlands are uniquely positioned to benefit from going green.


Whether you're running a corner shop, a hairdressing salon, a manufacturing operation, or any other type of small business, sustainable practices can significantly enhance your bottom line.


Here are five key ways that adopting green strategies can lead to financial gains.



Reduced operational costs


One of the most immediate and tangible benefits of going green is the reduction in operational costs.


Energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource conservation are all areas where small changes can lead to significant savings.


For instance, simply switching to energy-efficient lighting can reduce electricity bills by up to 75 per cent—a substantial saving for any business, particularly for small retailers or service providers where margins can be tight.


Additionally, the UK government offers incentives to help businesses transition to more energy-efficient operations, making it easier for SMEs to invest in these changes.


Join Aston University’s workshop on 18 September and take advantage of a free energy assessment for your business. Learn practical steps to audit your energy use and uncover cost-saving opportunities tailored to your specific industry needs.



Access to new markets and opportunities


As the UK government and local authorities push for a greener economy, there are growing opportunities for businesses that align with these goals.


SMEs that adopt sustainable practices may qualify for grants, tax reliefs, and other incentives designed to support green initiatives.


For example, local councils in the West Midlands have programmes such as ‘BEAS and Decarbonisation Net Zero’ aimed at helping small businesses reduce their carbon footprint, which can be especially beneficial for almost all sectors where environmental impact is a growing concern.


At the workshop, we’ll delve into the funding options and partnerships available to West Midlands SMEs committed to sustainability, helping you unlock new growth opportunities.



Increased marketability


Consumers are increasingly favouring businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.


According to a study by Nielsen, 66 per cent of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable goods, and this trend is evident in the UK as well.


By adopting green practices, SMEs in the West Midlands can enhance their brand reputation. This can translate to increased sales, customer loyalty, and even the ability to charge premium prices for sustainable products or services. In a competitive market, your environmental credentials can be a powerful differentiator.


Attend Aston University’s workshop to learn from real-life success stories and see how businesses are already turning sustainability into a competitive advantage.



Long-term resilience and competitiveness


Sustainability isn’t just about immediate financial gains; it’s also about future-proofing your business.


As regulations around carbon emissions and environmental impact become stricter, businesses that have already integrated green practices will find it easier to comply, avoiding potential fines and disruptions.


For SMEs in sectors like manufacturing, where regulatory pressures are particularly high, adopting sustainable practices now can help ensure long-term competitiveness and resilience. A prime example of this shift is the NHS, which is actively working towards a Net Zero supply chain by 2045.


The NHS is urging its suppliers to adopt sustainable practices, with a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions. Businesses that fail to align with these expectations risk losing contracts and falling behind competitors who are meeting these sustainability criteria.


At the workshop, you'll learn more about sustainability strategy that can keep your business competitive and resilient in an ever-changing market.



Enhanced employee engagement and productivity


Increasingly, employees are seeking to work for companies that align with their personal values, including a commitment to sustainability.


While this trend is more pronounced among larger companies, it’s also becoming relevant for small businesses, particularly those in industries where attracting and retaining talent is competitive.


According to research, 74 per cent of employees feel more fulfilled when they work for a company that is making a positive impact on the environment.


For small businesses, fostering a sustainable workplace can enhance employee morale, attract top talent, and reduce turnover rates.


However, the degree to which this resonates can depend on your specific workforce.


In sectors like tech, professional services, or among younger employees, sustainability is often a key consideration. On the other hand, in some more traditional industries, other factors like job security and compensation might be more important, though sustainability still adds value.


Sign up for our workshop to discover how your small or medium business—regardless of sector—can implement effective sustainability practices and energy efficiency strategies to drive growth. This event is open to all SMEs across the West Midlands!


Click here to register now.


You'll also have the opportunity to book a free energy assessment on the spot and apply for match funding of up to £100,000 to make your business more energy efficient.

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Typical feedback from non-Finance specialists is that they suddenly surprised themselves during their participation in the simulation and were reconsidering the options of taking a career in Finance. It seems that our original purposes have been met – increased confidence, passion, deep learning and engagement have been achieved. To interivew Professor Higson, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk Elliott, C., Guest, J. and Vettraino, E. (editors) (2021), Games, Simulations and Playful Learning in Business Education, Edward Elgar. Kirillov, A. V., Vinichenko, M. V., Melnichuk, A. V., Melnichuk, Y. A., and Vinogradova, M. V. (2016), ‘Improvement in the Learning Environment through Gamification of the Educational Process’, International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 11(7), pp. 2071-2085. Olczak, M, Guest, J. and Riegler, R. 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