Smaller firms increase sustainability focus

Nearly half of small businesses have increased their sustainability efforts over the past year, according to latest figures.

Two-thirds also plan to do more on sustainability over the next 12 months, according to research by the Small Business Institute. 

Over a third say sustainability has had a more positive financial impact on their business than it did a year ago, while 37% say sustainability has become more important to their business in the last 12 months. 

However, although the findings showed that many small businesses want to act more sustainably, they struggle with complexity, mixed messaging, and a lack of time, funding or accessible support.

Michelle Ovens CEO of Small Business Britain said the findings show that small businesses are increasingly recognising the value sustainability can deliver, both commercially and environmentally.