54 A lot of the language used around the area of net zero and sustainability can make it seem far-off, abstract, and complicated; as an independent retailer, you may well ask yourself, what has all that got to do with my business? The Federation of Small Businesses’ recent report, New Growth: How to support small businesses to cut carbon and costs on the road to Net Zero, sponsored by Zurich UK, aims to make the topic directly relevant to small firms. With examples of real businesses talking honestly about their own progress towards sustainability, including the obstacles they have faced, the report sets out a comprehensive plan for the Government and other organisations to follow to help small businesses cut carbon – and cut costs at the same time. The report found that small businesses are, overall, positively inclined towards sustainability: over half of small firms say that sustainability is a high priority for their business, and nearly two thirds believe it should be a high priority for the Government as well. The great diversity of the small business community is its strength, but it also presents challenges when it comes to green issues; what works for an independent retailer will vary hugely from the needs of a logistics business, for example. Adding to the complications small firms face is the question of whether they have the tools they need, such as the necessary time, finances, knowledge, skills, and trained staff, with three in five small firms saying they have none of these vital components for reaching net zero. There are some common threads that have the potential to effect positive change among the largest possible numbers of firms. Every business requires energy to keep the lights on, and transport to move people or goods. Thinking more widely, installing energy-saving technology is good for the planet – and also good for margins, too, while customers are inclined to see sustainability credentials as a bonus. Small business owners confused about their next steps on their sustainability journey can turn to the UK Business Climate Hub, supported by FSB, which contains a wealth of information and guides tailored to different sectors. The recent energy price crisis caused enormous levels of financial pain to millions of businesses, with many looking for ways to avoid a similar situation in future. But there are still barriers in place for small firms who want to install their own independent energy generation methods. Those who rent rather than own their premises are at the mercy of the whims of their landlord, while the upfront cost of installing solar panels or a wind turbine, and the long pay-back periods that may follow, put them out of the reach of many businesses. Meanwhile, the Government should look to set up a programme to help small businesses based on the same lines as the Warm Homes Plan, which provides funding for households to improve their energy efficiency. The future of our planet, and the economy, is too important to get this wrong. And there are huge prizes on offer, on the way to getting it right Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) explains what net zero has got to do with your business, and how you can help get there THE ROAD TO NET ZERO ABOUT FSB As the UK’s business support group, FSB is the voice of the UK’s small businesses and the self-employed. Established over 40 years ago to help its members succeed in business, FSB is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members. As the UK’s leading business campaigner, FSB is focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed. FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including access to finance, business banking, legal advice and support along with a powerful voice in Government. Each year FSB also runs the UK’s Celebrating Small Business Awards. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy and on Instagram @fsb_uk.
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