A new report from Novuna Business Finance reveals that small businesses are expanding their definition of sustainability beyond traditional environmental goals. While businesses continue to focus on reducing their carbon footprint, they are also placing a strong emphasis on prioritising workplace diversity, supporting community engagement and creating an inclusive business culture.

Part Two of the ‘Small Business Perspective on Sustainability: Investment, Cost or Burden’ Report – explores diverse viewpoints that demonstrate sustainability’s far- reaching impact. While challenges like securing funding and meeting net zero targets are common concerns for small business owners, issues such as promoting inclusivity and fairness, building confidence in the people who work within the business and the important role that small businesses play in supporting the community are equally important considerations.

Across diverse sectors, including a Health Food shop, Utility service provider, Insurance company and Life Coach, the report explores the views of four small businesses. A selected number of case studies in our report are also available in full via Series Four of the ‘The Sustainable Business’ Podcast by Novuna Business Finance.’

Green advice in their words

• Inspiring Change from the High Street: Alwen Marshall Lewis, founder of Iechyd Da, shares insight on how positive change is possible on the high street. Her focus on eliminating single-use plastics and supporting local suppliers showcases how even modest changes can make a significant impact on both the environment and the community.

  
  

• Using innovation to drive change: Joe Lawrence, Director of Libra Utility Services explains how strategic investment in eco-friendly machinery and vehicles has helped deliver and support the company’s net zero objectives. Joe also mentions the importance of listening to customers and how acting on this insight is a route to achieving growth.

• Placing culture and ethics at the heart of the business: Steve Wardlaw, CEO of Emerald Life explains how small businesses can drive lasting change and how a small business’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility can demonstrate how sustainability can embrace social responsibility alongside environmental goals.

  
  

• Supporting a confident and empowered workforce: Rowan Ahmadi-Nameghi, founder of Grow reflects on how true sustainability starts within an organisation and is not just centred around the environment but the people within a business.

Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance commented:

“By listening to the diverse perspectives of small business owners across the UK we have gained a deeper understanding of how sustainability is integrated into their businesses. The personal stories we’ve gathered, shows that sustainability extends beyond environmental impact to become a core aspect of the business and its workforce. This view demonstrates that sustainability is not just a cost to the business but also a strategic investment that drives business growth and resilience."

"We too at Novuna Business Finance take seriously our responsibilities to support society and to make a positive and sustainable difference to people’s lives. The fight against climate change – and the push towards a more sustainable world – are tasks that involve everyone working together. We remain committed to supporting SMEs in integrating and adopting these broad sustainability initiatives.”