The newly released Willow Review is a powerful call to action for SME business leaders, stating “sustainability is not just an environmental goal, but a solid business strategy”.
Co-chaired by Gareth Thomas MP, Nick Stace OBE, Global Head of Sustainability Engagement for Barclays UK and Michelle Ovens CBE of Small Business Britain, the Report sets out 14 clear, practical recommendations for government, financial services and SMEs to act now.
The Willow Review brought together industry leaders, sustainability experts and the SME business community to reflect on progress to date, the challenges and significant gains for those that have embraced it. Shifting the focus from sustainability being seen as an obligation, to an opportunity for growth.
Sustainability support can be confusing and fragmented, access to finance and funding can be too difficult to engage with, and messaging often feels out of touch with day-to-day realities for small business owners. The Willow Review identifies focus areas to simplify the topic and provides recommendations to the support providers and government on how to accelerate the take up of sustainability in the SME community.
It is essential that SMEs successfully shift to sustainable business practice to meet goals of net zero and growing a strong economy at the same time.
Three Review Authors stood outside holding the Report
The review summaries sustainability in five areas:
- Switch to sustainable materials
- Reduce travel and optimise logistics
- Take action on energy
- Partner with sustainable suppliers and customers
- Minimise waste
The review contains case study examples of businesses on their sustainability journey, along with the gains that they have realised from this work. One of the examples highlighted in the review is the People Planet Pint network, providing peer to peer learning and the importance of connection. Aberdeen host Danielle Dale from The Changineer Ltd says “I believe this review is one of the clearest roadmaps we’ve seen for transitioning to a sustainable and resilient economy. We are now in the second year of hosting People Planet Pint & Pastry events in Aberdeen and see the benefits of this building community sharing resources and connections. We are very proud to be part of this network recognised in the Willow Review”.
The Willow Review gives confidence that the move to sustainability can unlock innovation, collaboration, and genuine impact. The Changineer Ltd a member of the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, offers support to SMEs through a variety of workshops and consultancy services and welcomes discussion with those interested in learning more about this topic. Now is the time to ask: How can your business be part of the solution?
The Willow Review: https://willowreview.com/report