Region’s SMEs want more green initiatives

THE Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is calling on the government to do more to back green industries.

New research has showed that 55% of companies – which were surveyed as part of the FSB’s ‘Voice of Small Business’ report – said that improving energy efficiency would help them to cut costs.

And 24% of the 1,000 North West companies surveyed by the lobby group said increased environmental awareness could provide them with new commercial opportunities.

A fifth of small businesses believed going green would also help their business in the long term.

The FSB now wants the new government to introduce a number of measures including the roll-out of smart meters and extending Carbon Trust loans programme for small businesses. 

Paul Henly, North West policy manager for the FSB, said: “It’s clear from our survey that the majority of small businesses are doing their bit for the North West’s bid to cut carbon emissions.

“But it’s disappointing to see that despite recent budget promises to promote green industry that the opportunity for small firms to increase their revenue through greener business practices are few and far between.”

Over half have (54 per cent) said they have changed the way they run their business o because of concerns about climate change.

Just under half (43 per cent) of businesses surveyed have recycled waste with 31 per cent reducing energy use and 25 per cent buying energy efficient appliances.