April 2024

The Green Economy: Small Businesses at the Forefront of Sustainability

This year's 2024 Spring Budget allocation of £120 million to the Green Industries Growth Accelerator (GIGA) promises to empower small businesses to lead in sustainable development, enhance low-carbon technology innovation, and stimulate industry collaboration to drive a green economy.

The Green Economy: Small Businesses at the Forefront of Sustainability

The Spring Budget 2024 gave a nod to the planet with a £120 million boost to the Green Industries Growth Accelerator (GIGA). This signifies a pivotal moment for the UK economy as an open invitation for small businesses to step into the world of sustainable development. But beyond the headlines and big pots of cash lies a deeper message: small businesses can, indeed, transform the world. GIGA aims to boost sustainable development by financially supporting small businesses in green sectors. This initiative is designed to lower barriers to entry and expansion, facilitate innovation in low-carbon technologies, and encourage collaboration within the industry. It's a strategic move to position small businesses at the forefront of the green economy, highlighting their role in driving sustainable change

For SMEs, this isn't just about tapping into new funding streams or market opportunities. It's about recognising and embracing their role in a greener future. 

"The GIGA fund is a tool, but the real change comes from how businesses use it," says Tony, MD of RFM Transform. "Sustainability isn't just a buzzword anymore —it's the foundation of any forward-thinking business - and importantly the Public Sector and Large Companies are making it a prerequisite of working with them."

Navigating the green transition starts with understanding your emissions baseline — measuring your carbon footprint is essential before you can commit to reducing it. RfM's Carbon Audit Programme is the first step, offering businesses the insights needed to identify and implement impactful changes.

"Our Carbon Audit Programme is designed to provide businesses with the knowledge to make impactful changes, beginning with measuring emissions".

This approach ensures businesses can make informed decisions on their sustainability journey. This knowledge isn't just for internal use, in an eco-conscious marketplace, transparency about your sustainability efforts can bolster your reputation and appeal to a growing segment of consumers who prioritise green businesses. What’s more, aligning with environmental goals opens up avenues for leveraging government incentives for green industry participation offered by initiatives like GIGA.

The journey towards sustainability of which the UK is leading the way, is ongoing and ever-evolving. As small businesses begin to align with these broader environmental goals, they contribute to a larger narrative of change. The shift towards green practices isn't just about compliance or accessing funding—it's about small businesses recognising their power to make a significant impact.

As we look to the future, it's clear that the interconnection between sustainability and business growth is more relevant than ever. RFM Transform is here to guide businesses through this changing landscape. By starting with a comprehensive carbon audit, businesses can lay the groundwork for a sustainable, successful future.

Small businesses can Transform the world!

Our carbon auditing service helps you understand your carbon footprint, create a robust carbon reduction plan and showcase your efforts with a sustainability statement. Let us help you ensure your business meets compliance, engages in meaningful environmental practices, and leads the way in sustainability.

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