COMMUNITY INTEREST STATEMENT

INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT

Greener Business Expert is a Community Interest Company (CIC). We provide advice and guidance to SME business owners to help them address the challenges of becoming more sustainable, whilst benefitting from it commercially. Our practical and comprehensive service fulfils a unique and essential information role in helping smaller businesses get started on the road to sustainability, and all the way to achieving higher levels of environmental practice.

SMEs account for half of the nation’s business turnover, and are in a strong position to drive very significant change in reducing carbon output. However, the path to sustainability can be daunting and complex. Recognising this challenge, we are dedicated to empowering SMEs with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to navigate the journey effectively without compromising commercial goals. In fact, great emphasis is placed on the wide ranging commercial returns available from greener practice.

Highlighting the opportunities to save on costs, and directly increase revenue streams by improving sustainability, is integral to the service we provide. Emphasis on the commercial incentives from reducing carbon emissions is a key element of what we do.

The carbon emissions reality:

SMEs account for approximately 40% of global CO2 emissions

The average SME in the UK emits more than 10 metric tons of CO2 per year

According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK are estimated to be responsible for approximately 20% of the UK's total carbon emissions

ACTIVITIES & RELATED BENEFITS

Comprehensive Guidance, News & Reports On Developments

We act as a comprehensive resource hub, providing SMEs with practical expert guidance on all relevant sustainability subjects. Emphasise is placed on readily achievable carbon saving wins that get companies started on the journey to carbon reduction, and modular ways to make improvements with compromising commercial necessities. Our platform covers critical areas such as energy management, transport and logistics, hybrid and electric vehicles, supply chain sustainability, recycling and refurbishment, carbon offset and green pensions.

Step by step guides, and achievable strategies are tailored to the unique needs and challenges faced by SMEs, enabling them to implement sustainable practices effectively and with little or no disruption. The platform delivers regular updates from leading professionals, news, and reports on developments. Content is specifically tailored for SMEs to ensure that businesses can make the most effective decisions that apply to them. By providing information on realistic options and timely insights, we enable business owners to adopt sustainability at their pace in parallel with operational needs.

Sustainable Success:

The failure rate amongst SME businesses is notoriously high and staying competitive in all areas is crucial. We want to help SMEs to thrive in the 21st century when sustainability is increasingly becoming the default commercial position. Adopting sustainable practices not only benefits the environment but also offers tangible financial benefits for SMEs. Our platform helps SMEs identify and implement cost-effective sustainable solutions, reducing energy consumption, waste, and operating costs. By optimising resource use and efficiency, SMEs can achieve significant cost savings, enhancing their profitability and long-term sustainability.

Business to business buyers, consumers, investors, and stakeholders increasingly apply environmental responsibility as an important decision making criteria. We provide the information that enables SMEs to use sustainability as a powerful way to enhance reputation, build trust, raising finance and positively differentiate themselves in marketplaces. The ‘How To’ guidance explains ways to use improved company positioning to drive increased revenue.

Access to Funding & Investment Opportunities:

As sustainability becomes an increasing focus of investors and financial institutions, SMEs that place emphasis on the environment are better positioned to access funding and investment opportunities. We connect SMEs with potential investors, grants, and financial incentives available for sustainable initiatives, enabling them to secure the money they need.

Direct Community Benefits:

Beyond the business benefits, we extend improved sustainability into the wider community. By promoting carbon saving practices, SMEs contribute to the creation of healthier, cleaner, and more resilient communities. Equally, more profitable and greener companies means employment for greater numbers of people. In addition, the increase in business to business buying from the new generation of renewable energy suppliers, and other environmentally dedicated enterprises, lends support to the development of the brand new generation of technology based climate focused business.

HOW WE BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY - SOCIAL MISSION

At our core, we are driven by a profound commitment to improving the well-being of all communities and safeguarding the future of our planet. We believe that every business, regardless of its size, has the power and responsibility to make meaningful contributions to environmental preservation. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for change, guiding SMEs on their sustainability journey, and empowering them to make a positive difference.

1. We enable protection of the environment by giving information to SME business owners at scale.

2. We increase awareness of the solutions, commercial benefits and challenges in involved in carbon reduction.

3. We promote positive climate change action to protect the planet for future generations.

4. We help communities to thrive by encouraging growth of sustainable companies.

HOW PROFITS ARE REINVESTED

As a CIC, the majority of any profits are invested in activities related to pursuing our social mission and purpose to benefit the communities we serve.