The search is on for the small businesses that are breaking down barriers and leading the way towards a more sustainable world while making a difference in their local communities. The awards are part of the Plan it with Purpose initiative run by small business support platform, Enterprise Nation, in partnership with Aviva and TSB.
According to the British Business Bank, SMEs are responsible for a third of all UK greenhouse gas emissions, but research as part of the Plan it with Purpose initiative found most want to make a change, with 53 per cent saying they wanted to make a positive impact. Emma Jones, CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: “If we are going to make progress towards Net Zero and climate change goals, we need to shine a light on those businesses that are leading the way in sustainability while make a meaningful contribution to society.
“These businesses are the trailblazers that will be important role models for other businesses to follow. Building a business around circularity is compelling and we want to showcase the innovation and passion these firms have for all to see via these awards.”
Adam Winslow, CEO, UK & Ireland General Insurance, Aviva, said: “Small businesses are the backbone of the British economy, representing 99% of all businesses in the UK. It is therefore vital that we support their transition to a net zero economy if we are to meet our sustainability and climate goals. These awards recognise the pioneering approach of those small businesses who are already on the journey to Net Zero, lighting the way for others towards a greener future.”
Fiona Hyde, Head of Sustainability at TSB said: "We know that reducing our own carbon footprint matters to customers and colleagues. TSB teaming up with Enterprise Nation's 'Plan It with Purpose' program, marks a positive step forward to widen our impact and support small businesses, helping them to understand and reduce their own impact on the environment, and realising this as a competitive advantage. These awards highlight small businesses in the forefront exhibiting innovative, and sustainable achievements."
The awards will be in the following categories:
- Sustainable Business Transition Award
Recognising established businesses that have broken down barriers, explored new opportunities and made changes in pursuit of a more sustainable society. - Sustainability Changemaker Award
Celebrating an individual who is leading the way and stands out for their passion for change in the world of sustainability. - Sustainable Start-up Award
Recognising businesses that formed after December 2020 and have since made considerable progress in growing and developing with sustainability at their core. - Sustainable Next Generation Business Award
Recognising young entrepreneurs, aged 18 to 24, who have shown progress in delivering on a commitment to net zero and helping other people do so too. - Sustainable Scale-up Award
Recognising growing businesses that have been running for longer than 18 months and made significant environmental, social and economic changes in an effort to achieve a sustainable future.
Plan it with Purpose has been designed to support small and medium businesses and business owners by increasing their understanding of environmental and social issues in the UK, showcasing relatable role models, building sustainable ventures, plus encouraging change through tailored resources, action plans and recommendations.
Eligibility
· Must be a small business within the UK. The UK government defines a ‘small business’ as a business with fewer than 50 employees and an annual turnover under £10 million.
· Businesses must be registered with HMRC.
· Enterprise Nation member. Sign up for free.
· To be eligible for Sustainable Start-up Award, your business must be less than 18 months old.
· To be eligible for Sustainable Next Generation Business Award, the registered owner of the business must be aged 18 to 24 at the time of applying.
Deadline
Entries will close on Wednesday 3 August at 11:59pm UK time. Shortlisted businesses will be contacted within two weeks. Winners will be announced the week commencing 5 September, via an awards event which will take place online.
Enter via this link www.enterprisenation.com/sustainable-small-business-awards
