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Sustainability is an increasingly important issue for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). With growing expectations from customers, regulators, and investors, many businesses are looking to reduce their environmental impact. For SMEs, this can be particularly challenging – juggling day-to-day operations with the need to cut emissions, manage waste more effectively, and improve energy use, often with limited time and resources. But taking steps toward sustainability doesn’t just help meet these new demands; it can also lead to cost savings, new business opportunities, and a stronger reputation.
Plan For What’s Coming
Innovation and Adaptability
Profit with Purpose
The Sustainable Business Growth: Practical Solutions for SMEs training offered by Solent Business & Skills Solutions is a half-day (three hour) workshop delivered face-to-face in Portsmouth and Southampton. These workshops are designed to be interactive and informative, offering a chance to learn, interact, and network with other SME businesses responding to this agenda.
When SME businesses focus on sustainability, they often see practical benefits. These can include lower energy and resource costs, and stronger relationships with customers who value eco-friendly practices. It can also help them stand out in the market and attract new business. This workshop is designed to give you a solid foundation for addressing sustainability issues within your business. Takeaways include a Quick Action Planning Guide and advice on practical steps you can take to measure, monitor, and improve your organisation’s performance.
For further information the SME Climate Hub helps small and medium-sized businesses measure emissions, build climate action plans, commit to halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050, and report progress using free tools, resources, and guidance. Find out more here.
For further information – contact us at solentgrowthpartnershipinfo@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
“I learnt a lot of new information. It opened my eyes to the bigger picture. I liked being able to stop and ask questions.”
“Lots of practical tips and advice, great personable hosts. Really helped breakdown a lot of confusion.”
“Very informative. Makes you think in a different way. I’m looking forward to improving our Plan.”
“Clear and practical advice. Makes it seem achievable. Before I felt this wasn’t a subject I could speak on with any confidence – but now I do!”
“Really good. Exactly the level I was looking for. Very helpful initial information and well presented. Good to have two presenters to keep it engaging.”
The Coastal Kitchen Family’s Journey Toward Net Zero
In April 2024, The Coastal Kitchen Family (CKF) took a pivotal step on its sustainability journey by attending a Net Zero course designed to support businesses in reducing their carbon footprint. The course inspired the restaurant group to take meaningful, actionable steps toward becoming a more sustainable hospitality business.
Following the training, all CKF sites underwent a comprehensive sustainability audit conducted by Portsmouth City Council. The findings will guide CKF’s action plan for improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and lowering emissions across the group.
“To drive change from within, we launched the CKF Green Team,” said Lucy Branson, Co-founder of The Coastal Kitchen Family.
“It brings together one front-of-house and one kitchen team member from each site – people who are genuinely passionate about environmental action. Their role is to champion green initiatives and embed sustainability into daily operations.”
CKF has also begun laying the groundwork for a new allotment project, where they plan to grow fresh produce for their restaurants. In collaboration with a local community day care centre, the initiative will invite residents to help cultivate the land while learning about sustainable food systems. The plan includes involving CKF chefs in cooking demonstrations to show how the produce can be used in seasonal dishes.
To keep momentum high, CKF is launching a monthly Green Team blog to share progress updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and practical sustainability tips with staff, customers, and suppliers.
“We’re really pleased to be working with CKF,” said Greg White, Business Advisor and Course Tutor. “They’ve shown real leadership when it comes to the green agenda. They understand that growing locally and supporting the community can go hand-in-hand with running a successful business.”
PestKill Prevention Management Shows Local Businesses How Sustainability Training Pays Off
Southampton, Hampshire – As more businesses look to align with a low-carbon future, PestKill Prevention Management is proving that sustainability doesn’t have to be expensive or complex. Thanks to their participation in a local Business Sustainability and Net Zero Course, the Southampton-based pest control company has taken a series of practical, low-cost steps that have reduced operating costs and improved environmental impact.
“I found the course very interesting – it gave me a lot of ideas about what could be done easily and affordably, and other options to consider when funding allows,” said Mel Brown, Managing Director of PestKill.
Since completing the course over a year ago, PestKill has implemented a range of measures, from simple no-cost changes like adjusting thermostat settings and supporting employees to work from home to affordable upgrades including LED lighting and replacing a drafty front door.
They also replaced a general waste bin with a recycling bin, reducing their waste management costs.
Looking to the future, PestKill is exploring the introduction of hybrid vehicles and possible solar panel installation.
“We’ve already made savings and this is just the start. The more we save, the more we can pass on to our customers while doing our bit for the planet. I’d recommend this course to every business,” Brown added.
Gulzar Sharif, Business Advisor and Course Tutor, commented:
“We’re really pleased with PestKill’s progress. They’ve shown that small, manageable steps can lead to meaningful change. If more businesses follow suit, sustainability can become both the norm and a strategic advantage.”
