New research shows South East businesses could be out of step with consumer needs
Companies in the South East are adopting an increasingly risky business strategy according to new research revealed today – by not recognising the impact that environmental behaviour could have on their competitive position.
A survey conducted by sustainable business experts, Envirowise found that a startling 44% expected ‘no change’ in the environmental awareness of customers and clients in the near future. This is despite the UK market for green goods and services topping an annual £29 billion and rising, according to the Co-operative Bank.1
Significantly, while 81% of South East companies say they view the environment as a ‘quite important’ issue, in reality less than half (44%) are actually taking practical action.
Michael Savage, Acting Envirowise Regional Manager for the South East, comments: “These results highlight a worrying divide between the growing influence of the environment and delays by business to implement practical action.
“Not only could this ‘blinkered’ approach impact on a company’s competitive position and reputation, but it also suggests they are missing out on the significant cost-saving potential of resource efficiency. For example, only 18% of our survey respondents cite money savings as the reason for environmental action, yet we know that businesses can save up to £10002
per employee per year by taking action in the workplace.”
It is hoped that these results will act as a real eye-opener for South East businesses and Envirowise recommends taking the following action.
- sure that an environmental plan of action is assigned to an appropriate staff member. Two thirds of those surveyed had no individual in charge of this area
- Make the best use of the free advice available from business support organisations such as Envirowise (70% had never considered making use of such a service)
- Start small – simple changes, such as printing double-sided, are easy to implement, but can have an impact and help get the ball rolling.
Envirowise offers a package of free advice to companies across the region, to help them understand resource efficiency and take appropriate action, which can have both environmental and economic benefits. For information on all levels of help visit www.envirowise.gov.uk/southeast or call 0800 585 794.
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Trimedia Harrison Cowley.
Media Contacts: Louise Harris or Rod Dennis on 0117 929 2311.
(1) Co-operative Bank & Forum for the Future http://business.guardian.co.uk
(2) Average for manufacturing companies
Notes to Editors
About Envirowise
Envirowise is a Government-funded programme dedicated to putting the sustainable use of resources at the heart of UK business practice.
Since 1994 Envirowise has helped UK businesses save over £1Bn by enabling them to significantly reduce their environmental footprints.
Envirowise offers businesses of all sizes and sectors a wide range of free, independent and practical advice designed to genuinely improve their processes, profitability and competitiveness. Services include:
- The Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 585794
- An encyclopaedic website (www.envirowise.gov.uk) of valuable and relevant information
- On-site visits* conducted by a nationwide team of expert advisors
- Over 200 events each year, from Product Design Workshops to major exhibitions
* Please note that different services are available in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – please contact our Advice Line on 0800 585 794 for more information on whether you are eligible for a site visit.