How to Make Your Business More Sustainable Sustainability is a huge talking point, especially when it comes to business. In 2020, the UK’s commercial sector contributed 6% of all UK territorial greenhouse gas emissions. So while consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, businesses also now have a responsibility to become more green minded too. THE BUSINESS CONCEPT. Independent Business Awards 2024 Featuring:
The Business Concept is thrilled to launch the inaugural Independent Business Awards. Like many, we want to do our bit to support this incredible community by recognising and celebrating the achievements of independent businesses across a variety of sectors. Businesses and consumers alike are increasingly inspired to look at independent options when shopping around for products and services. By focusing exclusively on independent businesses, The Business Concept aims to provide a platform for these companies to gain valuable recognition, boost their credibility, and of course attract new customers. We’ll pinpoint the most innovative, resilient and hard working independent enterprises and celebrate their success by distinguishing them from their larger counterparts. In our bid to ensure a broad representation the awards will cover a diverse range of industries; these will include construction, food & beverage, health & wellbeing, hospitality, professional services, real estate & property, retail, and other specialist services. Within these industries, we’ll be examining firms that deliver upon the desires of their customers, whether that be personalised services and unique products, sustainable and ethical practices, boosting local communities and economies, or supporting innovation, creativity and diversity. The Independent Business Awards 2024 are designed to have a significant impact on the independent business community, we aim to celebrate quality and facilitate growth by helping to foster an improved, more visible brand image. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor Independent Business Awards 2024 AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility.
Contents 4. Hadipurwanto Law Office: Best Independent Full Service Law Firm 2024 – Indonesia 6. Rickman Properties: Best Boutique Estate Agency 2024 - Kensington & Chelsea 7. Simply Lets: Best Independent Residential Lettings Agency 2024 - Plymouth 8. Richard Dalton Funerals Ltd: Best Independent Funeral Director 2024 – South Shields 9. Hitting Back at Ecommerce Packaging Costs 10. Why Accessibility MUST Be A Priority For Industries to Unlock an Underserved Market in 2024 12. How to Make Your Business More Sustainable 14. An Island of Manufacturers: What Does “Made in Britain” Mean for the Economy
Best Independent Full Service Law Firm 2024 – Indonesia Hadipurwanto Law Office At Hadipurwanto Law, clients have access to the full spectrum of legal services. Whether they are seeking advice, court representation, or anything in between, the firm can provide expert legal support with a track record of excellence. Its multitalented team leads the market in independent legal services, serving its community with diligence, resourcefulness, and always with the client in mind. When seeking proactive and adaptable legal services in Indonesia, look no further than Hadipurwanto Law. While the firm boasts an enormously varied offering, all legal advice is delivered with a consistent level of first-class expertise. The team stays sharp and updated on cutting-edge legal practice across every niche. The firm manages to provide this first-class, full-service offering despite only comprising a small team. Operating out of Jakarta, its members maintain a network of connections which help them to stay up to date on developments affecting the legal field, such as changes to the economic landscape. Clients experience the reach and adaptability of a larger firm combined with the personal touch of a modestly sized, close-knit office. The team never strays from the firm’s core values. It holds the client’s interests as paramount, believing that clients should always be best advised, represented, and treated with the utmost respect. It’s a high priority for the team to keep clients informed as all times, never leaving them in the dark with regards to updates and strategies, and its members enjoy fostering high levels of trust. In all it does, the practice aims to be trustworthy, effective, efficient, and proactive. Every member of the team holds themselves to incredibly high standards. This is fuelled by a combined passion for studying the law and achieving client satisfaction. Put simply, working towards the best possible outcome is what the team does. Through research, creative thinking, and legal analysis, no problem is too complex for Hadipurwanto to break down and tackle in or out of the courtroom. Under Managing Partner Nicolas Desta Pramana, the team is formed of six highly skilled, experienced legal professionals. For any legal problem, Hadipurwanto Law has a corresponding expert. Between its members, the team has degrees in multiple disciplines. This expertise extends to an in-depth knowledge of how the Indonesian legal system works. The firm’s corporate governance services benefit from the team’s knowledge on how regulators, legislators, and law enforcers think. The team understands the pressures that are put upon businesses, such as regulatory compliance. Maintaining a business is made significantly more challenging when its team shoulders the burden of running a legally sound operation. Letting Hadipurwanto handle legal concerns allows for business owners to focus on elements such a strategy, knowing they’re in excellent hands. Nicolas himself specialises in litigation, commercial dispute settlement, debt collection, and commercial contracts. Moreover, he is an expert in civil law, criminal law, business law and many other niches. The practice mirrors his multifaceted approach to legal practice, and under his stewardship, the team leaves no blind spots. Personal Services The firm offers private practice and family law, comprising matters such as matrimonial and divorce proceedings, dispute resolution and childcare to name a few. The firm also provides advice regarding employment law, helping clients to navigate difficult situations around their jobs or wrongful termination. Criminal and civil litigation are on offer for those who require representation in court. Commercial Services Hadipurwanto Law’s commercial offering includes, but is not limited to, areas of contract law, unfair competition and antimonopoly, consumer protection, and intellectual property rights. Its professionals are experts in advising on business matters to ease their clients through legal disputes and keep them abreast of recent legislation, steering businesses in the right direction to protect them from future legal pitfalls. Corporate Services The firm’s corporate offering spans major elements of a company’s life, for instance, mergers and acquisitions, aviation law, and international business transactions. The team understands a wide breadth of corporate concerns, types of business, and has thorough expertise in the latest corporate legal developments. Hadipurwanto Law keeps many businesses operating within their legal boundaries, helping owners, directors, and wider teams to feel secure in the knowledge that their company isn’t exposed to undue scrutiny.
The Business Concept - Independent Business Awards 2024 | 5 The Business Concept- Campaign 2024 | 5 Banking and Finance The firm offers a suite of financial services. This area of law involves such elements as foreign and domestic investments and banking, and Hardipurwanto Law boasts plenty of expertise in these aspects of financial law and more. The team can support financial institutions to maintain the legal relationships between them and their customers. In an ever-shifting landscape of financial regulations, the team is a reliable partner. Land and Mining Law Land law is a complex area, though the firm is well-equipped to advise on matters of mining, land ownership and plantation matters. The team is used to advising individuals and corporations on the proper, legal usage of land to avoid disputes. The team is well-versed in mining law, too, able to advise on the legal use of equipment and legal requirements which affect minerals. For anyone seeking legal representation in Indonesia, Hadipurwanto Law’s award-winning services are among the best money can buy. It’s rare to find a firm of its size which boasts such a comprehensive service, and the firm manages to retain personal, client-first service to match its exceptionally comprehensive offering. Contact: Nicolas Desta Pramana Web Address: www.hadipurwantolaw.com
The Business Concept - Independent Business Awards 2024 | 6 May24450 Best Boutique Estate Agency 2024 - Kensington & Chelsea Rickman Properties Back at the start of 2001, when ‘Rickman Properties’ was in its infancy, people thought it was just another ordinary ‘estate agent’ in Kensington. But little did they realise that, after 23 years, Rickman Properties would be firmly established as not just an ordinary ‘Estate Agent’ but an agent who has a reputation for being “Internationally Respected, Locally Renowned” in the industry. Founded by Kieran Ryan, who previously co-founded and established another successful four office agency, called ‘John Spencer’, based in West London. John Spencer’s final acquisition, before Kieran sold the company, was Kensington’s oldest established Independent Estate agent ‘Lawson & Herman’ based in Abingdon road. It was here that the admiration for the Royal Borough was firmly cemented in Kieran’s mind. It was at this juncture that ‘Rickman’ was formed as Kieran felt that there were too many corporate agents, all offering the same old routine service without any actual professionalism, personality, and effectiveness in Kensington and Chelsea. As a 100% independent estate agency, Rickman has grown in statue in the Royal Borough with many vendors, tenants, landlords, and purchasers using its services. Whether it be either selling or letting their home, Rickman services the requirements from purchasers and tenants alike, manages a large proportion of residential landlords’ property, and offers a first-class acquisition service – every single time. Being members of the National Association of Estate agents, The Association of Residential Letting agents, and under the property ombudsman scheme – and as the only members of the Guild of Independent Estate Agents representing Kensington – you as a client are fully protected. “ Here at Rickman, we feel we go that extra mile on providing you, our clients, a first-class service which we are sure you will not be disappointed with.” – Kieran Ryan If you are considering selling or letting your home, then please feel free to call Rickman’s office so the team can provide you with an up-to-date, free market appraisal. Additionally, if your property is currently on the market, Rickman Properties can offer you a totally independent opinion for your sale. Rickman Properties looks forward to hearing from you. Contact: Kieran Ryan Company: Rickman Properties Email: [email protected] Web Address: www.rickmanproperties.com With two decades of rich experience behind it, Rickman Properties’ is an estate agency that has worked hard to position itself at the forefront of the industry. Becoming well known both locally and internationally, this boutique estate agency is being celebrated for its dedication to clients – no matter what they need for their sale/purchase process. Here we take a closer look as Rickman Properties wins its esteemed title in our Independent Business Awards 2024. ‘The Benefits of using Rickman Properties’
The Business Concept - Independent Business Awards 2024 | 7 Apr24589 Best Independent Residential Lettings Agency 2024 - Plymouth With over two decades of lettings experience, Simply Lets provides outstanding levels of customer service, combining its local knowledge and experience to address clients’ property needs. Whether clients are looking to let, sell, or rent a property, the firm offers a range of services to help them navigate the ever-changing marketplace. Whether tenants have previously rented or never rented before, Simply Lets is committed to streamlining the rental process to help individuals find their perfect home. The firm boasts a wide range of properties, providing detailed descriptions and illuminating photography to ensure tenants are well informed before making a viewing. With the support of its friendly staff, Simply Lets is well-positioned to guide tenants every step of the way, from finding their dream home to handling keys back at the end of the tenancy. Simply Lets is a member of the PRS (Property Redress Scheme), a government authorised venture dedicated to resolving disputes between landlords, tenants, and letting agents. This partnership is testament to the firm’s unwavering commitment to business transparency and honest customer service. On his experience, Jonny shares, “I stayed in a Simply Lets property for around nine months during university. The costs associated with renting from Simply Lets were the best that we found and any issues we had regarding the property were quickly resolved by the team. We received our deposit back from them in a timely manner after leaving and both Gary and Kayleigh were always receptive to answer any queries that I had whilst I was there.” At Simply Lets, the firm understands the true value of property and the importance of using a reliable letting agency. With customer satisfaction as its primary goal, the firm strives to build long-lasting relationships with clients by remaining open and transparent at any times. Simply Lets employs a robust vetting assessment, only beginning the letting process after meeting with the potential tenant and discussing their property requirements. Sami Ibrahim, a Chartered Surveyor from London, says, “I have been active in residential property for 10 years and have my own portfolio managed by agents. I must say that Gary Evans and his team are my best property managers. Simply Lets are professional, provide me with regular updates, and think outside the box in every situation. I appreciate the level of service received and look forward to continuing to work with Simply Lets.” Simply Lets is an award-winning firm, having won The British Property Lettings Award for Plymouth (PL4) in 2018-2019. The British Property Awards recognises the exceptional work of British Estate Agents, comparing their services on a local, regional, and national level. For its outstanding customer service and professional team, Simply Lets received The British Property Lettings Awards and has previously been shortlisted for numerous other national awards. Since its inception, Simply Lets has provided landlords and tenants with an effortless service to meet their unique property needs. With over 20 years of lettings experience, the team possesses a deep understanding of real estate clients and prides itself on a foundation of transparency. Moving forward, Simply Lets looks forward to guiding more clients on their property journey to help them navigate the evolving property market. For its client-centric services, Simply Lets has been honoured in this year’s Independent Business Awards as Best Independent Residential Lettings Agency – Plymouth. Contact Details Contact: Gary Evans Company: Simply Lets Web Address: http://www.simplyletsplymouth.com/ At Simply Lets, tenants and landlords reside at the heart of the firm, with the expert team dedicated to providing a professional, stress-free service. Simply Lets is a family-run, independent firm specialising in lettings and property management with many years of experience letting local property. Recognised in this year’s Independent Business Awards, Simply Lets strives to cater to clients every need, saving them time, energy, and money in the lettings process.
The Business Concept - Independent Business Awards 2024 | 8 Best Independent Funeral Director 2024 – South Shields Funerals in South Tyneside don’t strike a greater balance of personal and affordable than with Richard Dalton Funerals. However, this doesn’t exclude the premium service that a loved one deserves. Offering a range of transport and venue options, Richard works this into both cremation services to suit any client’s needs, paying respect to clients’ and the deceased’s wishes from beginning to end. Traditional funerals are among Richard’s specialities. For a respectfully elegant and timeless tribute to the deceased, he even offers a horse-drawn hearse. Motorcycles and limousines are also available, as Richard is keen to meet client’s expectations whatever they may be. Partnering with masons, he is also able to deliver bespoke headstones and offers 24hour support for truly exceptional value. Richard aims to provide transparent, compassionate service above all else, but he’s conscious clients’ budgets, and empathises with the worry that a funeral will be too expensive. This is exactly why he provides affordable rates and partners with Golden Charter, one of the country’s largest providers, to arrange payment plans which cover the costs ahead of time. These plans are flexible, and Richard works with clients to find the right option for them on an individual basis. “I set myself apart by being me. I treat all clients and deceased as if they were related to me – no one gets any more or any less than the other.” Richard doesn’t expect anyone to take his word for the quality of his work, and he’s pleased to share the overwhelming praise that clients have given it throughout his years in the industry. “First of all, I would like to thank Richard for being so patient. Never having had to deal with a funeral, he was so caring and always so helpful when my stepfather passed away; he made the family so proud.” “Richard did my dad’s funeral and from start to finish, he was friendly, professional, and went above and beyond for my dad, and admittedly for me.” “Richard took care of my husband Bobby’s funeral; he organised it with care dignity. Thank you so much for making his final journey everything he wanted.” Richard encourages clients to attend cremations in person, having seen the industry evolve to include internet-based funeral arrangements. He is keen to ensure that the public knows they still happen in-person and that they don’t have to rely on streaming services. In line with his personal services, A first-class funeral should be a personal yet accessible experience, and that’s why Richard Dalton carved out his space in the industry. He runs the business with a focus on providing an equal level of care and dedication to all his clients, deceased and living. Everyone who uses his services is treated as though they were related to him, and this shines through across the entire offering. May24038 each one as special as the last, Richard prides himself on delivering offline, in-person celebrations of the deceased’s life. Richard Dalton Funerals, while currently small, is on track to make its way to new premises. A second location is on the horizon, bringing the same standard of compassionate, affordable funeral services to a new client base. The business has met all its goals over the years, balancing these with high levels of client care and satisfaction, and Richard is proud to consider expansion. For South Shields burials, funeral services, and cremations, Richard Dalton Funerals stands out from other independent funeral directors. Amidst a tough industry which thrives on empathy, it benefits from a winning formula of client support and business sense. The future is bright for Richard and the business, and he is honoured to continue being trusted to lay the deceased to rest with respect, tenderness, and the personal touch. Contact: Richard Dalton Company: Richard Dalton Funerals Ltd Web Address: www.richarddaltonfunerals.uk
The Business Concept - Independent Business Awards 2024 | 9 consumption of card by 30% or more, as well as eliminate the need for void fill. When it comes to labour, throughput of up to 1,100 orders an hour can be achieved with just one or two operators, replacing up to 20 on purely manual packing stations. Automation also alleviates the stress and strain of trying to find suitable, available labour – a particular problem at peak periods. And on transport costs, smaller packages increase the earning efficiency of vehicles, especially of vans and cars in the ‘last mile’. Internal transport in the warehouse is also made more efficient as fewer totes and cages have to be moved around for a given number of orders. To the extent that right-sizing boxes reduces the number of vehicles to be loaded, this also reduces congestion around loading bays and makes it easier to meet ever tighter intervals between cutoff and despatch. Right-size boxing technology presents an obvious way forward for ecommerce businesses looking to reign in the rising costs of transit packaging. The same technology helps build in capacity for natural growth in the business and adds flexibility for tackling busy seasonal peaks. Automated right-size boxing technology offers the full package. Hitting Back at Ecommerce Packaging Costs Ecommerce businesses are facing a surge in the cost of transit packaging – a triple hit of escalating prices for materials, labour and fuel. But there’s a smart way to fight back, says Jo Bradley, Business Development Manager at Sparck Technologies It’s often quite hard to see the added value in transit packaging – all the cardboard boxes or cartons, tape and ‘void fill’ that carry a consumer’s purchases to the doorstep or parcel locker. However, it’s essential for creating a safe unit load – often for multiple items – and to protect goods from damage in transit. In addition, how a package is received, ie is prepared and presented, is fundamental to protecting, or building, brand image. There seems to be a significant number of ecommerce businesses that still take a simplistic approach to packaging, perhaps, using a range of average box sizes and packing manually across numerous work stations. This tends to be highly labour intensive, slow and wasteful, and critically, exposes the business to the impact of rises in the cost of materials, labour and transport. Alarmingly, these costs are rising inexorably. Take the materials involved. On an index based at 2015 = 100, paper and board prices in 2021 had crept up to 103.3 – but currently the index stands at 141.5. That is some increase. Labour issues Labour isn’t getting any cheaper either, and in many operations packing is still largely a manual process. The minimum wage went up to £11.44 per hour in April, a rise of 9.8%, which significantly adds to costs – not to mention the difficulty in finding available labour, especially at peak periods. According to Totaljobs, the average distribution centre salary (including supervisory roles, and with some large regional variation) is £28,363. Transport too is dearer – fuel and driver costs of course, but also other elements such as insurance premiums. And not all these increases have been passed through yet – 2023 was a record year for insolvencies among hauliers and carriers as the number of parcels being despatched fell back from its Covid peak. According to postal machinery vendor Pitney Bowes, volumes fell by 5% to ‘just’ 5.1 billion in 2022 – nonetheless, they forecast a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1% per annum to 2028 as ecommerce continues to grow. Other forecasts are more buoyant, anticipating considerable growth in small packages such as medicines. Figures from ‘ Motor Transport’ journal suggest that while costs per mile for large vehicles were fairly steady in 2023, costs for a 3.5 tonne van, more typical of ‘last mile’ distribution, were up by 4%. Maximising the cube of the trailer or van would go a long way to shaving costs. We can’t eliminate the need for transit packaging, but we certainly can limit the costs involved, and ‘right sizing’ packaging offers significant savings. Sparck Technologies’ Impack and Everest ranges of automated packing lines help address all three cost areas. Right-sizing boxes This is achieved through advanced 3D scanning technology that measures the volume of the items in an order and calculates the optimum shape and size of box required, which is then automatically cut from the raw material fanfold, creased, erected, sealed, check-weighed and labelled. Right-sizing parcels can reduce the
Why Accessibility MUST Be A Priority For Industries to Unlock an Underserved Market in 2024 Accessibility has finally become a top priority for progressive customer-facing industries in their 2024 strategies. Not only is it a moral imperative to ensure that the more than 16 million people identified as disabled and their families can access products and services, but it also opens up opportunities for businesses to capitalise on a disability market that has historically been underserved. different worlds at the touch of a button. However, potential disabled gamers may be turned off from the hobby if they aren’t accounted for in game design as well as the gaming hardware. Mike Adams emphasises the importance of accessibility within gaming, covering all possible needs: “For some, this might just require a feature in the game to reassign commands to different buttons on the controller to make the experience more comfortable. Others require peripherals and controller alternatives to play. This is something that the gaming titans Xbox and PlayStation are considering, with both offering first-party accessibility options for disabled gamers in the Adaptive Controller and Access Controller, respectively. “This is a positive movement for the industry, with Microsoft and Sony providing these options, and we’ll likely continue to see innovation implemented that will allow gaming to become even more accessible. In fact, prototypes of the next wave of accessible gaming tools are beginning to be tested, such as JBL’s newest technology Quantum Guide Play that allows for visually impaired gamers to play first-person shooter games. Not only that, but it’s available for free and works with all headsets.” Beauty Over recent years, it seems that beauty brands have finally put greater emphasis on improving their inclusivity, both across marketing campaigns and their products. But this £809 billion industry has left those with disabilities out for way too long. Adapting packaging and products for accessibility is something the beauty sector should be committing to as their default position. While we are happy to see more brands exploring further accessibility and inclusivity, action, rather than warm words are needed. Mike Adams OBE is a renowned disability leader, CEO of the influential disability organisation Purple and founder of EnableAll, the tech-led online marketplace pushing for a new standard of web accessibility. With Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) on the horizon, he acknowledges the strides made within some of the most popular industries in the UK and points clearly to where they might see greater focus be applied to their accessibility plans. Travel and public transport A quarter of disabled people in the UK avoid using public transport due to accessibility issues and concerns, according to a survey by Oak Tree Mobility. Particularly for cities like London, where public transport is at the heart of travel within the city, inaccessible systems provide a level of real restriction is just getting about. This is where online travel booking could be a huge game changer in accessibility, as it would improve the experience of public transport without the feeling of being rushed from ticket point of sale to getting to a seat. Data that we’ve gathered at EnableAll suggests that as many as 90% of retailers don’t have an online accessibility strategy, which could extend to travel companies not considering it as an important part of the buying journey. This is why GAAD is so important, as explaining why accessibility is paramount helps to remove these barriers. Not only does it show that you value all passengers but also unlocks the underserved market of more than 16 million disabled customers in the UK. Scope has recently announced its Right to Ride campaign, a transport rights guide created in coordination with the Department of Transport. The aim is to give disabled people a one-stop knowledge guide on their options for requesting assistance while travelling and how to lodge a complaint if things don’t go according to plan. This is another step in the right direction, but it would be encouraging if all public transport businesses engaged with this idea and made more change, both in the digital and physical worlds with accessibility in mind. Gaming The gaming industry is all about encouraging immersion. With a market in the UK of more than 51 million people playing video games, making it one of the largest in Europe, people from all backgrounds can explore
11. The Business Concept - Independent Business Awards 2024 | 11 One way that the beauty industry is catering to those with visual impairments is through introducing artificial intelligence (AI) into makeup routines. Digital mirroring, powered by AI, can offer support and guidance on how to best apply makeup like lipstick and foundation through audio cues and suggestions. Similarly, more technology has been developed to assist with application through motion stabilising and motorisation. These developments can provide those with visual, motor, and dexterity impairments the confidence and independence for self-expression. Although the beauty industry is starting to develop more products and services with inclusivity in mind, there’s more that can be done. P&G found that only 4% of beauty and personal care companies worldwide were catering for physical disabilities. The room for social and commercial growth is what led Mike Adams OBE to establish EnableAll: “EnableAll was created with the core mission to be the marketplace, built with unique tech at its core, that ensures all those on the disability spectrum have access to e-commerce. While it’s fantastic that more manufacturers are becoming conscious of how accessible their products can be, we still have a way to go before they are all accessible for purchase easily via online or in-store. “This is part of what makes EnableAll special, as you’re getting a user-centric experience from the outset that excludes no one from the world of e-commerce, with the traditional disability barriers already removed”. Fashion A key trend is the rise of brands that prioritise how their clothes make people feel, going beyond just aesthetics. This allows many apparel companies to shift their designs to be more adaptive to empower disabled people. Mike Adams notes how important fashion is to accessibility and inclusion: “Clothing is so much more than what we put on our bodies as they can become a crucial part of our identity and how we present ourselves. Part of the difficulty is finding brands, like Unhidden, for example, that are conscious of disabled people who want fashionable, adaptable items. It’s not only the materials used or how the item is constructed but also the experience of purchase, both in-store and online, can hugely impact one’s buying decisions. “This is why EnableAll and days like GAAD were created. As the world’s first truly accessible online marketplace, we already meet aspirational standards set out by the leading body for web accessibility WCAG. This means that all shoppers can navigate our site and make purchases however they need, whether that’s with sole keystrokes or with the use of assistive or adaptive technologies. Not only does this allow shoppers to make purchases at their own pace, but it also makes the experience as convenient as it is for everyone else” GAAD provides an opportunity to highlight digital access and inclusion for disabled people around the world, which is why it’s so important to showcase where there is still room for improvement, particularly within the world of retail. There have been positive shifts seen within it, but that’s why at EnableAll, we want to help drive new standards for digital accessibility and create a future, where finally, everyone can seamlessly shop online.
How to Make Your Business More Sustainable With the British Government’s recent plans to commit £1.73 million towards backing businesses to help cut emissions – from introducing more plants into the office to carbon offsetting – what steps big and small can you take to level up your awareness, and reduce your impact on the environment? In the following release from domain hosting experts Fasthosts here are some simple steps you can take to becoming a more environmentally conscious and friendly business. Reducing e-waste In most business environments, electronics are the main way in which we complete our daily tasks. With that, comes a huge amount of waste when products stop working or go faulty. One way you can offset wastage is through buying your products from eco sources, and offering end of line solutions or buy-back plans. • Source your products from eco sources Buy products that are made from at least 80% recycled materials, and ensure that they are ‘energy smart’ to minimise electricity consumption. • Offer end of line solutions and offer tech buy-back plans When tech does eventually break down why not offer a buyback solution to make sure no office equipment gets thrown in the bin. • Invest in refurbished tech Opt for used and refurbished equipment. That way, you are extending the lifespan of existing products and reducing the demand for new product manufacturing, which conserves resources and minimises waste. • Partake in corporate recycling schemes Recycling schemes are a great way to save costs, and help the environment. By diverting waste from landfills, businesses can cut down on waste disposal fees, the need to purchase new materials all the while reducing pollution, and their environmental impact. Green website hosting All successful businesses need a website, but choosing the right domain host is the first and the most important step. When making your decision, opt for a green host that operates on green energy to power their data centres. Did you know that the internet makes more CO2 than air travel? By choosing data hosting powered by green energy sources, not only are you reducing your carbon footprint, green hosting is actually often more efficient, which helps you to lower your costs. Sustainability is a huge talking point, especially when it comes to business. In 2020, the UK’s commercial sector contributed 6% of all UK territorial greenhouse gas emissions. So while consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, businesses also now have a responsibility to become more green minded too. Add some greenery Indoor plants not only increase creativity, and overall mood they are also great at reducing air pollutants too. They are great at cleaning indoor air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, helping to reduce your office’s carbon footprint. Some of the best plants for this are the Snake Plant, which requires little water and removes air toxins, or the Pothos Plant that does great in harsh and inconsistent office lighting conditions.
The Business Concept - Independent Business Awards 2024 | 13 Green transport Global transportation-related emissions released nearly 8 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2022, so it’s time to get clear on the real cost of commuting. Try implementing different transport schemes such as group carpooling and the cycle to work scheme. This initiative not only encourages office workers to be more physically active, but also contributes to reducing their carbon footprint through choosing cleaner travel methods. Remote work Employees who work remotely all the time produce 54% less greenhouse gas emissions than office workers. Besides other positives, allowing remote work and reducing unnecessary travel, employees are also reducing their carbon footprint. Consider more flexible, remote, or hybrid work options to promote sustainability while enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction. Office composting Office composting is as simple as at-home composting – instead of throwing food waste into the rubbish bin, you dispose of it in a compost or green bin. Greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere could be reduced by 38 to 84 percent by composting food waste alone. By diverting organic waste from landfills, you can do a great job in reducing your office’s greenhouse gas emissions. Smart energy consumption Inside the office, energy consumption is another huge contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. Not only that, energy makes up a huge proportion of costs to businesses, especially SMEs who need to remain smart on spending. However, the good news is that even low and no-cost actions can usually reduce energy costs by at least 10%. First, start by making sure your energy provider generates their energy from sustainable sources. Then to reduce your energy consumption, identify opportunities for energy savings, and implement new measures to prevent any unnecessary waste. These could be measures such as • Fitting timers and smart metres • Checking for inefficient lighting • Ensuring unused equipment is switched off This way, you not only reduce your monthly bills, you also contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet. Get certified Why not level up your credentials and become environmentally certified such as the Carbon Trust Route to Net Zero Standard, Zero Waste Scotland, and EcoVadis, to demonstrate your commitment to sustainability? Reach out to a sustainability consultant or third-party company, to ensure compliance with environmental standards, and get you that seal of approval. Carbon off-setting Carbon off-setting is a brilliant method when done correctly. If done badly, it can fail and become a tool for ‘greenwashing’ allowing businesses to avoid cutting their emissions, while claiming they are. To effectively offset your carbon footprint, you will want to start by calculating your emissions. Once you understand this, you can then begin reducing your emissions, and then choosing appropriate offset projects – but ensure you choose a CER,or VCS certified scheme. There are various schemes available which can fit your organisation’s values and goals, from safe water projects, hydroelectric power plants, to tree-planting projects, the choice is yours. Support local communities Communities are the heart and soul of life, there are many sustainable communities initiatives that you can get behind. Consider sponsoring a charity, whether that be dedicated to education, community, or addressing local environmental challenges. You can choose an initiative that aligns with your business, and help support and drive meaningful change.
An Island of Manufacturers: What Does “Made in Britain” Mean for the Economy The 2024 Spring Budget was the government’s last proposal for addressing the UK economy’s struggles, coming only two months before the announcement of the next general election. It covered everything from VAT to investment in UK manufacturing, but with the possibility of a change in government on the horizon, all eyes are on what the future of UK investment may look like for the next five years. The budget includes a £270 million investment in advanced manufacturing, following an initial investment of £4.5bn announced in the Autumn Statement 2023. Both form part of a plan to support strategic British manufacturing sectors over the next five years – including clean energy, automotive, aerospace and life sciences. Despite these plans, and recent reports of manufacturing sector growth for the first time in 20 months, these gains haven’t been seen across the whole country. Most recently, green tech trailblazer MyEnergi saw 100 jobs slashed and over 200,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost UK-wide over the last decade according to GMB. The title “Made in Britain” is a mark of pride for countless British businesses. British manufacturing supports the economy, strengthens our workforce and is a stamp of quality for the British public. Following our exit from the European Union and recently revised figures showing the UK entering recession as early as last year, it’s more important than ever that the UK economy becomes increasingly independent. For further insight into what it means to be a “Made in Britain” business, we spoke to The Heritage Widow Company – a veteran manufacturer of aluminium windows and doors – who has made products in Britain for over 30 years. Key findings: • The UK manufacturing industry is worth £518bn. • UK manufacturing provides 7.3m jobs. • UK-based manufacturing lowers carbon footprint when compared to international manufacturing, making customers 58% more likely to purchase. • The label ‘Made in Britain’ has a strong influence in persuading consumers to interact with a business. • The UK is now the 8th largest manufacturer in the world. What does ‘Made in Britain’ mean for businesses? British quality is world-renowned. So much so, that the Barclays Made in Britain report found British-made products hold an important influence over consumers’ decision to buy products – with consumers perceiving them as high-quality, reliable and internationally respected. The ‘Made in Britain’ tag was found to be worth an additional £3.5bn a year to UK exporters. “We have always made our products in the UK,” says The Heritage Window Company’s Managing Director, Kevin Brown. “It’s important that our consumers know our products are made on British soil for use in British gardens. It holds weight for people knowing that a business is meeting meticulous UK manufacturing laws, contributing to UK employment and staffing local talent.” British manufacturers don’t only know their products more intimately, they also have a broader knowledge of their consumer’s wants and needs. “Being a Made in Britain business has such a broad range of advantages, from enhanced public image to community presence and quality control,” says Kevin. “You get to know your local and national communities of customers, speak to them in person and oversee the development of products you know will satisfy their needs. “I cannot overstate how crucial a personal relationship with your customer base is – it informs the products you make and your customers will have peace of mind knowing that your products are made to the UK’s incredibly high manufacturing standards.” British manufacturing can increase revenue by quickening the turnaround on production and delivery, as well as enabling businesses to offer unrivalled standards of customer care.
The Business Concept - Independent Business Awards 2024 | 15 The Business Concept- Campaign 2024 | 15 “If a customer wants to reach out to a business, the barrier of international manufacturing can have a real effect on their decision to contact,” Kevin warns. “Customers know a UK-based manufacturer is working within their time zone, can oversee manufacturing in person and deliver products within a reasonable timeframe.” UK manufacturers can also take advantage of the UK’s apprenticeship schemes to gain loyal skilled workers. The UK’s apprenticeship scheme helps manufacturers gain skilled labourers for a lower cost, thanks to the apprenticeship levy. Paid for by large employers with a pay bill over £3m, the money generated funds apprenticeship training for other employers. For SMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises), the government will pay for apprenticeship training, with the business only paying 5% of the wage. What does ‘Made in Britain’ mean for consumers? Brits shop with their conscience as much as their wallet – especially in recent years, with more consumers than ever prioritising companies that care about their carbon footprint and support local communities. The Natural Marketing Institute found that when businesses show they pay attention to their environmental impact, consumers are 58% more likely to buy their products. Consumers also benefit from improved communication and customer service from manufacturers who produce and ship within the UK. The ability to call customer service within the consumer’s time zone, receive more accurate live tracking updates and pay cheaper delivery costs are a boon to British shoppers. “Quality control is incredibly important to any manufacturer; you want to be confident that your products are being sent off as intended and delivered with care,” Kevin comments. “When you manufacture in Britain, you have full oversight of the production and delivery of your product or service – meaning you are less likely to receive complaints or issue refunds. Ultimately, this will save your business countless bellyaches in the long run, helping your business save money and build a positive reputation.” Why should the public and government care about British manufacturing? The British manufacturing industry is now the 8th largest in the world, employing 2.6m people and contributing £224bn of output. Now the UK has left the single market, our economy hinges on the manufacturing sector not only surviving but thriving. The manufacturing industry keeps the UK workforce skilled, meaning businesses don’t have to outsource skilled labour to foreign countries. Further growth in the manufacturing sector will also boost job creation, which is particularly important with UK unemployment leaping to 4.2%. Britain has a reputation for producing quality goods, and new trade opportunities outside of the single market highlight the importance of our manufacturing reputation. Further support will only strengthen the UK’s international standing, helping to secure new trade relationships. The effect British manufacturing has on the economy cannot be understated. The recent True Impact April 2024 report by the Oxford Economics and the Manufacturing Technologies Association shows the manufacturing industry is worth £518bn, contributing 7.3m UK jobs. In other words, that’s almost a quarter (23%) of the UK’s GDP. What’s more, ‘making things’ accounts for 34.5% of all UK goods and service exports and the median wage of manufacturing jobs is 11% above the national average. British manufacturing isn’t going anywhere soon – a quarter of the UK Economy relies on it, as does the livelihood of 7.3 million employees. Any prospective UK government will be keeping a close eye on the industry as it continues to develop and grow. Recent evidence proves that the value of UK manufacturing is undeniable and further government support will be crucial in helping to lift the UK out of recession.
THE BUSINESS CONCEPT.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3