Small businesses around the country are being offered access to a free new training programme to help them gain green skills, after research finds nearly two thirds (61%) of people feel it is important to shop with businesses that have strong sustainability credentials.
To help small firms respond to consumer demand and to maximise opportunities for both growth and managing costs, Small Business Britain, in partnership with Oxford Brookes Business School, has launched a new sustainability programme; Business for Good: Green Skills for Small Business.
The free six-week course, which starts on 7 February, is aimed at all small businesses looking to gain vital knowledge on topics such as sustainable marketing, accreditations, finance and more, with input from expert small business trainers, as well as academics from Oxford Brookes Business School and ARU in Peterborough.
“We know that consumers are conscious of where they are spending their money particularly in the current economic environment. However, we also know small firms are passionate about making sustainability a priority for themselves and their customers,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain.
“Our new programme Business for Good: Green Skills for Small Business will equip entrepreneurs with everything they need to supercharge their approach to sustainability.”
Heidi Wyatt, founder of The Bottle Bin which sells custom Bottle Lights, took part in Small Business Britain’s Sustainability Basics programme last year. Heidi, who has since implemented various changes across her business benefitted from embracing sustainability across her operations.
“Incorporating sustainability into my business has been so important, and I find that customers really value it as well. Last year I completed a sustainability programme with Small Business Britain and I’m so glad I did,” said Heidi.
“Following the advice, ideas and guidance from the experts, then making small, simple adjustments has led to benefits for myself, my customer and also the planet. Joining a community of like-minded businesses has also been such a fantastic experience.”
The new programme is open to small businesses at any stage of their sustainability journey. The online workshops will be live and interactive, with recordings uploaded to a private page on the Small Business Britain website so participants can continue to benefit from them even once the course is over.
For more information about Business for Good: Green Skills for Small Business click here.
To sign up click here.
