Small firms 'embracing green cause'

Date: 7th January 2009

Small businesses are increasingly switching on to the benefits of sustainability and environmental-awareness, according to a new study.

An investigation by Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank found that four-fifths of smaller enterprises - such as sole traders and partnerships - have made efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

What's more, almost a third of small companies expect the improvements they make to help reduce operating costs in the near future.

Director of business management and strategy for bank, Steve Jennings, said: "With the economic downturn set to continue, businesses are looking at adopting new ways to reduce overheads and by incorporating a number of initiatives to save energy, considerable costs can be made."

He added that with many firms "embracing the green cause", the benefits would be felt both financially and environmentally.

Small business owners and managers should also keep in the mind the upcoming self-assessment tax return deadline, which falls on January 31st.