The Apprentice winner Joseph Valente on the push to electrifying transport networks and a focus on sustainability
The majority (70%) of small businesses in the UK are looking to make 2022 the year in which they put the focus firmly on going green and the same percentage are confident they will achieve their goals for the next 12 months, playing their part in helping the government reach its carbon emission targets.
With more than three quarters (77%) of SMEs saying resolving to develop a sustainable business model is a top goal for the next 12 months and almost two thirds (66%) also putting the emphasis on digitising their business, according to Mercedes-Benz Vans research, there is a real appetite to make changes at the start of a new year.
Indeed, 61% of small business owners plan to switch to electric vehicles this year, with more than half (54%) seeking to electrify their transport networks before the end of 2022.
The main drivers behind these resolutions for the year ahead are the many business opportunities it
provides (41%), how it will help change the negative impact businesses have on the environment (39%) and customer expectation for them to become more eco-friendly (39%).
However, SME owners say they need help with 37% believing there is not enough public funding to help adapt to a more sustainable business model. This makes 40% of them feel unsupported by the government, 35% feel at a disadvantage and leaves 26% frustrated.
Small businesses are concerned by how their sustainability is perceived with 15% saying they have already been questioned by customers about their eco credentials while 61% of owners would cease working with a partner or supplier if they were not true to their environmental promises and half are worried about the sustainability credentials of their partners / suppliers.
Joseph Valente, the 2015 winner of The Apprentice, is perfectly placed to answer SME owners’ questions and provide reassurance because since being helped in creating his business by Sir Alan Sugar he has been advising companies around the country how they can achieve their business objectives and therefore produce the results they need to flourish and grow.
