Sustainability 'brings both risks and rewards for small businesses'

Sustainability has the potential to be a double-edged sword for small companies in the UK, it has been claimed.

Peter Richardson, director at Secos, recently explored the pros and cons of implementing energy-efficiency measures in a company, noting the role that government schemes and regulations play in such decisions.

However, he also acknowledged that supply chain demands and client buying preferences would inform any sustainability policy.

Mr Richardson pointed to lower operational costs, increased revenue and reputational benefits as some of the highlights of enacting such measures, but was quick to point out the risks in this area.

"[These] include failure to comply with regulations, inability to meet the demands of the supply chain and customers moving away from existing products and services."

Phil Turley, business manager for Kommerling recently suggested that the implementation of the Green Deal would also make a difference to sustainability practices by businesses in the UK.