Northern Small Businesses Embrace Greener Business Practices

That was the main finding contained in the biennial SME-nvironment survey by NetRegs.gov.uk, the environmental guidance website.

It reveals that over half (56%) of SMEs (Small and Medium -sized Enterprises) in the North now have measures in place to reduce the harm they do to the environment. 85% are recycling their waste, up from 73% in 2007 and is the highest figure for any UK country, while a third have made energy efficiency or water reduction improvements.

Welcoming the findings Environment Minister Edwin Poots said: "It is encouraging to see improvements in SMEs' green business activities. The benefits to come from introducing such measures include reduced operating costs, improved relationship with customers and a more motivated workforce."

However, the recession now seems to be taking its toll, with just one in four businesses planning to invest money in improving their environmental performance over the next year.

The survey highlighted that while many businesses have taken steps to reduce their environmental impact, it is largely to reduce business costs than as part of an overall environmental policy, with only a fifth of companies having such a policy in place.

The Minister appealed to those businesses currently affected by the downturn not to miss out on opportunities for cost savings and not to ignore their environmental obligations. He said: "It is worth noting that Government and many companies in the supply chain now include specific environmental questions in their tender forms.

"By building measures into your business plan, training your staff and taking an environmentally responsible stance throughout your business, you will reap the rewards of winning more work and saving money. You will also comply with the law."

The Minister encouraged local SMEs to visit the NetRegs.gov.uk website to help improve good environmental business practice. He said: "NetRegs has developed a simple online self-assessment checklist which is free and can help identify green measures that actually save a business money. Environment, profit and staff motivation go hand in hand."