Monday 4 January 2021

Almost three-quarters of UK businesses ‘expect growth of sales as a result of a greener focus’

Nearly three-quarters of UK businesses expect a focus on sustainability will deliver growth of sales over the next year.

That's one of the findings of new research by HSBC UK, which suggests almost 75% of UK businesses already have metrics in place to measure sustainability, up from 62% in 2019.

That includes 28% measuring energy usage, 21% measuring carbon emissions and 20% measuring packaging materials and waste.

The survey of 1,000 businesses also suggests a further 75% of them plan to introduce net zero emissions goals to their own operations and across their supply chains.

Furthermore, almost 42% of businesses said government incentives will help them to become more sustainable in the future followed by workforce engagement or initiatives and green financing.

Rob King, HSBC UK Head of Sustainable Finance, said: “The report tells us that firms genuinely want to build back better and have sustainability and the move to a net zero economy right at the top of their priority lists as they look to adapt their operations to the ‘new normal’.

“We see consumers having increasing expectations when it comes to sustainability and the companies they engage with and this greater focus on sustainability by businesses will help them to build their reputations and make better connections to their customers.