Sutton Council has partnered with Sutton Business Improvement District (BID), Bioregional and Sound Lounge to launch an innovative scheme that will help smaller local businesses thrive whilst they move towards net-zero.
Supported by funding from the Mayor of London’s High Streets for All Challenge, the organisations have come together to launch the Green Enterprise Partnership, a project which supports and upskills local businesses as they work to reduce their environmental impact.
There will be places for 50 local businesses in Sutton High Street to join the first phase of the project. To qualify, the businesses will need to have a rateable value of between £12,000 to £50,000 in order to be considered. The scheme will provide participating businesses with specialist training workshops to build their skills and access to a network of like-minded individuals.
The Green Enterprise Partnership will work with businesses to identify ways that they can reduce their environmental impact. This will be done via a 4-step certification scheme in which businesses will receive financial incentives when they identify, plan and achieve specific environmental targets. This certification scheme will help businesses to reap the benefits of a more sustainable model, such as reduced energy bills and increased customer engagement, whilst also giving them a clear path to achieving carbon neutral operations.
Councillor Barry Lewis, Chair of Sutton Council’s Environment and Sustainable Transport Committee, said:
“Small independent businesses play a vital role in our high streets. Whether it’s a local cafe with great cake and friendly faces or a family-run neighbourhood hardware shop, they help shape and give character to our high streets and neighbourhoods.
“I’m delighted that we are launching our new Green Enterprise Partnership to support these local businesses. The project will help them to grow in a way that is sustainable in all senses of the word, so that they can continue to thrive and increase revenues whilst reducing their impact on the environment.
“The Green Enterprise Partnership is just one way we are supporting green growth in the borough and helping businesses to play their part in creating a thriving, sustainable Sutton.”
Patricia Park, CEO of Successful Sutton BID, said:
“Business owners are often short of time, money and expertise to improve and green their operations. And that’s what the Green Enterprise Partnership is all about.
“It is about giving our local businesses tools and incentives so they can thrive and prosper in the short and in the long term. It’s about helping businesses gain a competitive advantage and save on their electricity bills while also helping them to reduce their environmental impact and prepare them for the future.”
