Launch of new resource to cut through the noise and provide tailored support to businesses on their sustainability journey
The Sustainable Business Resource (SBR) is a consultancy service operating as part of Plastic Free North Devon, a local environmental charity on a mission to protect and improve our environment through community-led action. Based in Barnstaple and working across the North Devon area, they offer bespoke solutions to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) looking to embrace the ecological and economical benefits of integrating sustainability into their work.
The SBR has been set up by Steve Roberts, MD of Turnstyle Designs Ltd, a Barnstaple based manufacturer of luxury door hardware, and a director of St Michael’s Nursery in Barnstaple. Here he explains how his own journey inspired him to work with Claire Moodie, CEO of Plastic Free North Devon, to create the SBR:
“I recognised, through the work it took me to make sustainable improvements within the two diverse businesses that I run, just how difficult and time consuming it is for owner/ managers to navigate the huge amount of advice and information that there is out there in order to make the necessary changes to one’s business practices to make those businesses sustainable; at the same time I also recognised the huge benefits that my businesses have enjoyed as a result of me doing that work.
“My initial driving force was a desire to reduce the negative impacts of my businesses on our environment, but something that emerged very clearly through this process was that there is a huge economical benefit that comes with those changes too. Looking to the future, I think it is fair to say that there is no economical sustainability without ecological sustainability, and the Sustainable Business Resource is here to guide businesses in realising that goal.”
Claire, Plastic Free North Devon CEO, adds:
“We know incremental individual change is not enough to create the societal shift needed to reduce the impact of climate change and other environmental challenges we face. The power and opportunity lies within how we do business within our communities, and recognising the true value of being a sustainable business.
“We are confident that with the right support we can help local businesses traction the change needed to protect and improve our environment now and in the future and we are incredibly proud to have Steve voluntarily driving this project forward on PFND’s behalf.”
The SBR is working with a broad selection of organisations such as The North Devon Biosphere, Exeter and Plymouth Universities, South West Manufacturing Advisory Service, as well as many specialist consultants and suppliers. By working with this diverse range of stakeholders, they are able to cut through the overload of information that is out there and direct businesses in the most efficient way, helping them improve every aspect of their business from a sustainable point of view. From transportation and waste management to Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) investment, the SBR will connect businesses with grants, internships, suppliers and specialist consultants relevant to their business.
Find out more: https://www.thesbr.org.uk.
