And with Yorkshire and Humber being the third highest overall CO2 emitter in England this problem is as much local as it is global. Yet small businesses are also the engine of innovation in the economy. Entrepreneurs are inventors and creators and problem solvers, and there is no bigger problem facing the world than reaching net zero. Luckily, small business owners are highly engaged on this. Take York Gin, which is pioneering new and sustainable ways to create heritage-inspired products.
So, there is more than just good intentions at play - sustainability can drive UK economic growth. For me, the message from businesses and society is clear: even in a world with reduced budgets and limited spend, we’re all more conscious about where we spend and what on. Businesses that go big on sustainability will translate that into a strong top line too. As well as driving income, sustainability is as much about cutting waste – vital for small firms in the current climate.