Impact case study database

The extensive body of research insight into pro-environmental SME needs, cited above, focused activity on two key groups: (1) policy implementers who configure PE provision; and (2) SMEs directly. Impactful activities included:

Forming a Low Carbon Business Network (LCBN):** To embed the principles of shared learning [in 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5] and capability-building [3.2, 3.3, 3.4], DBS secured ERDF funding for the LCBN as part of the ERDF D2EE project. Activity tailored to the needs of SMEs included: three sustainable business marketplace events; three sustainability summits (two jointly with the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce); network events; a ‘Green Growth’ acceleration programme; expert workshops; bespoke consultancy; and environmental management accreditation (emerging from 3.4 and G3.1). In its latest phase, the network evolved from its focus on local SMEs, to offer support for providers across England – hosting events and providing advice about how to support SMEs with pro-environmental practice to LEPs, local enterprise initiatives, and local authorities nationally. These bespoke sector support needs emerged directly from the underpinning research.

Dissemination of pro-environmental capabilities: Emerging interest in the pro-environmental capabilities framework [3.3, 3.4] led to further practitioner-based dissemination activity and generated advisory opportunities (e.g. West Yorkshire Combined Authorities, Hull City Council, as well as collaborative research opportunities with Aston, Brighton and Liverpool John Moores Universities).

*Regional/national advisory roles: The innovative and timely nature of the research and ensuing activity, led to the team’s involvement in regional strategy development as well as national advisory roles such as the Sustainability Leaders Forum.

Impact on regional policy actors

Statements by policy stakeholders demonstrate a range of impacts [5.2a-e]. Engagement with regional policymakers led to a change in the way enterprise support is delivered to SMEs [5.2c], as well as informing strategic development [5.2e]. Research into low carbon and environmental goods and services trends and skills needs [G3.2, 5.3b] is cited in the LEP’s Regional Energy Strategy [5.3c] and is influencing the ongoing D2N2 Science & Innovation Audit (SIA) as well as the refreshed Strategic Economic Plan (for 2019–2030) [5.2e]. Paterson supported the Regional Energy Strategy as an Advisory Group member with reference to business development, training, skills shortages, sector mapping and supporting low carbon, energy and renewable sector supply chains to strengthen SME energy support programmes [5.2a-e].

The increased profile of these issues at a policy level also resulted in the appointment of pro-environmental SME representatives to the D2N2 Innovation Advisory Board to champion the low carbon sector – and staff representation on the Energy Strategy Group as a direct link to the underpinning research on low carbon leadership [5.2e]. The research [3.3, 3.4, 3.6] has also informed the establishment of the award-winning Energy Efficiency Grant scheme at Derby City and Derbyshire County Councils [5.2b] and has been credited by the D2N2 LEP as providing a blueprint for enterprise support that combines business growth interventions with improved environmental outcomes of participating enterprises [5.2c].

Impact on SMEs

LCBN support for 33 SMEs has resulted in increased awareness and improved practice of SMEs towards environmental objectives, improved access to low carbon and environmental goods and services markets/supply chains. It has also enhanced CSR policies, and supported SMEs to adopt environmental standards [5.1a,b,c, 5.2d].

Since 2016, the wider LCBN has grown by 5% per month on average and currently comprises 150 members representing 130 firms [5.3a]. The impact of the network was evident from 2017 to the present day in the form of improvements to financial, productivity and sustainability indicators of the network SMEs. For example, the network helped Recon Electrical Ltd to embed low carbon capabilities and develop partnerships with LED manufacturers that resulted in tangible savings for customers [5.1a]. One client identified energy savings of GBP2,625 p.a. that meant the return on investment was just 19 months. 11 SMEs have been directly supported to attain environmental accreditations leading Investors in the Environment to estimate associated reductions of up to 5.4t of CO₂e by the end of 2020 [5.2d].

The development of three LCEGS marketplaces raised awareness of PE support and improved engagement with PE-focused activity. The East Midlands Chamber of Commerce (EMCC) report increased engagement from businesses in pro-environmental themed events, with a 5% increase in the average participation rate from 2016 [5.2a]. The ‘Investors in the Environment’ (IIE) scheme has also reported increased interest from LCBN SMEs for pro-environmental business management practices. Motion Vehicles Ltd credits the network with improvement in its market position and strengthening ‘green’ credentials of its brand [5.1b]. After participating in the Green Growth acceleration programme, Eco Voltz Ltd experienced an increase in demand for its electric bikes and a 15% increase in the product’s share of the firm’s turnover [5.1c].