Small businesses around the country can access a free new training programme to help them gain green skills. The course is in response to research that shows nearly two-thirds (61%) of people feel it is important to shop with businesses that have strong sustainability credentials.

To help small firms respond to consumer demand and to maximise opportunities for both growth and managing costs, Small Business Britain in partnership with Oxford Brookes Business School, has launched a new sustainability programme; Business for Good: Green Skills for Small Business.

The free six-week course starts on 7 February

The programme is aimed at all small businesses looking to gain vital knowledge on topics such as sustainable marketing, accreditations, finance and more. It will include input from expert small business trainers, as well as academics from Oxford Brookes Business School and ARU in Peterborough.

Commenting is Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain. “We know that consumers are conscious of where they are spending their money, particularly in the current economic environment. However, we also know small firms are passionate about making sustainability a priority for themselves and their customers. Our new programme, Business for Good: Green Skills for Small Business, will equip entrepreneurs with everything they need to supercharge their approach to sustainability.”

The programme is open to all small businesses at any stage of their sustainability journey

Also commenting is Heidi Wyatt, founder of The Bottle Bi, which sells custom Bottle Lights and took part in Small Business Britain’s Sustainability Basics programme last year. Wyatt, who has since implemented various changes across her business, has benefitted from embracing sustainability across her operations.

“Incorporating sustainability into my business has been so important,” she says. “I find that customers really value it as well. Last year I completed a sustainability programme with Small Business Britain and I’m so glad I did. Following the advice, ideas and guidance from the experts, making small, simple adjustments has led to benefits for myself, my customers and also the planet. Joining a community of like-minded businesses has also been such a fantastic experience.”

The online workshops will be live and interactive. Recordings will be uploaded to a private page on the Small Business Britain website, so participants can continue to benefit from them even once the course is over.

Click here for further information about Business for Good: Green Skills for Small Business. Alternatively, to sign up for the course, please click here.