Legislation, competitiveness and cost issues complete the trio of top priorities in the Ipsos MORI poll of 751 small and medium sized businesses conducted on behalf of the Envirowise programme in March and April this year.
However, while environmental issues came down at fifth place on the list of company concerns, tackling waste minimisation and greater resource efficiency could be a secret weapon for companies seeking greater cost efficiencies and a much sought after competitive edge in the longer-term, says Envirowise.
While almost half of those surveyed cited concerns over the perceived 'significant cost' of dealing with environmental matters – Envirowise experience has shown that in many cases investment in a systematic programme of waste minimisation will not only pay for itself, but go on to provide cost savings year on year.
Envirowise Regional Manager for the West Midlands, John Barraclough, says: "It is reassuring that 72% of respondents class waste minimisation as important, but unfortunately 17% still don't know where to turn for advice and information on environmental issues. The knock-on effect is that this subject isn't receiving the attention it deserves on the management agenda.
"We would urge all West Midlands companies who've not yet taken action to become more resource efficient to visit our online savings calculator at www.maximiseprofit.org.uk. This is the quickest way of finding out how much profit is already being thrown away needlessly as waste.
"And we understand that legislation has a big impact on businesses, so we can also help them work towards compliance with existing and forthcoming legislation such as the Hazardous Waste Regulations, the Landfill Directive and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) among others."
Alternatively, local businesses can take a quick 'Maximise Profit' test below to find out if they have cost saving potential.
For more information go to www.envirowise.gov.uk or call the Envirowise Advice Line on 0800 595 794.
Are you maximising your profit?
- Do you know how much water, electricity and other raw materials are being used daily in your workplace?
- Does your company have push taps and water displacement devices fitted in its washrooms?
- Do you regularly audit your procurement systems and suppliers?
- Do you know what an Environmental Management System is?
- Do you know how much paper and packaging your company uses annually?
If you answered 'No' to more than three of the above questions you could be missing out on potential savings of up to £1,000 per employee.* Visit www.envirowise.gov.uk and select your industry sector to find out more.
* Typical savings figure for manufacturing companies.
www.envirowise.gov.uk or call 0800 585 794.
Last year alone, Envirowise helped more than 200 UK office-based businesses and identified potential savings of over £1 million.