Amid rising costs, global uncertainty, and shifting government support, the UK's small business community is quietly showing its resilience. Many are using today's challenges as a reason to rethink and reinforce their long-term strategies-especially around sustainability. Our recent research shows 88% of small businesses now prioritise sustainability more than they did a year ago.

At Novuna sustainability is central to our approach. Through ongoing conversations with small businesses, we've gained insight into both their sustainability efforts and the challenges they face. Our research, along with quarterly reports and a podcast series, has helped us connect with businesses across sectors-from manufacturing to fashion, utilities to farming.

While they're at different stages, these businesses share a mindset: sustainability is not a standalone effort, but part of daily operations. The stories of three small business owners we've met highlight how they're putting this into practice.

Libra Utility Services: Cleaner options in construction and groundwork

The construction industry is known for its heavy resource consumption, but Joe Lawrence, Director at Libra Utility Services has been challenging this norm with his company. Based in Kent, the business provides groundwork and drainage services for new-build housing and infrastructure projects. While many companies in the industry rely on traditional, high-emission machinery and practices, Joe has pioneered a more sustainable approach.

"We know that construction is one of the most resource-intensive sectors, but we didn't want to simply accept that as the status quo," Joe explains. "We knew there had to be a better way to deliver the same services with less environmental impact."

Among the significant changes Joe has introduced are electric vehicles for his fleet, which help reduce emissions on job sites. On top of that, Joe has ensured that his team uses energy-efficient systems to reduce power consumption during projects. But perhaps his most innovative contribution has been the development of a mobile water recycling unit.

The company has also switched from traditional diesel fuels to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a cleaner alternative that generates fewer carbon emissions and pollutants. While some of these changes have been easy to implement, others required significant investment and long-term planning. But Joe has found that the benefits outweigh the initial costs, both in terms of environmental impact and operational efficiency.

Joe believes that these industry-wide changes are essential to creating a more sustainable construction sector, and he's committed to doing his part. "Construction can have a massive environmental impact, but we have to look at every opportunity to reduce that," Joe says. "It's about doing the right thing, even when it's not the easiest thing. And I believe our customers appreciate that."

Reviving the classics: Transforming vintage cars into sustainable icons

What began as a personal passion project for Richard Morgan, Founder and Owner of Electric Classic Cars, but it has since evolved into a global business. The company takes vintage petrol and diesel vehicles-everything from 1960s Minis to classic 4x4s-and converts them into fully electric cars. The process involves replacing the internal combustion engine with a modern electric drivetrain, completely revamping the vehicle to run cleanly and efficiently.

"There's something special about classic cars-they have character, they tell stories, and they have a place in our history," Richard explains. "But traditional cars are part of the problem when it comes to emissions. The idea behind our business was simple: let's keep these classics on the road, but let's make them part of the future, not the past."

Electric Classic Cars works on a bespoke basis for every customer. Each conversion is tailored to the vehicle's individual needs, with engineers having to design and fabricate unique components to make the electric systems fit the original car's structure. It's a complex, high-skill process, but one that has proved successful-Richard's customers come from all over the world, eager to retrofit their prized vehicles for a greener future.

One of the main benefits of this service is that it reduces the need to build entirely new vehicles, helping to lower emissions associated with manufacturing. While the cars themselves are often decades old, the electric conversion ensures they meet modern environmental standards without the waste associated with scrapping or producing new vehicles.

Richard's work has built a strong following of enthusiasts who see the value in preserving the heritage of these vehicles while ensuring they are part of the solution to climate change. The business has also helped bring niche skills into the sustainability conversation-specialist engineering and retrofitting have a vital role to play in the transition to a low-carbon future.

"For many people, owning a classic car is about more than just the vehicle itself. It's about the connection to the past," Richard says. "What we're doing is creating a bridge between past and future, showing that innovation and heritage can work hand in hand."

The Remnant Revolution: Reducing waste, creating opportunity

Pinky Laing, Founder of Remnant Revolution is at the forefront of a movement to reshape the fashion industry. With growing awareness of its environmental impact of fashion, designers and brands are being pushed toward more sustainable solution.

"The fashion and textile industries are notorious for generating waste. Materials that don't make the cut for high-street retailers are often thrown away, but they still have so much potential," says Pinky. She explains that instead of adding to the demand for new textiles, The Remnant Revolution helps address this issue by repurposing discarded materials and ensuring they don't end up as landfill.

As a small business, this model also creates social value. Pinky works directly with a small team of local makers, many of whom come from refugee and marginalised communities. "By reimagining what's possible from surplus materials, we're creating a sustainable product and creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives," Pinky shares. "We're not just thinking about the environment-we're also thinking about people."

Keeping production small and local also avoids the environmental costs that often come with large-scale manufacturing. By sticking to a "circular" design philosophy-reusing and reworking materials already in existence-the business avoids the need to exploit new resources. "Our vision", says Pinky, "isn't just to make products; it's to make a difference. Whether it's through the fabric we save or the lives we touch, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do."

For further information please visit Novuna Business Finance