Lead paragraph
Develop and implement a sustainable business programme with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) that connects local buyers and supplies through events and workshops.
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BU2Develop and implement a Sustainable Business Programme
Progress
On time
- Discussion
- Not started
- Initial scoping
- Planning stage
- Underway
- Completed
Description
Since 2023, the Council’s Sustainable Business Programme, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), has supported local businesses and stimulated private investment in growth-enhancing activities such as innovation and the adoption of energy-efficient, low-carbon technologies.
Delivered through Sustainable X, it has offered workshops, bespoke one-to-one consultancy, sustainability audits, guides, and tools, and Meet-the-Buyer events. These initiatives have helped businesses embed sustainable practices, boost competitiveness, cut costs, ensure compliance, and strengthen their appeal to customers and employees.
The programme aims to transform local SMEs' approach to sustainability by providing tangible steps to reduce their carbon footprint, achieve net-zero goals, and strengthen commercial performance. Additional benefits include reducing expenses through energy and waste savings and improving productivity through efficient practices.
Key elements of the initiative include:
- Collaborative Networking: Connecting local buyers and suppliers through regular 'Meet-the-Buyer' events and workshops.
- Bespoke Advisory Support: Providing tailored 1:1 consultancy to help businesses improve resource efficiency, secure tenders, and prepare for accreditations.
- Carbon Reduction Planning: Assisting businesses in producing structured Carbon Reduction Plans to baseline emissions and identify practical green measures.
- Financial Assistance: Integrating support with funding opportunities like the Stevenage Green Business Grant to help deploy clean technologies.
Further information at: Sustainability Programmes by SBC & Sustainable X
Tasks
What are we doing?
- 2026
Stevenage Green Business Grant
In October 2024, the Council introduced the Stevenage Green Business Grant as part of its Sustainable Business Support Programme. It was aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) implement greener solutions to reduce their carbon footprint after completing Carbon Reduction Plans to identify these measures. £70,000 was available for the scheme this year. Eight (8) applications from local businesses were approved by a panel of experts and clean technologies were implemented. The Council continue to provide support to the SMEs and charities awarded the Stevenage Green Business Grant, assisting them in implementing their approved energy-saving measures.
What has been done?
- 31/03/2026
Small Business Sustainability Support Programme
A bespoke 1:1 programme launched in September 2025 to help businesses based in Stevenage that want to grow, win more work, and operate more effectively. The Council continued its partnership with Sustainable X to provide practical help and support to ensure businesses enhance commercial results, improve resilience, and continue to thrive. Each business received two hours of tailored, 1:1 consultancy with experienced business advisors to help then stand out and achieve budget and energy savings.
The support programme provided advice, support and guidance for businesses to:
- Win public and private sector tenders with stronger responses.
- Be prepared to access discounted finance or grant funding.
- Build clear, confident messaging for clients and employees.
- Improve operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary costs.
- Increase competitiveness in areas like supply chain and Social Value.
- Prepare for certifications or accreditations (e.g. ISO, B Corp, EcoVadis).
Businesses also benefitted from practical tools and templates, plus a business-strengthening review using the “Sustainable Xplorer” tool to identify quick wins and long-term opportunities.
The programme supported a diverse array of businesses in achieving the above objectives. Assessment indicated a good take up and delivery of several practical solutions, alongside positive feedback from businesses.
- 25/06/2024
Second Meet the Buyer Event (MTB)
In person event at Knebworth Barns for local businesses to support wider sustainable goals. Event aims to support would be suppliers to engage and forge long term relationships as part of ongoing Sustainability Business Support programme. Attendees provided first hand knowledge of forthcoming tender opportunities, requirements as well insights into specialist support programmes and initiatives.
The event provided an overview of the regeneration and wider development opportunities, alongside an overview of the retrofitting opportunity for local businesses and trades and secure new contracts and ensure homes across the county become greener. The event also included an overview of the new Procurement Act 2023 which supports and encourages more SMEs and smaller businesses the ability to access public sector tender opportunities.
- 20/11/2023
Phase 2: 1-Day Intensive Workshop for Medium Sized Businesses
Participating organisations received practical advice and information to help lower their carbon footprint and build sustainable practices into their day-to-day activities. Businesses benefitted from:
- Gaining an understanding of what "sustainability" is for their organisation.
- Exploring practical ways to work towards net-zero carbon.
- Accessing information, tools & resources designed for them to plan and measure progress.
- Help to communicate achievements and future plans, both internally and externally.
- Receiving guidance from sustainability experts.
- Networking opportunities on the day.
- Receiving guides and workbooks to take away.
- Gaining Sustainable X Sustainability CPD Certificate on completion.
The programme aimed to transform their approach to sustainability and give tangible steps to reduce their carbon footprint, now and for the future. Other benefits including reducing costs through energy and waste savings and improving productivity through efficient practices.
- 28/09/2023
First Meet the Buyer Event (MTB)
The in-person event, held at the Business and Technology Centre (BTC) in Stevenate, was designed to bridge local supply chains with procurement opportunities, specifically aligning local businesses with sustainability requirements. Sustainable X gave a presentation on corporate sustainability, and local buyers and suppliers had the opportunity to network with each other.
