ON THE RADAR

The Drive Toward Net Zero: Impacts on Businesses

As global concerns about climate change intensify, governments and industries worldwide are accelerating their efforts to achieve Net Zero emissions. This movement, aiming to balance the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere, is significantly impacting businesses across all sectors.

The push towards Net Zero has led to the implementation of stringent regulations and policies designed to reduce carbon footprints. Companies are now compelled to adopt sustainable practices, invest in renewable energy, and enhance energy efficiency. The European Union's Green Deal, the UK's Net Zero Strategy, and similar initiatives across the globe highlight the regulatory shift towards a low-carbon economy.

Businesses are responding by integrating sustainability into their core strategies. Many are committing to science-based targets and aligning their operations with the goals of the Paris Agreement. 

This transition, while challenging, also presents opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage. Companies investing in green technologies and sustainable supply chains are not only reducing their environmental impact but also enhancing their market position and brand reputation.

However, the shift to Net Zero is not without its challenges. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, face significant financial and operational hurdles in implementing sustainable practices. Access to capital, technological expertise, and support mechanisms are critical for these businesses to successfully transition to a low-carbon model.

In summary, the move towards Net Zero is reshaping the business landscape. Companies that proactively embrace sustainability are likely to thrive, while those that lag may face regulatory penalties, increased costs, and reputational risks. The journey to Net Zero is complex, but it is an essential step towards a sustainable future and resilient economy. 

Other Reading:   

PPN 6/21: Government Policy for Net-Zero Carbon Commitment

A remote audit or  virtual audit, is the conducting an audit  using electronic methods such as video conferencing, email and telephone to obtain audit evidence, instead of the traditional on-site audit.  

The overall aim is to evaluate this evidence objectively to determine the extent to which the audit criteria has been fulfilled.  

Remote auditing uses tools such as file and screen sharing, video conferencing (Skype, Teams and Zoom are common platforms), and live data analysis.  

During this type of audit, auditors are able to adopt standard auditing techniques. 

 Eliminating  time and risk spent commuting, auditors now have more time to add value, such as reviewing documentation to ascertain which audit trails to explore, and spending time writing audit reports to a higher standard that clearly outline audit outcomes such as findings opportunities for improvement. 

Drawbacks are dependent on the audit objectives and type of evidence needed to verify compliance.

To find out more about remote audits contact us

A new Amendment to ISO 9001 has been recently published and it impacts all companies that are currently ISO 9001 certified as well as any certifications with immediate effect.

According to the IAF/ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 22 February 2024 Joint Communiqué and Published on February 23, 2024, the Climate Action Amendment has been added to existing and new ISO Management Systems Standards (MSS) to reflect ISO’s Climate Action commitments.

The new climate change amendments are one-line additions to ISO Management System Standards, Clauses 4.1 and 4.2.

Clause 4.1 is about understanding the organization and its context. The climate change addition to this clause is, “The organization shall determine whether climate change is a relevant issue.”

Clause 4.2 is about understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties. 

The climate change addition to this clause is, “NOTE: Relevant interested parties can have requirements related to climate change.”

Climate Change considerations

overall  is important as businesses need to: 

• ensure regulatory compliance, 
• enhance reputation and brand image, manage financial risks and opportunities, build supply chain resilience, 
• foster innovation and adaptation, 
• engage employees and attract talent, and access markets and investors. 

By addressing climate change, businesses can contribute to a sustainable future while also securing their long-term success.

What does Innovation mean?

It's an idea that addresses a specific challenge and adds value for your Clients / customers and your business.

Employees - the hidden goldmine!

Having been involved with a number of employee engagement projects over the years, we find that employees are a great source of innovational ideas if allowed to express them. 

Be Specific:

 We’d recommend being specific about what you want ideas for. If you ask everyone to come up with ideas on anything, you will just be overloaded with an array of suggestions. 

Getting best value:

We have found that the thing that always works is taking people out of their normal environment and welcoming a variety of perspectives – so get out of the office and invite a range of employees and even clients.

It’s about imagination and a collective effort, and if businesses don’t get this, innovation will not be easy for their employees to grasp.

Be Brave:

We have been part of many startups over the years and we have seen that having the ability to try an idea, develop it and then discard it is one of the best things to keep innovation going.  It requires brave leaders who are open to trying new things and are willing to say when it’s not working and move on. The best success stories are not about size, but come from those businesses who constantly challenge what they are doing – they are the companies that really innovate. 

Look at the competition:

One way to begin your marketing strategy is to look at what your competitors are doing. Don't get carried away and keep specific to your business type. Document your findings, possibly using  SWOT analysis to see where you stand against them.

Build your online presence:

Make sure you you have a website that keeps fresh and is also "Mobile Friendly" to increase the prospective customer access to your services or products.

Collect Reviews and Testimonials:

An important piece of your online presence is online reviews. This helps when it comes to ranking in local searches and acquiring new customers. Research has shown that 72% of prospective clients said that positive reviews made them trust a local business more. 

Having positive reviews to your business name is an incredibly strong tool, so part of your marketing strategy should be directed towards collecting reviews from current clients. Pick one or multiple platforms that you want to direct people to (e.g. Tripadvisor, Facebook, etc.). It is important to actively ask your customers to leave reviews to these platforms, as people often need a little nudge to share their opinion. 

Social Media and More:

Marketing strategies can help small businesses gain new customers and increase repeat business. Various Apps are now available that can help your online presence. A word of warning - don't get sucked into the Facebook and Twitter followers game, this will not bring you success but is guaranteed to take up your valuable time. These are straightforward and attainable ways to boost your small business marketing. 

Quality Management:

Implementing a quality management system like ISO 9001 offer numerous benefits to business owners. It typically increases efficiency and productivity, 

and is likely to give you an edge over your competitors. 

Get up to date:

We have assisted many SME's* to gain approval / transition to ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management) and ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management) standards.

Advantages are:

• better and consistent control of major business processes
• better understanding of customer needs
• regulation of successful working practices
• risk management
• increased customer satisfaction
• improved participation of employees
• better internal communication
• greater consistency in the quality of products and services
• differentiation of your business from its competitors
• increased profits
• reduction of costly errors
• exploitation of new markets, both in the UK and overseas
• managing growth more effectively
• embedded culture of quality

While the ISO accreditation is voluntary, it's a globally recognised achievement and may therefore also lead to a higher profile and increased business overseas.

*SME - Small to Medium Enterprise