The demand for more sustainable products is growing: studies in 2021 and 2022 underlined the ongoing trend that increasing numbers of consumers are choosing to pay extra for more durable or longer lasting products, prioritising sustainable packaging, and selecting brands that have ethical values and practices.

Even in the current economic climate, 41% of consumers said they are willing to pay more for a product they believe to be sustainable.

So, as an SME in Greater Manchester, how do you put yourself in the best position to reach these new and expanding markets? How can you improve the environmental impact of your goods and services? How can you be innovative?

Whether you’re already making eco-friendly products or are interested in moving into this area, there are significant opportunities for growth – with the right guidance. Contact us at BGHinnovation@growthco.uk to find out more about how we can help.

Which business wouldn’t want to reduce its product and packaging costs, win contracts in new markets, and cope with environmental pressures from supply chains, regulators or customers…

This is, of course, easier said than done for time-pressured SMEs who are struggling with the high costs of materials and fuel, rising salaries and the continuing impact of global economic pressures.

Why should you spend precious hours creating more work for yourself when the benefits seem so uncertain? Especially when talk of consumers de-prioritising eco-friendly purchases during the cost-of-living crisis makes it easier to justify kicking any thoughts of ‘being more green’ further down the road.

That’s where we come in. Our eco-innovation experts are here to help remove whatever barriers you’re facing – time, human resource, specialist know-how, technology, innovation strategy, appropriate facilities, or lack of finance.

Now, more than ever, is the time to be open to doing things differently. To embrace innovation. We know, from talking to businesses every day, that those who are innovative are more likely to improve their turnover, productivity and competitiveness. And those SMEs who just crack on the way they always have are the ones that stagnate and, ultimately, lose out to competitors.

We’ve already delivered tangible benefits to hundreds of SMEs in Greater Manchester, overcoming the difficulties in getting new green ideas moving and accelerating the time-to-market. To see how you could profit connect with your local innovation specialist at BGHinnovation@growthco.uk.

We provide expert green innovation advice that’s not only specifically tailored to your business but is also fully-funded, meaning there’s no cost to your business. We will enhance your SME’s environmental performance and competitiveness through:

Insights & Road Mapping: gathering and evaluating tangible insight that will inspire green innovation goals

Design Sprint: exploring your challenges and accelerating your green innovation through a creative agile methodology

Market Readiness: evaluating the commercial readiness of your green innovation project and helping you to access further support

Innovation Networks: connecting you with the necessary organisations, people and research partners to make your green innovation happen

Funding for Innovation: exploring finance options, including Innovation Vouchers to access expertise, research and specialist facilities and potentially develop a sustainable partnership with a university or a recognised research organisation

What we don’t do is come storming in with big size 12s and tell you how to do your job. We work with you to understand your challenges and help you to integrate green credentials into your everyday business operations.