Are you a Hertfordshire business keen to reduce overheads, attract new customers and improve efficiency? Tune in to the biz4Biz podcast featuring our Clean Growth Manager, Helen Pollock, as she explains how business sustainability can help you achieve all that and more - and why now is the ideal time to take action.
In the episode, Helen shares practical guidance on how businesses can become more energy‑efficient, adopt greener technologies, and prepare for emerging sustainability legislation. The conversation covers:
“Businesses account for a quarter of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, so every organisation has a role to play,” Helen explained.
With extreme weather events, rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions already affecting firms across the county, she stressed that adopting sustainable practices is no longer optional. “Sustainability is no longer a nice‑to‑have - it’s a must‑have to stay competitive, especially within supply chains and when seeking investment.”
A clean growth programme designed for business
The Hertfordshire Clean Growth Programme is built around two key pillars designed to support both emerging green innovators and the wider business community:
Growing and attracting low‑carbon businesses
The programme accelerates the growth of Hertfordshire’s expanding low‑carbon and environmental goods and services sector - firms that play a vital role in delivering the solutions needed to tackle climate change. Hertfordshire Futures supports enterprise, innovation, collaboration, and investment opportunities to help these businesses thrive.
Supporting existing businesses on their Net Zero journey
Helen emphasised that sustainability should become a “golden thread” running through every aspect of business operations, helping organisations reduce costs, build resilience and unlock new opportunities.
From dry cleaners and metal finishers to manufacturers, service providers, and hospitality businesses, the programme offers practical support to help organisations futureproof their operations.
This includes access to tailored sustainability advice through our Hertfordshire Growth Hub, workshops and resources, signposting to relevant grants and green finance, and guidance on measuring and reducing carbon emissions.
Green skills: essential for future growth
Alongside its core support, the Clean Growth Programme is also delivering green skills initiatives to help build the workforce needed for a more sustainable and inclusive economy.
From retrofit and renewable energy technologies to carbon accounting and sustainable construction, demand for green skills is rapidly increasing - and Hertfordshire businesses are encouraged to explore how building these capabilities can strengthen their competitiveness.
Visit our skills and employment portal, HOP, to learn more opportunities relating to retrofit and the environment.
What businesses can do now
Helen shared a series of practical actions that SMEs can take immediately to start or accelerate their sustainability journey:
These steps not only contribute to Net Zero goals but often lead to cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Need support?
Hertfordshire Growth Hub is the best starting point for tailored sustainability advice, funding opportunities and practical guidance. Visit the Growth Hub
Hertfordshire Futures' Clean Growth Programme also welcomes businesses seeking support, wanting to explore opportunities, or keen to share their sustainability challenges and successes. Get in touch with Helen.
"Sustainability is no longer a nice‑to‑have - it’s a must‑have to stay competitive, especially within supply chains and when seeking investment"
"Sustainability is no longer a nice‑to‑have - it’s a must‑have to stay competitive, especially within supply chains and when seeking investment"