FEATURE: MADE IN BRITAIN SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE MANUFACTURING
SECTOR KEEP SUSTAINABILITY ON THE AGENDA At a time when sustainability commitments are coming under pressure across some of the UK’s biggest businesses, small businesses in the manufacturing sector are holding firm. New research from Novuna Business Finance finds that despite the worries over rising inflation, energy prices and supply chain disruption, many manufacturing small businesses remain committed to making practical progress on sustainability in 2026.
T
he Novuna Business Finance research points to a manufacturing sector where sustainability is
becoming more practical and commercially focused. More than a third of manufacturing SMEs said they now do more practical steps with sustainability on a day-to-day basis, compared with when Net Zero targets were announced in 2019 (36% vs 29% nationally). Furthermore, 22% manufacturing small business owners say sustainability is now more strategically embedded in their business culture today, with work guided by a clear plan. The research also suggests manufacturers are responding to the sustainability expectations of the businesses and consumers closest to them. Customers were the biggest influence encouraging manufacturers to take sustainability seriously, cited by 33% of firms in the sector compared with 28% nationally. Business partners were also a stronger influence for manufacturers than for small businesses nationwide (30% vs 20%).
benefit from learning more about flexible asset finance and funding options (23% vs 18% nationally), and from understanding whether greener action could help them win more business or customers (25% vs 19% nationally).
When asked which areas of sustainability had become more important over the last year, manufacturing small businesses were more likely than the national average to highlight reviewing energy usage across premises - including water use, heating and renewable energy (23% vs 14% nationally). Waste, recycling and packaging also remained high on the agenda, mentioned by 32% of manufacturing small businesses, while 32% also cited having
a positive social impact in their immediate community. However, the research indicates that some manufacturing small businesses want clearer evidence and practical support before they can turn good intentions into action. Almost a third said understanding the tangible cost-saving benefits of becoming more sustainable would help them take more practical steps (32% vs 23% nationally). Manufacturers were also more likely than average to say they would
WHAT MORE UK CELEBRATES RECORD-BREAKING SUCCESS AT AMBIENTE 2026 WITH TWO DEDICATED STANDS
The show proved to be an outstanding platform for strengthening relationships with existing customers while building connections with new international partners. Across both stands, What More UK focused on presenting its 2026 innovation pipeline and future- facing developments, with a strong emphasis on performance, design and emerging trends. The bakeware stand featured a live chef who demonstrated products throughout the exhibition, giving visitors the opportunity to see performance in action. Attendees explored the latest developments from Sizzll, the new bakeware brand, including range expansions and forthcoming
www.diyweek.net
innovation. A PFAS-free bakeware range was also showcased, alongside new additions to the established BetterWare brand. On the plastics stand, visitors
were introduced to new product launches across several categories, including new drawer towers and expanded DIY ranges. The team also unveiled its forecast trend colours for 2026 and beyond, providing insight into the key colour directions set to shape the market in the coming years.
Ambiente 2026 also marked the first opportunity for What More UK to introduce its newly expanded Export Sales Team to a global audience, reinforcing the company’s commitment to international growth and customer support worldwide.
Bex Holt, Head of Marketing at What More UK, said: “Ambiente 2026 exceeded our expectations in every way. We saw record visitor numbers across both stands and had fantastic engagement from both long-standing customers and new international contacts. Having a live chef on the bakeware stand really brought our products to life, while presenting our 2026 trend colours on plastics sparked some brilliant conversations about the future direction of the market. “The feedback we received
throughout the show was overwhelmingly positive, both from visitors and internally across our team, making it a truly successful event for us all with strong engagement.”
Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance, comments: “At a time when some larger organisations are scaling back their sustainability commitments, our research shows that small businesses are becoming the business flag-carriers for Net Zero, energy efficiency and a range of other sustainable business practices. Further, many small business manufacturers still see sustainability as relevant, practical and increasingly connected to the expectations of their customers and business partners. “And this commitment towards sustainability comes at a time when many small businesses are coping with serious market pressures. Certainly, with the current soaring of energy prices, now is a good time for small businesses to consider looking at alternative and renewable energy options – and to assess the cost savings.”
What More UK manufactures metal and plastic housewares across a wide range of categories, from sink-side essentials to garden, garage and office ware solutions. A proud member of Made in Britain, the company exports UK-branded goods to 75 countries worldwide, supplying every major UK supermarket alongside a further 1,600 independent retailers.
• For more information about What More UK, visit
www.whatmoreuk.com.
APRIL 2026 DIY WEEK 21
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
