Small Business Tips for Saving Money (and the Planet!)

As a small café, restaurant or shop, your outgoings are bound to be on your mind. From paying your team of staff to covering your essential utilities, every cost counts when you’re not a corporate giant. And with mounting pressure for companies both large and small to up their eco-friendliness, it might feel like your outgoings can overwhelm you - but there’s no need to fear. In fact, cost-effectiveness and green policies often go hand-in-hand - which means there’s even more reason, as a small business, to implement environmentally-conscious policies. In today’s post we’re giving you a helping hand to get there, offering you our top tips for saving money, and the planet, at the same time.

Prioritise energy efficiency

Keeping the lights on isn’t just metaphorical. Small business owners spend, on average, £2,958 a month on electricity. Electricity also has an impact on the environment, which means any reduction in usage is good for both the planet and your back pocket. First step? Switching your lighting to LED. Whether you use fluorescent tubes, panel lights or halogen light bulbs, LEDs use up to 90% less electricity and last for up to ten times longer. This will save you a considerable amount of money in the long-run, with LED lights typically paying for themselves within just five months. LEDs are also free of mercury and other harmful chemicals that you often find in fluorescent bulbs, so they are safer to use and more environmentally friendly. Check out our range of LED lighting products to find a perfect match for your small business.

Don’t forget about your packaging

With so many responsibilities to juggle, it can be easy for business owners to leave thoughts about packaging by the wayside. But, for cafés and shops, this can make the difference between being in the black or the red, and selling a memorable or forgettable product. If you’re keen to make an impression on customers with your green stance, eco-friendly packaging doesn’t have to be out of reach. Buy in bulk to benefit from a drastically reduced price and save money overall. Whether you’re using PLA-based cutlery, moulded fibre plates or compostable coffee cups, you can make an impact on your bottom line and on your brand image by going green with your business’s packaging.

Choose suppliers closer to home

While importing products is sometimes necessary, sourcing suppliers from your local area - or even just your own country - can cut down your business’s carbon footprint considerably. In terms of money savings, you’ll likely experience a reduction in shipping costs, and you’ll also have greater purchasing power when dealing with other small businesses. These supplier negotiations can save you cash, as well as help you to forge relationships with other small businesses, giving you a unique opportunity to network. Plus, a local business supporting its local business community is another badge of honour to show off and be proud of as a brand.

Go digital with your marketing efforts

With the days of print-only advertising seemingly falling behind us, stepping into this century with online marketing efforts is a benefit for both your business strategy and your eco-credentials. Many platforms in the digital space are free to use as a business, from Facebook to LinkedIn, and you can even build a branded website for free (or nearly free) using tools like Wix and Squarespace. Social media is crucial for communicating with customers in 2018 - and for being found amongst a sea of competition - so grasp the opportunity to save reams of paper and secure new customers by investing your time in establishing your business online. We hope that, with today’s tips, you can make your business more profitable and Earth-friendly at the same time. Ready to take the first step? Our LED bulbs are an affordable way to instantly improve your business’s green standing.