HomeNewsWhy ESG is good for Barnsley businesses – and how to get started
Why ESG is good for Barnsley businesses – and how to get started
Find out what ESG means, and the benefits SMEs can gain from creating environmental, social, and governance strategies
If you’ve ever heard the term ESG and wondered what it actually means, you’re not alone. It may sound like something aimed towards big global corporations. But the truth is, small businesses can find lots of benefits from focusing on ESG strategies too. From saving money, to winning new customers and attracting employees, ESG can help. It’s a practical way to futureproof your business and grow your reputation.
Pressed for time? Here are the top takeaways:
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance and is a framework for businesses to measure their impact.
Focusing on ESG can help businesses become more sustainable, ethical, and efficient.
Customers often look for ethical and eco-friendly brands and are willing to pay more for them.
An ESG strategy can give you a competitive edge, helping you attract employees and futureproof your business.
The Business Village in Barnsley is running a free event on 29/4/25 to help local businesses get started with their ESG strategy.
What is ESG and why should you care?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It’s a way of looking at how your business impacts the world. It also looks at the transparency and accountability of the company.
It’s often linked to sustainability, but there are differences. ESG includes the energy you use, your workplace culture, and your leadership. So, concentrating on good ESG practices will lead to sustainable business.
Here’s a closer look:
Environmental This is about how your business impacts the planet, and includes: • Reducing energy / switching to renewable energy • Working towards net zero emissions • Reducing waste and landfill • Developing greener products and services • Improving recycling and pollution control
By reducing your environmental impact, you can often cut costs too. Energy bills are lower, there’s less waste to dispose of, and you can avoid clean air zone charges.
Social This covers how you treat people, both inside and outside your business, and includes: • Fair pay and good working conditions • Equality, diversity, and inclusion Further reading: Why diversity and inclusion matter for small businesses in Barnsley • Customer satisfaction and product safety • Community involvement, such as volunteering or supporting local causes • Being a company people are proud to work for
More and more customers, especially younger ones, care about how businesses behave. They’re choosing brands that support fairness, inclusion, and positive change.
Governance This is about running your business, decision making, and ethical practices, including: • Leadership and management, with accountability for performance • Ethical business practices • Financial transparency and accounting practices • Risk management and compliance • Diversity in the leadership team
Good governance builds trust with your employees, your customers, and your investors.
Nine benefits of having an ESG strategy for your business
A growing number of businesses are seeing the value in having an ESG strategy. It’s not only about doing the right thing, but it also makes good business sense. Customers, investors, and suppliers are all paying closer attention to how businesses treat people and the planet.
Read on to see why ESG matters more than ever.
Customers care, and will pay more
According to a PwC survey, 80% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable goods. 1. Some would even pay almost 10% more. 2.
Customers are choosing brands that care about people and the planet. So, if you ignore ESG, you risk losing business to competitors who are doing it better.
Better brand reputation
Being known as a responsible business makes people want to support you. It builds trust, loyalty, and long-term brand value.
In fact, 92% of consumers trust brands that are socially responsible or environmentally friendly. 3.
Attract and keep great employees
People want to work for companies that share their values. A strong ESG strategy can help you:
• Attract like-minded employees • Support diversity, wellbeing, and career progression • Boost morale and team spirit • Increase staff loyalty and retention
Reduce waste and save money
Working towards net zero is good for the planet and for your costs. Making your business more energy efficient can lead to real savings:
• Lower day to day operating costs through production efficiencies • Using less waste and packaging • Reducing energy use, and bills • Avoiding clean air zone charges
Stay compliant with regulations
An ESG plan helps you on top of current regulations and prepare for future changes.
It lowers the risk of fines and makes it easier for you to meet any new standards. It also shows customers and stakeholders that you take compliance seriously. This will help protect your reputation and brand image.
Win more contracts
Bigger companies and public sector organisations now look at ESG when choosing suppliers. If you don’t meet their standards, you could miss out on opportunities (for example, ISO 14001 environmental management systems).
A clear ESG strategy can give you the competitive edge needed to stand out and win more contracts.
Attract investment
Ethical, sustainable businesses are more attractive to investors. With an ESG strategy, you’re seen as more resilient and less risky.
For example, if you’re less reliant on fossil fuels, you can withstand rising energy prices. You’ll also be ready to respond to any regulatory changes.
Improve innovation
Focusing on ESG often inspires new ideas and better ways of working. New legislation or customer demands can lead to new markets, services, and products.
Being sustainable encourages creativity and helps your business grow in new directions.
Reduce risk
An ESG strategy will help you stay ahead of potential risk in three key areas:
• Environmental: Reduce the impact of climate change and depletion of natural resources. Avoid fines, legal issues, and damage to your reputation.
• Social: Avoid issues linked to fair pay, diversity, or community unrest.
• Governance: Prevent scandals, fraud, and regulatory problems through ethical leadership and transparency.
Simple steps to start your ESG strategy
If you’re ready to get started on your ESG journey, why not join us at our ESG Strategy Event on 29th April 2025. It’s a great opportunity to learn practical tools and develop a strategy for your business.
But, before you come along, here are some simple steps to get you going:
Step 1: Audit your current position
Look at what you’re already doing. What’s working well? What could you improve? Think about your operations, supply chain, employee policies, and customer feedback.
Step 2: Set goals
Decide what’s important to your business. Set clear goals and create a plan to achieve them. It may be cutting energy use, supporting local causes, or improving diversity.
Step 3: Involve your team
Create a small ESG team of employees interested in environmental and social issues. They can help drive change, share ideas, and keep things moving forward.
Step 4: Engage with stakeholders
Talk to employees, customers, and suppliers using surveys or focus groups. Ask what matters to them and listen to their responses.
Step 5: Measure and report
Keep track of your progress and share updates with your team and customers. It’s important to be accountable and transparent. By measuring your progress, you can spot areas for improvement. Even small changes can make a big difference.
Free ESG event in Barnsley – learn how to get started
If you’d like some support to get started on ESG in your business, we’ve got good news.
A free ESG strategy event is coming up at The Business Village. We’re running it in partnership with Profit Impact and Enterprising Barnsley.
Event details
Date: Tuesday 29th April 2025 Time: 10am-12pm or 2pm-4pm (choose a slot) Venue: The Business Village, Barnsley Cost: Free
You’ll leave with practical tools, a clear plan, and the confidence to get started.
It’s perfect if you:
• Are receiving questions about your environmental policies • Struggle to attract employees or investors • Are facing rising costs • Need to meet NHS or local authority standards • Want to make your business more sustainable and future-proof
Or get in touch for an informal chat with our Business Development Manager, Kevin Steel. Email: ksteel@BarnsleyBIC.co.uk Phone: 01226 249 590
You may also be interested in reading
Building a sustainable future at The Business Village https://www.business-village.co.uk/case-study/building-a-sustainable-future-at-the-business-village/
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