Intelligent SME.tech Issue 21 | Page 9

intelligent

Less than half of SMEs use a recycling service despite motivation to be sustainable

Biffa has released data that shows SMEs are keen to be more sustainable but are struggling to make changes like recycling .

A survey of over 1000 small to medium-sized businesses in the UK revealed 59 % of organisations asked feel sustainability is ‘ very important ’ to their business , while 27 % said it was ‘ quite important ’ or ‘ important ’. However , even though most feel this way , Biffa ’ s customer data shows that just 47 % use a recycling service as part of their waste management .

This means that most SMEs are potentially still using general waste bins for all their business waste .

With less than half of all SME customers choosing recycling contracts , Biffa believes that UK businesses need more support around their waste management choices .

Civica opens Teal Door for fresh innovation partnerships

Civica has launched its new Teal Door innovation programme , inviting companies to come forward and partner on exciting and disruptive tech ideas .

The Teal Door initiative will make it as simple as possible for start-ups and SMEs to work with Civica ’ s innovation team , product leads and customers to explore how data , automation and emerging tech can help deliver world class , citizenfocused public services .

In collaboration with NorthStar , interested companies can submit ideas for discussion and to scope out future opportunities . They will work in collaboration with Civica experts across major sectors including education , social housing , health and care and local and central government – and receive valuable feedback and insight into potential product development .

“ Through our Teal Door programme , we ’ re open to exploring new ideas and collectively helping improve public services for everyone ,” said Liz O ’ Driscoll , Head of Innovation , Civica .

Canadian small businesses should invest in innovation now

Canadian SMEs should consider investing in innovations and technology before interest rates increase even higher , according to the latest report from Scotiabank .

Scotiabank ’ s latest small business trend report , SMEs : The Shortage Economy , sheds light on Canada ’ s economic forecast and what that could mean for Canadian business owners in the coming months and years . The report indicates that business owners now expect supply chain disruptions to continue to worsen for at least the next six months , exacerbated by geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine . These obstacles are having a significant impact on many SMEs ’ business operations and opportunities for growth .

“ Taking a proactive approach to investing in your own business – now rather than later – will ensure it ’ s more resilient , as you adapt to a higher cost future and capitalise on changing consumer behaviour ,” said Jason Charlebois , Scotiabank ’ s Senior Vice President of Small Business Banking .