Supporting SMEs with net zero

 

A common theme found while compiling this SME-themed issue of GreenFleet was that many small businesses lack the money, time and knowledge to switch to electric vehicles, with the situation made worse by the cost of living crisis.

 

But it’s important that small businesses do not feel left behind on the net-zero journey. While a business itself may be small, collectively, the UK’s six million small businesses make up 99 per cent of the UK’s enterprises, employ 60 per cent of the UK workforce and generate £2.2 trillion of revenue to the economy.

 

To ensure that SMEs have the knowledge and tools to decarbonise their fleet and transport operations, this issue of GreenFleet covers the government grants that are available for small businesses to install EV charging infrastructure, an overview of the resources available on the SME Climate Hub, as well as insight from Martin McTague, national chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, on the barriers that SMEs are facing. What’s more, we ask our Expert Panel for advice on how to smoothly and cost-effectively make the switch to zero-emission vehicles.

 

This issue of GreenFleet also looks at a new report published by Motability and the Energy Saving Trust, which highlights the barriers to making the design of electric vehicles accessible for disabled people and how these could be addressed.

 

Angela Pisanu, editor