Environmental charity Spurn Bird Observatory Trust has made it to the final of a national awards scheme after impressing judges with its approach to driving growth through sustainability.
The Kilnsea-based trust has been selected as a finalist for the first-ever Green Growth Awards, a new competition recognising small businesses leading the way in embracing sustainability to innovate and drive business growth.
Launched by Small Business Britain, in partnership with BT, the inaugural Green Growth Awards will award sustainability grants of £5,000 each to two small businesses that have successfully boosted their bottom line by implementing sustainable initiatives. The grants will help provide additional funding for businesses to invest further in this area.
Spurn Bird Observatory, founded in 1946, has made it to the final round of the awards after impressing judges with its commitment to green growth. This includes the rebuilding of the charity’s Kew Villa office, using the best-in-class sustainable practices and achieving a sought-after Level A EPC rating, which only 0.2 per cent of the UK’s new-builds achieve.
Rob Adams, vice-chairman and director of the trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist for the new Green Growth Awards.
“This achievement fits perfectly with our charity’s aims to create a sustainable environment in which to operate and develop our small business unit and is great news for both wildlife and the people of Spurn.”
Michelle Ovens, founder of Small Business Britain, said: “The Green Growth Awards recognise the outstanding small businesses that are not only leading the way in sustainability but are also using it to fuel innovation and growth.
“These businesses are proving that greener practices not only benefit the planet but also create real business success – whether through cost savings, waste reduction, or deeper customer engagement. Their passion and commitment are making a real impact on their communities and the economy.”
Chris Sims, chief commercial officer, UK Business, at BT, said: “The Green Growth Awards shine a spotlight on the small businesses that are not only driving sustainability but also setting the standard for innovation and growth.
“It’s truly inspiring to see how these businesses are leveraging sustainable practices to achieve real business success and create positive change in their communities. We’re really proud to support this initiative.”
BT is also a member of the Willow Review Steering Board, a new independent review aiming to underline the financial case for sustainability for small businesses, which has been spearheaded by Small Business Britain and is backed by the UK Government.
The winners of the Green Growth Awards will be announced at an event at BT’s headquarters in London on Tuesday, March 11.