The UK's unlikely green revolution: small firms find growth in the most unexpected places

From dry-cleaners to bike mechanics, small business owners in some of Britain’s least likely industries are leading a quiet sustainability revolution — finding that going green isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business.

That’s the message from Novuna Business Finance’s latest Sustainable Business Podcast series, which explores how entrepreneurs across the UK are turning sustainable ideas into profitable realities.

The latest episodes feature:

• A dry cleaner in Edinburgh reinventing an industry known for chemical use
• A bike repair shop in Cardiff saving bicycles from landfill
• A landscaper from the North East who proves that working with nature can be good for the bottom line as well

Each is part of a growing movement of SMEs proving that sustainability doesn’t need to be costly, corporate, or complicated.

“The most interesting thing about these stories is where they come from,” says Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance. “These aren’t big brands with huge budgets — they’re small firms in everyday communities. They’re proving that sustainability and success go hand in hand.”

Green ideas in unexpected places

In Edinburgh, Elite Dry Cleaners owners Sarah Sheikh and her husband are rethinking the industry from the ground up — swapping harmful chemicals for energy-efficient technology and reusable materials. “It’s not a gimmick,” Sarah says. “Sustainability saves time, money, and improves quality — it’s just good business.”

In Cardiff, Dave Hann of Motorlegs repairs and reuses bikes that would otherwise be scrapped. “Repairing and reusing is sustainability in its purest form,” Dave says. “It’s simple, it works, and customers respect it.”

In the North East, Derek Bennett’s DC Gardens has built its success by working with nature, not against it — composting waste, using electric machinery and protecting wildlife as part of his business model.

Lessons from small business owners making sustainability part of their everyday work

• Start with what matters to you. The most successful changes come from genuine passion and purpose — building your business around what you care about makes it easier to stay true to your values
• Small changes make a big difference. Progress doesn’t have to be complicated. Reusing, repairing, or switching to greener tools all add up over time
• Work together, not alone. Collaboration, sharing ideas, and supporting other small businesses can spark innovation and make change happen faster
• Efficiency is good for business. Greener ways of working often save money, improve quality, and build stronger relationships with customers
• Keep learning and adapting. Sustainability isn’t a one-off project, it’s about constantly looking for better and smarter ways to do things.