ABOUT US

THE SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS RESOURCE IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT TRADING ARM OF THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHARITY Plastic Free North Devon & 361 Energy CIC.

In discussions with the Plastic Free North Devon team (PFND), a growing need was identified to be able to offer support to SMEs to improve and drive sustainability throughout their business. And so, in alignment with PFND’s evolving mission the Sustainable Business Resource (SBR) was born, a framework for us to really traction the change needed to protect and improve our environment now and in the future.

Steve’s personal experience in transforming both Turnstyles Design, and St Michael’s Nursery, one of the largest children’s nurseries in North Devon, has driven the SBR concept. It has given an invaluable insight into how this journey is possible and how to overcome any obstacles that might stand in the way.

The Sustainable Business Resource was founded by Steve Roberts, Managing Director of local SME Turnstyle Designs Ltd, which was established in 1992 at their Barnstaple factory. After starting on his own journey of improving and making his business more sustainable, Steve realised that the biggest barrier to getting the business transformed and the work done was not the will to implement changes but the ability to shoehorn the work into an already very busy schedule.

In March of 2022, the SBR team joined forces with the commercial arm of 361 Energy CIC, to work on Devon County Council’s Future Farming Resilience project and the Decarbonise Devon Service. Martin the Director has worked in the Sustainability consultancy sector since 2015, working with large manufacturers Sony and Vauxhall, David Lloyd sports & leisure centres, Care Homes as well as the social enterprises, community centres and churches.

HOW IT WORKS

The Sustainable Business Resource has been set up to act as an extension of your Health & Safety, HR and Facilities team, – a ‘sustainable non-executive’ for SMEs. Connected and supported by organisations such as Exeter University and Plymouth University, South West Manufacturing Advisory Service (SWMAS) and the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere amongst others, we have carefully curated a database full of useful resources specific to solutions and industries. We are here to cut through the overbearing amount of information and online tools that are currently available to businesses and work out a simple and effective bespoke plan to help businesses achieve and improve every element of their sustainability transition.

CHANGES FROM THE TOP
Focusing on medium sized North Devon based SMEs we aim to work with owner/ managers to create a bespoke plan that suits, and provide continued support to keep the plan in motion and achieve the goals agreed upon.

FULL BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Starting with an overall audit of the business, we will devise and propose a custom built plan over a 1, 2, or 3 year timescale, starting with the lower hanging fruit and moving towards the more challenging areas at the end of the project.

GRANT SUPPORT
We are able to assist you with any grant funding that might be available, introducing specialist consultants and suppliers, providing temporary staffing solutions when required and returning for quarterly audits to ensure we are hitting targets.

ANALYSE YOUR SUCCESS
We will provide data and reports to measure your successes in reducing waste and carbon, as well as employee and customer engagement.

BUILD A SUPPORTIVE NETWORK
We will send out curated information that is relevant to your business, and connect you with other businesses in your sector to network and pool information.