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.

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.  

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. 

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.