19 December 2025
Independent retailers, alongside other small and medium-sized businesses, are set to access Government support and funding of up to £2 million through the Made Smarter Adoption Programme.
The funding will help SMEs invest in sustainability measures such as energy-efficient technology, heating, insulation and solar power to cut operating costs and improve productivity.
It forms part of a wider package of measures announced in the Government’s response to the Willow Review, which examined how sustainability can drive growth and savings for small businesses.
The Willow Review found that 67 per cent of SMEs that adopted sustainable practices, including installing solar panels or selling energy back to the grid, reported reduced operational costs.
The review is an independent, government-backed report spearheaded by Small Business Britain and supported by Barclays, focused on unlocking the economic opportunity of sustainability for the UK’s 5.7 million SMEs.
Katie White, Minister for Climate, said: “Clean energy is the economic opportunity of the 21st century and we are ensuring small business have the tools they need to take advantage of clean technologies and energy efficiency. The Willow Review recommendations will help the small businesses that power Britain unlock the financial benefits of sustainability, as we accelerate towards net zero.”
The Government response also includes wider support to help SMEs transition to net zero and reduce bills, including trials, advice schemes and energy efficiency measures.
Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain, said: “We are delighted to see such a positive and practical response to the Willow Review. This is a strong step towards helping SMEs turn sustainability into new opportunities and better growth, benefitting not only the businesses, but also the wider economy. We look forward to continuing working with the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to ensure small businesses can fully make the most of the opportunities that sustainability brings.”
You can read the full consultation via the link here.
"It looks like our unit will cost us approximately £5,000 more next year."
Has the Budget ended up costing your business more?
Our members have already started the conversation over on the forum, which you can access by simply logging into the Bira website. See what fellow retailers think of this Budget and have your say over on Bira Connect.
Bira's advocacy takes your voice to the heart of Parliament
Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain.
Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders including:
- Combatting the rising tide of retail crime
- Advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility
- Fighting for fairer business rates
- Overall reducing the regulatory burden
Image credit: Andrii Yalanskyi/stock.adobe.com
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