Sam Mason, co-founder of Canterbury’s boutique brand and accountancy practice Brand.Business.Balance, tells us why supporting small businesses can help save the planet

Brand.Business.Balance is the name – saving the planet our game!

Not literally, as such, but we do our bit to ensure the small businesses that you know and love are able to get organised and make the best choices, meaning they are more likely to survive and still be doing their thing in the future.

We need to celebrate small businesses. They are the backbone of our economy, keeping us fed and watered and providing us with their wares to buy for any occasion and we LOVE to help them on their journey.

Why is it so important to #Keep It Kent?

Small businesses have always had a bit of a tough time, with one in five start-ups failing before they reach their first birthday. The last year really has taken the biscuit, with the number of registered businesses falling by about 6% in just 12 months.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom as the businesses that have successfully ridden the storm are still here and more confident for the future.

These businesses need YOU to survive – now more than ever. Without customers, our high streets would be empty.

Why is shopping small better for the environment?

Many small businesses in the UK are ditching old systems and making a big impact with every gift, veg box, book and tool you purchase. Through local production, zero-plastic packaging, and a tonne of other sustainable choices they might make, buying from a forward-thinking local biz can reduce the damaging carbon spent getting the things you need and want. It also keeps your money in your local economy, where it can do your community some good.

What are the Sustainable Development Goals and why do they matter?

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action.

They recognise that “ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.”

Can’t really argue with that, can you?! That’s why we help small businesses focus on these goals from the word go. Every business can and should be applying a goal that represents their purpose. Not only will it help them align their strategy, meaning they are more likely to succeed in the future, but communicating this message helps you as their customers know how great their business is – making you likely to keep supporting the good work they do. Win win!

Why should you look out for sustainable businesses that support the SDGs?

They’re already doing the hard work for you, making a bunch of planet-responsible choices before you’ve even stepped foot in their shop to buy that brilliant handmade gift or luscious loaf of bread. Feel-good factor right there.

What if you’ve got a sustainable business / business idea?

We are creatives and accountants hell-bent on helping business save the planet. If you’re one of the small business warriors out there already running your own show, or are one of the 50% of UK employees dreaming of doing your own thing, we can help you tell your story, achieve your financial goals and do it sustainably and ethically. Just give us a shout!

INSTA: @business.brand.balance

INFO: mbmco.agency/start-up/