Sustainable practices apply to small firms too

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has warned small businesses that they are responsible for adopting sustainable practises.

A spokeswoman for the Association has stated that environmental responsibility is not just the arena of larger companies, and the small to medium enterprises (SMEs) must also contribute.

Rachel Jackson, head of social and environmental issues for the ACCA, commented: "SMEs should be included within all voluntary SD (sustainable development) and CSR (corporate social responsibility) programmes."

The ACCA lists several ways in which SMEs can improve CSR, such as reducing their usage of paper and electricity, as well as teaching employees the importance of environmental and social issues.

Ms Jackson added that it was the ACCA's policy to work with small companies to ensure that adhering to such initiatives benefited, rather than stifled business.

The chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses recently called on local authorities to ensure that SMEs get the rate relief they are entitled to.