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The largest-ever survey of UK businesses on their approach to net zero reveals that 79 per cent of large companies view it as a strategic priority for the year ahead. More than a third (35 per cent) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also regard net zero as a priority, despite facing fewer regulatory and reputational pressures compared to larger firms.
The 2025 UK Net Zero Business Census surveyed over 2,000 businesses and organisations, providing the most in-depth insight to date on UK attitudes and actions towards net zero. It has been delivered by the UK Business Climate Hub in partnership with Planet Mark, Sage, and a coalition of more than 50 leading business organisations, including the British Business Bank and the British Chambers of Commerce.
It shows that companies believe progress on net zero can go hand in hand with value creation. Only three per cent of large organisations believe net zero has no business benefits, rising to 25 per cent among SMEs.
As businesses step up their net zero commitments, a greater emphasis is being put on collecting emissions data throughout supply chains, as a critical first step to identifying and implementing meaningful reductions. This is reflected in the reports, with over half of large UK organisations (51 per cent) having received requests for carbon data from customers or as part of tender applications, rising to 62 per cent among those exporting to international markets. Even among SMEs, 37 per cent of medium-sized businesses, 20 per cent of small businesses and eight per cent of microbusinesses have been asked by customers for carbon data in the last 12 months.
The report also highlights a set of persistent roadblocks holding back business progress on net zero. Regulatory uncertainty remains a significant challenge, with 70 per cent of UK organisations citing it as a barrier. Costs being too high (80 per cent) and a lack of finance or grants (69 per cent) were also identified as barriers.
Based on the survey findings, the report sets out clear recommendations to ensure businesses can play their part in delivering the UK’s 2050 net zero target. It calls on policymakers for greater regulatory clarity and standardisation, including the swift publication of UK Sustainability Reporting Standards and Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting updates and reference to upcoming international standards such as the ISO net zero standard (ISO 14060).
It also calls for expanded access to financial mechanisms – such as grants and proposed “Help to Green” vouchers – to support SMEs in starting carbon reduction projects. Capacity building with SMEs could also be achieved through government and industry partnering on a major communications campaign to raise awareness with SMEs of trusted guidance like the UK Business Climate Hub, while investment in targeted training can build carbon emission measurement and reduction capabilities across SME workforces.
Alongside the 2025 UK Net Zero Business Census Summary Report published by Planet Mark, the British Business Bank has published the SMEs and Net Zero report, which looks specifically at smaller businesses. This report finds that most SMEs (63 per cent) report organisational benefits from progressing towards net zero and that three-quarters (77 per cent) have taken steps towards it. The report also provides updated estimates on SME greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and finds SMEs account for around a third of the UK’s total GHG emissions (37 per cent) and half of all business emissions.
Hannah Gilbert, Director of Sustainability at British Business Bank, said: “Businesses of all sizes have a role to play as innovators, employers, and community anchors. By exploring their net zero journeys, we can learn how best to back them — ensuring they contribute to and benefit from the UK’s green transition. It is encouraging to see that over three-quarters of smaller businesses have already taken steps towards net zero as they will be critical to the UK’s transformation into a low-carbon economy.”
Andrew Griffiths, Policy Director at Planet Mark said: “Although the political consensus on climate action is destabilising, British businesses are still clearly committed to net zero. When leaders look at the evidence and think about long-term strategy, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the businesses that act today to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions and build resilience to environmental impacts are setting themselves up for success in a more sustainable future.
“These landmark reports show how the private sector can lead the net zero transition in the UK. It also highlights how small and mid-size companies that can demonstrate their action on climate change can gain a competitive advantage, as committed larger businesses find ways to tackle their supply chain impacts.”
The way we work has changed – yet, many organisations are still relying on rigid, one-size-fits-all tools to manage desks and meeting rooms, according to a new study from workplace management solutions provider, Matrix Booking.
Spreadsheets, calendars, and generic booking software may have worked once, but they’re struggling to keep pace with today’s flexible, hybrid workforce. The result? Wasted time, frustrated employees, and expensive underutilised space.
Matrix Booking’s new study, ‘One-size-fits-all booking systems don’t work for today’s workforce’, explores why current systems are falling short – and how organisations can reimagine workspace management to boost efficiency, employee experience, and cost savings.
To download your FREE copy click here.
