The sustainable business podcast by Novuna Business Finance

In the North East, Derek Bennett explains why working with nature, composting waste, and using electric tools is more than good ethics — it’s good business.

Dave Hann shares how repairing and reusing bikes isn’t just eco-friendly - it’s a business model that customers love and the planet needs.

Discover how Sarah Sheikh and her team are transforming an industry known for chemicals into a model of sustainability — proving that green choices can boost quality and the bottom line.

Sustainability looks different for every business, but common themes emerge - listening to customers, embedding values into company culture, and influencing supply chains. Jo shares stories from Grey Flannel, Emerald Life, Sea Change, and OXIL to show how leadership, actively listening to your customers, and serving the community drive sustainable change. She also highlights the role of practical support, like tailored finance from Novuna Business Finance, in helping SMEs grow sustainably.

Chris explores how tailored finance empowers SMEs to invest in sustainability - from Libra Utility Services upgrading equipment to cut emissions, to Electric Classic Cars turning petrol vehicles electric. These real-world examples show how sustainability and growth can go hand in hand.

Sabrina Ahmed shares practical lessons from SMEs across sectors - from community farms to fashion and homeware showing how small changes, experimentation, and learning from mistakes drive sustainability. With examples like Iechyd Da, The Remnant Revolution, and Celtic Roots, she explores how businesses are making a difference despite challenges.

Ellie Baker’s early-years education company combines community-based lessons with low-carbon materials and digital tools, showing how small businesses in education are thinking creatively about sustainability and long-term impact. Ellie says, “We’re doing something small and local — but it connects to something bigger. We’re encouraging a love of languages. Helping families introduce their kids to other cultures from birth. That feels like a global mission.”

Founder Chris Howard explains how his company is innovating in sustainable construction by focusing on energy-efficient design and restoring historic buildings with low-impact methods. Their work illustrates how the construction industry can be part of the solution to climate change. Chris notes: “You have to think about sustainability from the very beginning. Energy efficiency, durability, water use, air quality, and sustainable materials—they all need to be part of the design conversation right from the start.”

Co-founder Simon Rolfe’s wine company is pioneering new packaging methods that reduce waste and promote ocean conservation. By creatively reusing materials and partnering with environmental groups, they’re setting an example for sustainable production in the food and drink sector. As Simon explains, “At the end of the day, it’s about people — growers, drinkers, charities — all coming together. It’s about knowing that your little bit, your glass of wine, can help make a difference. That’s what keeps us going.”

Mark Robertshaw, co-founder of Oxford Information Labs talks about his beliefs on how sustainability goes beyond the environment—it’s about people, stability, and long-term impact. Since founding the company with Emily and Lucien Taylor, Mark has helped to grow the business from a small start-up to a trusted global partner by prioritising ethical leadership, talent retention, and financial resilience. Building on the strength of their team, Oxford Information Labs has recently partnered with Google to launch the Global Signals Exchange – a platform that leads the global fight against scams and online abuse.

Pinky Laing, founder of The Remnant Revolution explains how you can run a successful and sustainable business using discarded luxury textiles and turning them into unique home fashion pieces. What began as an idea scribbled on a hospital bed has grown into a movement empowering refugee women with sewing skills to create beautiful, upcycled designs. By challenging fast fashion’s wasteful norms, The Remnant Revolution proves that sustainability isn’t just about materials—it’s about people, purpose, and craftsmanship.

Philippine Mignot, Director of Tierra Viva, explains how her company is redefining olive oil production through regenerative farming. Faced with droughts in Jaén, Andalusia, she and her husband changed the way that they farmed their olive grove by focussing on restoring soil health and eliminating pesticides to prioritise quality over quantity. By overseeing every step from harvest to bottle, Tierra Viva produces organic olive oil that preserves both the land and its heritage—proving that sustainable farming can also be rewarding.

Adrian Geach talks us through his unique approach to traditional signwriting, blending time-honoured craftsmanship with eco-friendly materials and methods. By embracing sustainable practices, Adrian proves that even industries rooted in history can adapt to modern-day sustainability needs, contributing to both environmental goals and the local economy.

This episode Richard Morgan, founder of Electric Classic Cars, talks about how he has successfully merged his lifelong passion for vintage vehicles with a commitment to sustainability. By converting classic cars into electric-powered models, the business is leading a movement to make automotive history greener. Whether it's a classic VW Beetle or a Ferrari, Electric Classic Cars is reshaping what it means to drive vintage, whilst also managing to be both stylish and sustainable.

Dean Loury-Jenkins shares his journey from running a funeral services business to creating Celtic Roots Farm, a regenerative farm focused on local food security and environmental stewardship. Through innovative farming practices and a focus on sustainability, Dean showcases how small-scale agriculture can thrive while having a positive impact on both the environment and the community.

In this episode of The Sustainable Business Podcast, we hear from Hannah Egerton, owner of Edgie Eats Bakery, Hannah demonstrates the impact of local sustainability efforts. By sourcing local produce and implementing eco-friendly practices, Edgie Eats Bakery invests in community resilience, viewing sustainability as integral to the future viability of the business.

Steve Wardlaw, CEO of Emerald Life, discusses the importance of making the insurance industry more inclusive and accessible for underrepresented groups, particularly the LGBTQ+ community and non-traditional families. He highlights the industry's legacy issues, like outdated policy wording and unfair pricing, and shares how businesses can work to address these challenges.

Alwen Marshall Lewis, founder of Iechyd Da, gives an insight into her practical approach to sustainability. She discusses the small, impactful changes like eliminating single-use plastics and prioritising local, ethical suppliers and how her shop not only promotes eco-friendly practices but also strengthens community connections.

In the first episode of series three, we hear from Peter Chan, owner of Herons Bonsai. Peter illustrates a balanced approach to sustainability. Through modest changes like reducing chemical usage and supporting local charities, Herons Bonsai proves that sustainability can be practical and cost-effective, strengthening community ties while positioning the business for long-term success.

In episode two, we hear from Tim Everest, owner of Grey Flannel,. Tim showcases how sustainable practices can drive business growth in the fashion industry. By integrating sustainable fabrics and responding to customer demands, Grey Flannel demonstrates that green initiatives can be a long-term investment, attracting environmentally conscious consumers and enhancing brand image.

In this episode you can hear from Becky Barnes, owner of Becky Barnes Style and how she challenges fast fashion norms by promoting sustainable alternatives. Her focus on second-hand shopping and repurposing highlights how sustainability can be an essential investment in the future of the business, fostering customer loyalty and differentiation in the market. It's all about recycling and re-using!

Novuna Business Finance commissioned roaming reporter GuyB to hit the road and speak with some independent experts on what a new Government could do to support small business owners on the move towards Net Zero and a progressive approach to embracing sustainability. This episode features comments from Steve Wardlaw, an energy lawyer and special adviser, as well as Chairman of the insurance company, Emerald Life.

The episode also references findings from the Novuna Business Finance report – ‘The mandate for support from a new UK Government,’ which was commissioned just before the General Election was called.

Season...

In this episode, we hear from Professor Stephen Barber, Head of Department for Innovation & Management at the University of East England. Prof. Stephen Barber discusses how the new government can support the small business community. Stephen is a prominent figure at a London MBA school, has published many political and economic books and is a respected political economic commentator with the national media.

Season Two

Novuna Business Finance commissioned roaming reporter GuyB to hit the road and speak with independent experts on what a new Government could do to support small business owners on the...

We hear from Richard Thompson, Account Manager at Novuna Business Finance, discuss the pivotal role of accessing financing options to facilitate SMEs transiting to eco-friendly practices. He gives a real-life example of a company that uses sustainable initiatives to drive business growth while contributing to a greener future.

Laura Emmins, Broker support, and a Novuna Business Finance ‘Sustainability Champion’, talks about how she embeds sustainability into everyday activity from recycling to upcycling. She also mentions the importance of encouraging positive and practical sustainability initiatives within organisations to nurture a culture of sustainability.

Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance, talks about her own personal motivations behind sustainability and the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in embracing sustainable practices. Jo also discusses the crucial role of government support and guidance to help SMEs navigate sustainability challenges effectively.

In this episode, we hear from Philippe Bazin, Head of the Sustainable Energy team. Philippe shares his passion for sustainable finance and its potential to drive positive change in society. He also explores the concept of people feeling disempowered in the battle against climate change and how focussing around how to spend and invest our money in a better and more effective way to drive change.

A trailer of what's to come in our first series. The episodes start closer to home and features guests from Novuna Business Finance. Each guest shares stories of their own personal journey towards sustainability and includes a diverse range of topics - from passionate discussions on the transformative power of sustainable finance to practical tips on how we can all include sustainability practices into our daily routine.