The inaugural UK Net-Zero Business Census has found that over a third (40 per cent) consider net-zero as a high or very high priority, and 73 per cent a priority in the medium-term.

Conducted by the UK Business Climate Hub and Planet Mark, the survey of 2,005 organisations across sectors and UK regions highlights high engagement but varied progress. The data shows that organisations of all sectors, sizes and UK regions are at widely varying stages of taking action, but critically that the vast majority are united in prioritising, planning and actioning meaningful steps to decarbonise in the near-term, with 73 per cent indicating that net-zero is at least a medium priority or higher for their business strategy in the next 12 months.

Significant engagement with net-zero activities is evidenced by 46 per cent of organisations reporting receiving requests for carbon data from customers and tender applications, but despite this push, only 33 per cent of organisations have currently measured a full baseline carbon footprint, including all scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, indicating a gap between engagement and comprehensive action.

The survey notes that there is a significant opportunity to bridge the gap for smaller organisations by providing tailored financial and proficiency support, allowing SMEs to contribute more effectively to national targets. In 2023, the combined turnover of all private sector businesses in the UK was £4.48tr, up from £4.16tr the previous year, and notably SMEs contributed significantly to this with employment figures at 16.7 million (61 per cent of the total) and turnover estimated at £2.4tr (or 53 per cent).

Both SMEs and larger enterprises cite financial constraints as a significant barrier, with 59 per cent of respondents from each group highlighting it as a major challenge, whilst conversely, the take up of existing aid schemes is low.

The report also notes that establishing clear and consistent policies is crucial for providing organisations with a tailored and stable framework to plan and implement their net-zero strategies.

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