A Game-Changer for Small Businesses and Sustainability
On June 10, 2025, The Willow Review was launched — a government-backed report co-chaired by Gareth Thomas MP, Nick Stace OBE (Barclays), and Michelle Ovens CBE (Small Business Britain). The report spotlights how 5.5 million UK SMEs can unlock significant financial benefits through sustainability.
Key stats include:
- 67% of SME adopters report reduced operational costs
- 52% attract new customers
- 35% improve customer loyalty
For creative ventures like Art Classes Group, this means embedding sustainability into operations can lead to cost savings, differentiated offerings, and increased trust.
Why Art Classes Group Should Champion Sustainability
Your commitment to sustainability isn’t just good PR—it supports:
- Cost efficiency (e.g., energy, materials)
- Stronger customer loyalty with eco-conscious clients
- Appealing brand differentiation via sustainability storytelling
During the Review, your work was highlighted:
“Our waste reduction strategies have directly lowered operational costs—… lowered electricity consumption which also leads to financial gains.”
The 5-Point Plan: A Roadmap for SMEs Paraphrased for Art Classes
- Switch to sustainable materials
Use reclaimed canvases, eco-friendly paints, recycled paper, and packaging—art becomes both creative and conscious. - Reduce travel & optimise logistics
Offer online modules or partner with local venues to minimise commutes. - Minimise waste
Implement reuse stations or incentive programs when students bring back leftover materials. - Take action on energy
Assess studio energy use—can LED bulbs be installed? Aim for solar-powered workshops. - Partner with sustainable suppliers & clients
Collaborate with eco-suppliers for art materials and highlight partnerships to attract like-minded individuals.
Government & industry support you can use
From the Review and LinkedIn insights:
- Local Sustainability Champions via councils
- Integrated support via Business Growth Service
- Green finance schemes, simplified grants & loans
- UK Business Climate Hub—a one stop portal for guidance and funding
- Art Classes Group is proud to have contributed to The Willow Review – June 2025, a landmark publication launched by Small Business Britain. This groundbreaking report, supported by the UK government and industry leaders, shines a light on the critical role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are playing in advancing sustainability. For organisations like ours, it marks an important moment to reflect, evolve, and lead the way in using creative practice to drive environmental impact.
- The Willow Review, available to download at www.willowreview.com/report, sets out a compelling argument that sustainability is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage. According to the report, over 67% of small businesses that have adopted sustainable practices say it has helped them reduce costs, while 52% believe it has helped them win new customers. This is powerful evidence that green action isn’t just for large corporations or policy campaigns—it’s achievable and beneficial for every community-focused business, including those of us working in arts, education, and wellbeing.
At Art Classes Group, we believe that creativity and sustainability go hand in hand. The very nature of our work—teaching people to make and create from what’s around them— invites us to consider how we can do more with less, repurpose materials, and think about the legacy of what we produce. As an arts organisation that works with young people, families, schools, and the SEND community, we have a responsibility to model sustainability in everything we do. Whether that means switching to recycled paper, reducing energy consumption in our studios, or encouraging digital participation to reduce travel, we are committed to embedding climate-conscious decisions into our daily operations.
- The Willow Review outlines a five-point plan that makes adopting sustainable practices manageable for even the smallest business. These steps include switching to sustainable materials, reducing travel, minimising waste, improving energy usage, and partnering with suppliers that share your environmental values. At Art Classes Group, we’re already putting many of these actions into practice. We prioritise the use of eco-friendly paints and canvases, offer hybrid and online sessions to minimise carbon footprints, and encourage students to reuse art materials. As part of our ongoing development, we’ll also be expanding our offering of environmentally-focused workshops and exhibitions in the months ahead.
Green studio, recycled materials station, or a student project.
- However, the journey isn’t always easy. As highlighted in the report, many SMEs face significant barriers such as the cost of change, lack of time, or confusion about where to begin. We understand these challenges first-hand. That’s why community plays such a vital role. The Willow Review recommends joining peer networks and local initiatives such as the “People, Planet, Pint” events where like-minded organisations can learn, share and support one another. We also encourage fellow creatives and educators to explore the UK Business Climate Hub, which offers accessible guidance and funding options for those just starting out on their sustainability journey.
- Our involvement in The Willow Review reflects our core values as a social enterprise. It recognises that creativity is not just about self-expression—it’s also a tool for social and environmental transformation. Through our projects like Stay True To You with Thames Valley Police, and our #ArtForChange SEND youth workshops, we’re actively engaging communities to think about identity, belonging, and resilience—values that align closely with environmental sustainability. We believe that small changes in how we run classes, source materials, and connect with learners can inspire broader, long-term shifts.
- If you’re inspired by this movement and would like to be part of it, we’re excited to share our new sustainability-themed courses. These sessions will help participants of all ages explore how art can be a medium for environmental storytelling. From recycled sculpture and nature-inspired printmaking to community mural projects focused on climate action, there are many ways to engage.
- You can register your interest now via our course sign-up form: Click here to join our courses.
- [Space for image – course promotion or group photo from workshop] • The Willow Review makes it clear: sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it makes solid business sense. It’s about futureproofing our organisations, protecting our communities, and inspiring the next generation to lead with purpose. As an arts organisation at the heart of Slough’s cultural life, Art Classes Group is committed to continuing our work in this space, with creativity, community and conservation at the core of everything we do.
- To read the full report and learn more about how small businesses are transforming the future through sustainability, download The Willow Review here. You can also explore the discussion and insights on LinkedIn:
- Let’s continue making meaningful change—through creativity, collaboration, and conscious action.
