Recession leaves legacy of resource efficiency as North West businesses undergo major "thrift shift" 

The recession could leave a legacy of improved resource efficiency in the North West as businesses adopt an increasingly ‘thrifty’ mindset – that’s according to a new report published today by sustainability experts Envirowise.

The Envirowise Business Thrift Shift Report, which encompasses responses from more than 500 UK companies, reveals that three-quarters (75%) of respondents in the North West have developed a more detailed knowledge of their spending and resource use as a result of the recession. This includes everything from investment in raw materials, transport and energy, to staffing, equipment and professional services.

Reduction of spend on raw materials and consumables was the biggest area of cut back for the region’s companies (42%) with a large number also minimising their water, energy and transport use. And this ‘thrift shift’ is set to continue, with 95% of respondents expecting to be more careful about how they use their resources once recovery comes.

Nick Ward, Envirowise Regional Manager for the North West, said: “North West businesses have been facing some serious challenges as a result of the recession and this is perhaps reflected in the number of survey respondents reducing staff costs during this period (32%). However, it is also clear that for many companies this period of economic difficulty has stimulated a more resource-conscious mindset , galvanising environmental commitments that had perhaps been lower down the business agenda.

“We know from experience that resource efficiency goes hand-in-hand with profitability, so it is encouraging to see better management of raw materials, energy and water forming an important component of the business response to recession in the region.

“Such an approach does not only lead to financial savings; it can also equip businesses to face increasing levels of environmental legislation and provides an important competitive advantage as customers become more environmentally conscious. These companies are not only more likely to survive the recession in the short-term, but are also better placed to thrive when the economy begins to recover.”

Nationally, almost three-quarters of the 500 businesses surveyed (73%) had developed a more detailed knowledge of their spending and resource use as a result of the recession. The Envirowise Business Thrift Shift Report is available at www.envirowise.gov.uk/thriftshift2009.

Businesses can access free guidance and practical advice on resource efficiency by visiting www.envirowise.gov.uk or calling the Envirowise advice line on  0800 585794.