SMEs and environmental practices: a study of the UK-based manufacturing SMEs sector

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluating environmental practices of UK-based manufacturing SMEs stipulated by market pressures and post Great Recession business environment. Design/methodology/approach: A mixed methods research strategy, consisting of a survey of 104 manufacturing SMEs located in the UK, complemented by 17 in-depth interviews with senior management representatives from this survey group. Findings: The survey suggests there is relatively less impact by the Great Recession of 2008 on environmental practices by manufacturing SMEs compared with other competitive priorities that inform business strategy. The determinants of change include cost in both negative and positive senses, customer expectation, energy efficiency and effective solutions to waste management. Research limitations/implications: The sample of surveyed participants was relatively small to draw statistical conclusions on differences in environmental practices within different sub-sectors of manufacturing SMEs. A healthy number of informative, in-depth interviews providing rich insight into the shifting priorities for the sector compensated for this. Practical implications: The study offers an insight to manufacturing SME managers on the value and challenges of implementing green manufacturing. Originality/value: The paper builds on established SMEs and green manufacturing theoretical paradigms and points to the increased implementation of environmentally friendly practices within the manufacturing SMEs sector