Students give eight recommendations to help sausage maker Heck reach net zero

The students have produced a report, which gives eight recommendations for Heck, including investment in renewable energy as well as continuing with plastic reduction and working with innovative companies in its supply chain.

Debbie Keeble, co-founder of Heck, said: “Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have been responsible for around 70 per cent of the world's pollution and nearly 17 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

"The work that the team at the University of York completed has helped us develop a long-term strategy, which acknowledges its role in preventing the worst effects of climate change, but also helps us to adapt to the new reality that climate change will produce in the near future.”

NatWest’s recent A Springboard to Sustainable Recovery report, published in November 2022, also highlights the key role that SMEs can play in decarbonisation, while shining a light on the opportunities for growth in the journey to net-zero.

NatWest’s figures suggest that meeting net zero targets brings opportunity to boost the Yorkshire and North East economy by up to £33bn between now and 2030.

“Tackling climate change is not only good for the planet and the communities we work in, but makes good business sense too, so we’re delighted to support Heck’s ambitions to reach net zero,” said Fiona Runcorn from Nat West. “It was great to meet the team and students to discuss the key recommendations.”