Firms take the lead in East Midlands green growth
More East Midlands businesses are getting sales from Green Goods and Services, while small and medium-sized firms have increased their green growth engagement in the last year. Headline findings from joint research published by East Midlands Chamber and the University of Derby.
The tenth annual Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands report reveals that more businesses are generating sales from Green Goods and Services. Engagement in environmentally sustainable economic growth has tripled among East Midlands firms since 2015.
Key findings include:
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Nearly half (46%) of East Midlands firms now earn revenue from Green Goods and Services, up 3% from 2024.
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Decarbonisation efforts have increased by 2.7% since last year, with 48.1% of firms now actively reducing carbon emissions. SMEs are leading the charge, with seven in ten medium-sized firms and half of small firms investing in decarbonisation.
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Fewer large businesses are engaged in green growth, dropping from 75% in 2024 to 40% in 2025, while small and medium enterprises are stepping up their involvement.
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Collaboration remains limited, with less than 10% of firms working together on green growth initiatives, and nearly half (46%) have never engaged in nature-based solutions.
Richard Blackmore, Director of Policy and Insight at East Midlands Chamber, said:
“The lift in the number of firms addressing sustainability goals shows East Midlands businesses are prioritising the journey toward net zero. Smaller and medium-sized firms are embracing the opportunities presented by decarbonisation strategies, from boosting reputation to reducing energy costs and preparing for a cleaner future.”
Dr Polina Baranova, Associate Professor of Strategy and Sustainability at Derby International Business School, added:
“Green growth is multifaceted and faces challenges such as market development for green products, investment in decarbonisation, and skills gaps. A stable and clear policy support is needed to encourage businesses to invest confidently in sustainable growth.”
The full Green Growth Trends in the East Midlands 2025 report is available here.
