An overview of small business sentiment by Joanna Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance

Manufacturing SMEs are operating in an environment defined by rising costs, supply chain uncertainty and geopolitical instability. Yet despite these pressures, sustainability is becoming more embedded in how these businesses operate.

Compared with 2019, when net zero targets were first introduced, 36% of manufacturing SMEs say they now undertake more sustainability-related activity in their day-to-day operations — the highest across any sector. A further 22% say sustainability is now more strategically embedded in their business culture, supported by clearer planning and internal processes.

This highlights a central tension for manufacturing SMEs: while sustainability is increasing in importance, businesses are balancing it against mounting operational and financial pressures.

Sustainability is rising – but under pressure 

It is against this broader backdrop that sustainability is being shaped within manufacturing SMEs.

It is perhaps then, unsurprising that findings from our Spring 2026 sustainability research show that 78% of small businesses in the manufacturing sector say that operational, economic and market conditions are a key challenge when considering their sustainability goals. This underlines how closely sustainability is now linked to the commercial realities of running a business in the sector, rather than sitting as a separate or longer-term agenda.

However, in more positive news, when asked how their view of sustainability has changed over time, 96% of manufacturing SMEs say sustainability is now more important to their business than it was a year ago, highlighting a near-universal shift in how the issue is being viewed across the sector. 

Within this context, sustainability is increasingly being viewed through a pragmatic lens — not as an additional responsibility, but as part of how businesses manage efficiency, resilience and cost control in an unstable environment. Rather than sitting outside core operations, 36% of businesses in the sector say that it is core to business culture and planning, while a further 32% say that they can see the business benefits of being more sustainable and are doing small practical things to improve sustainability.

A practical and commercial driver of change

Rather than being seen as a cost burden, sustainability is increasingly linked to commercial opportunity and competitiveness.

Nationally, 23% of manufacturing SMEs say they would win more business by being more sustainable, while 18% believe they risk losing customers if they fail to meet expectations. This reinforces the growing link between sustainability performance and market position.

However, the ability to act depends heavily on practicality. When asked what would help turn sustainability intentions into action, 32% of SMEs say understanding tangible cost-saving benefits would make the biggest difference — the highest across all sectors. A further 26% say they need simple, practical guidance from government, local authorities or industry bodies, while 23% would value learning from other small businesses.

There is also a forward-looking commercial dimension. 19% say they would be more likely to act if sustainability helped them diversify into new markets, showing how closely environmental decisions are tied to growth strategy.

Cost pressures are shaping what’s possible

Despite this momentum, manufacturers continue to face significant challenges that shape what is possible in practice.

Looking ahead to 2026, 78% of SMEs cite operational and market pressures as a key challenge, while 42% highlight broader economic and political uncertainty. Financial concerns remain particularly strong, with 45% pointing to rising inflation and interest rates, 39% to rising energy costs, and 28% to both government policy impacts and fuel cost pressures. A further 28% cite supply chain risks alongside growing pressure to improve green credentials.

These challenges underline a central tension: sustainability is becoming more important, but it must be delivered within a highly constrained operating environment.

Sustainability as part of everyday business decisions

Despite these pressures, the data shows that sustainability is becoming more embedded in how manufacturing SMEs operate on a day-to-day basis. 32% of manufacturing SMEs are focusing on improving policies and facilities around packaging, waste and recycling, while an equal 32% are prioritising creating a positive impact in their immediate community. These actions reflect a focus on efficiency and local responsibility rather than large-scale transformation.

Energy use is another key priority. 23% of manufacturing SMEs are reviewing energy consumption across their premises — including water, heating and renewable energy — a figure significantly above the national average of 14%. Alongside this, 20% are investing in more sustainable equipment and infrastructure, while 17% are switching to greener forms of transport. Taken together, these actions suggest that sustainability is being delivered through incremental improvements embedded within existing business processes.

Sustainability shaped by customers and business relationships

One of the most notable findings is where influence is coming from. Sustainability in manufacturing SMEs is increasingly being shaped by customers and close business relationships rather than top-down regulation.

A third of manufacturing SMEs (33%) say their customers are the biggest influence on their sustainability approach — the highest across all sectors. This highlights how strongly customer expectations are now shaping business behaviour.

Alongside this, 30% cite business partners and 29% say staff and colleagues are key influences. This shows that sustainability is being shaped within everyday commercial relationships, rather than being driven externally in isolation. Personal influence also plays a role, with 18% citing partners and 17% referencing their children as influencing their approach to sustainability.

What emerges from the research is not a sector treating sustainability as a separate initiative, but one steadily embedding it into how business decisions are made.

For UK manufacturing SMEs, sustainability is increasingly defined by efficiency, cost control and customer expectations rather than environmental ambition alone. It is being shaped by operational pressure, reinforced through commercial relationships, and delivered through incremental change rather than large-scale transformation.

Importantly, this does not represent a slowdown in ambition. Instead, it reflects a more practical and grounded approach — where sustainability is becoming part of how manufacturing SMEs operate, compete and grow.

Supporting SMEs to turn intent into action

Through this research — and our ongoing podcast conversations with small business owners across the UK — sustainability is not about perfection. For many SMEs, it is about practical steps, steady progress and finding workable solutions in a complex environment.

At Novuna Business Finance, our focus is on listening to these needs and helping businesses turn intent into action. While many SMEs want to do more on sustainability, challenges such as access to finance, clarity on requirements and uncertainty around where to start can slow progress.

We help break this down into achievable steps, support investment in efficiency and sustainability-led improvements, and give businesses the confidence to act in a way that works commercially as well as environmentally.

Novuna Business Finance provides business finance to SMEs and larger corporations across the UK, including asset finance, stocking, block discounting and sustainable project finance delivered through brokers, vendors, manufacturers and directly to businesses.

With an asset portfolio of more than £1.9bn, the business operates across sectors including transport, agriculture, construction and manufacturing and was awarded Best Leasing and Asset Finance Provider at the 2025 Business Moneyfacts Awards.

Its Sustainable Project Finance team is also supporting the development of energy and transport infrastructure projects that are critical to the decarbonisation of the UK economy. To discover more visit: https://www.novuna.co.uk/business-finance/

Falken Tyre Europe GmbH (Falken) is launching a new chapter with its Adventure Camp initiative, placing the FALKEN WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA all‑terrain tyre at the centre of real‑world testing. The Falken Adventure Camp New York State will take place from 28 May to 7 June 2026, guiding participants through a variety of landscapes and road conditions across the State of New York. Interested participants can apply until 31 March 2026 via the campaign website www.falken-adventure.com.

The Falken WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA is designed for drivers who regularly switch between urban traffic, country roads and unpaved routes. The aim of the camp is to make this transition tangible and to demonstrate how an all‑terrain tyre performs both on everyday journeys and in more demanding off‑road environments.

The Falken WILDPEAK A/T AT3WA enters the Adventure Camp with strong credentials: in the Auto Motor und Sport off‑road tyre test (September 2025), it took first place overall, outperforming six other all‑terrain models. The tyre delivered particularly impressive results on loose surfaces, offering short braking distances, stable lateral grip and high traction across a range of terrains.

The planned routes link urban areas with expansive natural landscapes including forests, gravel tracks, remote trails and open countryside. The tour is intended to demonstrate how modern mobility and nature‑focused exploration can complement one another. The camp’s approach deliberately avoids extreme off‑road scenarios, instead highlighting real‑world driving situations in which an all‑terrain tyre can showcase its versatility.

With initiatives such as the Adventure Camp, Falken aims to make its marketing activities more experience‑driven. Rather than presenting products in isolation, the intention is to make them tangible in real‑life scenarios. In doing so, Falken seeks to highlight the strengths of its products while creating opportunities to experience their performance first‑hand.

17 February 2026 – GWM UK has handed over a new GWM POER300 Ultra pick-up to NFU Scotland (NFUS), supporting the organisation’s day-to-day operations across the country and marking the newly launched GWM–NFU Scotland affinity programme. The partnership gives NFU Scotland members access to exclusive discounts on the POER300 range, as part of the Union’s ongoing work to secure practical, cost-saving benefits for farming and crofting businesses.

Supplied by Scottish GWM retailer A F Noble, the vehicle was officially handed over with Steven Cooper from A F Noble and Alan Coyle, Regional Sales Manager at GWM UK, in attendance. The pick-up was received on behalf of NFU Scotland by Jackie Saunders and Tom Graham.

The POER300 will be used as a shared vehicle by NFU Scotland staff, supporting activities such as attending agricultural events, towing equipment, visiting farms and rural businesses, and transporting equipment across Scotland. It will also be used by the organisation’s Chief Executive when attending official functions. The new pick-up replaces a previous vehicle in the NFUS fleet.

Finished in Crystal Black, the GWM POER300 Ultra is fitted with a modular canopy and towbar with ball and pin, making it well-suited to the varied demands of NFU Scotland’s work. The vehicle also features NFU Scotland branding, including official NFUS decals and a QR code directing users to NFUS membership sign-up.

The POER300 has been added to NFU Scotland’s fleet as part of the organisation’s participation in GWM UK’s affinity programme, reflecting its role as the programme’s first partner.

Alan Coyle, Regional Sales Manager at GWM UK, said: “We’re delighted to see NFU Scotland take delivery of the POER300 and put it straight to work supporting their operations across the country. The POER300 is designed to meet the real-world demands of farming and rural life, and NFU Scotland is a natural partner for GWM as we continue to grow our presence in the UK. This handover is a great example of how our affinity programme brings practical benefits to trusted organisations and their members.”

Jackie Saunders, Member Services Manager at NFU Scotland, said: “The POER300 has been selected to support NFU Scotland’s operational needs, including travel to events, farm visits and towing equipment across Scotland. Through our affinity partnership with GWM, we’re pleased to be able to highlight this vehicle to members as an option available through the scheme.”

GWM and NFU Scotland Affinity Programme
The launch of the POER300 pick-up represents a key opportunity for GWM to broaden its appeal, particularly within the farming and agricultural community. GWM’s ‘Get a Truckload More’ marketing campaign has helped establish the brand as a distinctive new entrant in the UK pick-up market, and the affinity programme builds on this momentum.

NFU Scotland is the first official partner in GWM UK’s affinity programme, which provides the NFUS members with access to information and offers associated with the POER300 as part of a wider range of vehicle options. Additional affinity partners will be announced over the coming months as GWM continues to strengthen awareness and sales opportunities across the UK.

About NFU Scotland
At NFU Scotland, our mission is to support and promote our members to achieve a sustainable and profitable future for Scottish agriculture.

Formed in 1913, NFU Scotland is Scotland’s leading agricultural organisation, representing 9,000 farmers, crofters, growers and supporters across the country. NFUS works closely with sister organisations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as rural, business and consumer groups, to deliver on its purpose.

NFU Scotland keeps members informed on major policy and legislative issues affecting their businesses, supported by 52 Group Secretaries, 10 regions, and 72 local branches. The organisation also provides strong political representation, lobbying the Scottish Government, Westminster and European institutions to ensure the voice of Scottish agriculture is heard.

With a high public profile and hundreds of media engagements each year, NFU Scotland continues to influence public opinion and champion the interests of Scottish farmers.

Founded in 1914 as Quay Garage Co. Ltd, the business has remained in the same family since 1932 and has served the South Hams community for more than 110 years. Over the decades, the dealership has built a strong reputation for dependable service, expert repairs, and customer care.

Now operating from modern premises on Higher Union Road, Quay Auto Centre offers customers in Kingsbridge and the surrounding areas access to the full KGM range. This includes the flagship Rexton 7-seater SUV, multi-award-winning Musso pick-up, compact Tivoli, and family-ready Korando, along with the all-new Actyon and Torres Hybrids, and electric Torres EVX.

Michael Trembath, Dealer Principal at Quay Auto Centre, said: “We’re proud to represent KGM and to bring such a dynamic, capable range of vehicles to our customers in South Devon. Our long-standing history in the town is built on quality service and local trust. Values we see reflected in the KGM brand. We’re excited for this next chapter in our journey and for all customers, new and old, to come and see the KGM range for themselves.”

The appointment of Quay Auto Centre comes as KGM UK continues to expand its nationwide presence and product line-up. Following its rebrand from SsangYong in January 2024, KGM has launched an exciting portfolio of new models, including the striking Actyon, a bold, coupe-inspired SUV available exclusively in high-spec K50 trim, and the first model launched under the KGM name as part of the brand’s 70th anniversary.

Kevin Griffin, Managing Director at KGM Motors UK, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Quay Auto Centre to the KGM family. Their long-standing service to the community and proven track record makes them a valuable addition to our network. Their appointment strengthens our coverage in the South West and ensures more customers can experience the quality, value and practicality KGM vehicles offer.”

For more information or to book a test drive, visit: www.kgm-motors.co.uk

Road safety and breakdown recovery specialist GEM Motoring Assist is urging drivers to get their cars winter‑ready, as cold, wintry conditions bring a higher risk of breakdowns and difficult driving over the coming days. ​ 

Met Office yellow warnings for snow and ice are in force across parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern and eastern England, with icy stretches also expected in some eastern counties further south¹. Forecasters say an Arctic maritime air mass is bringing colder air southwards, with rain, sleet and snow creating slippery surfaces and the risk of travel disruption, particularly on higher routes and untreated roads.

GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst says a little preparation now can prevent a lot of inconvenience later. “Cold weather puts real strain on a car’s 12‑volt battery, and its ability to hold charge drops significantly as temperatures fall,” he said.

“That means it may be at its weakest just when you need it most, so it makes sense to carry out a few simple checks before you set off.

“It is also important to stay tuned to the latest weather forecasts, as conditions can change quickly over short distances. Snow in particular is difficult to predict with precision, so an area with only a low risk in the morning could see heavier falls or icy surfaces by later in the day.

“By checking updated forecasts and travel advice before your journey, you can hopefully avoid the worst of the weather and make the right decision on whether, when and how to travel.”

Keep on top of the cold:
GEM’s five checks for motorists facing wintry conditions: 

• Check your battery age and condition; consider a test or replacement if it’s more than five years old. ​ 
• Inspect tyres for tread and pressures so they can grip properly on cold, wet or icy roads. ​ 
• Top up screenwash and make sure wipers and lights are clean and working well. ​
• Allow extra time, reduce your speed and increase following distances on icy or untreated roads. ​ 
• Pack warm clothing, a fully charged mobile phone and a scraper or de‑icer for every journey. ​ 

Manchester, Nov. 3, 2025 –Scopism, a global leader in Service Integration and Management (SIAM) best practices, today announced the release of the Global SIAM Survey 2025 White Paper. The eighth annual report, sponsored by Stefanini, was launched and presented by a panel at the Scopism Service North Conference in Manchester, UK, and provides unrivalled insights into SIAM adoption, maturity, and emerging trends worldwide.

The survey continues to track the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on SIAM models. Results show that while reported use of AI in SIAM models overall has remained stable, AI adoption within specific areas, such as incident management, has increased significantly, with 85% of organizations now reporting AI use. At the same time, respondents noted that challenges around integration (74% of respondents), cost (64%) and data privacy (50%) remain major considerations.

This year’s white paper also explores:

• Expected benefits, challenges and timelines for organizations planning to adopt SIAM.
• Adoption journeys, structures, benefits achieved, and lessons learned among organizations already using SIAM.
• Insights into client expectations, challenges and the skills required to deliver SIAM successfully from SIAM consultancy and solution providers.

The 2025 survey paints a detailed picture of the evolving SIAM sector by gathering responses from 232 participants from a diverse array of industries and organizations across 34 countries.

Claire Agutter, the founder and director of Scopism said:  “The Global SIAM Survey continues to evolve alongside the community it represents. This year’s results show both the growing maturity of SIAM practices and the real challenges organizations face in adopting new technologies such as AI.  We are delighted to work with Stefanini to bring these insights to practitioners worldwide, helping them to learn from each other and advance their SIAM journeys.” 

“2026 will see SIAM continue to evolve and mature,” Claire added, “SIAM practices will need to incorporate the growing adoption of experience management, and there will also be a much tighter focus on the return on investment for AI spend, looking at the value that AI and automation are delivering across the supplier ecosystem. We expect MSPs to respond to these trends with an increased focus on SIAM-related products and ‘SIAM as a service’ offerings. SIAM adoption will continue to grow around the globe, with North America experiencing rapid increases.”

Stefanini sponsored the eighth edition of the Global SIAM Survey, which continues to provide unrivalled insights into SIAM adoption, maturity and emerging trends worldwide. 

“At Stefanini, we believe SIAM is critical to enabling organizations to deliver consistent, integrated services in complex multi-supplier environments,” said Farlei Kothe, CEO at Stefanini North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific. “The 2025 survey highlights how AI and automation are reshaping SIAM adoption, but also reminds us that success requires strong governance and collaboration. We are proud to support the global SIAM community with insights that drive meaningful progress.”

The Global SIAM Survey 2025 White Paper is now available to download at 

https://bit.ly/ScopismSurvey2025

But one of the country’s leading experts in this area says there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself. 

Outlining the best ways to ensure you stay damp free this Autumn, George Edwards, Managing Director of Timberwise, said: “The key starting point is understanding the causes of condensation in your home or property. Once you’ve done that, there are a number of sure-fire things you can do to combat the issue.”

Explaining how and why condensation can become an issue, Mr Edwards continued: “Put simply, condensation is a problem caused by humid air created in a property which is not safely ventilated. The moisture within that warm air turns into a gas which reverts into its original liquid form when it hits a cool surface, such as windows, walls, shelves, or even a TV screen.

“If this moisture isn’t removed from the property through adequate ventilation, it can lead to potentially harmful damp and mould issues.”

Outlining what actually works in tackling the problem, Mr Edwards added: “There are lots of myths out there about dealing with condensation, such as rubbing vinegar on windows,  but these don’t tackle the issue at its source.

These old wives tales should be avoided. Things that will actually help include condensation bags which can be used near windows to absorb moisture and prevent water beading. 

“But these aren’t a long-lasting solution. A permanent fix needs to consider both where the moisture is being created and how it’s being removed. The key is to reduce the amount of moist warm air in the property and ensure effective ventilation. There is a belief that blocked air vents cause condensation, but the opposite is true, blocked vents actually stop moist air from escaping, worsening the issue.”

Here, Mr Edwards shares his top five tips in dealing with condensation. 

1. Ventilate regularly

Ensure windows are opened regularly, especially in moisture-heavy rooms like bathrooms and kitchens. Using trickle vents or extractor fans is one of the most effective ways to let moist air escape.

2. Use condensation bags (as a short-term measure)

These can help reduce visible moisture near windows, but are not a long-term solution unless paired with proper ventilation.

3. Dry clothes outdoors or use a tumble dryer

Avoid drying clothes indoors on radiators, as this releases a large amount of moisture into the air. If you must dry indoors, use a well-ventilated room or a dehumidifier.

4. Keep furniture away from cold external walls

Leaving a gap between furniture and walls improves air circulation and prevents moisture from getting trapped in dark, cool corners — a common spot for mould growth.

5. Keep heating consistent

Sudden drops in temperature can cause surfaces to become cold quickly, increasing the chance of condensation forming. Keeping your heating on at a lower, consistent temperature helps reduce this risk.

For more information and free advice, visit www.timberwise.co.uk

Point S International successfully hosted TBR business specialists from across its European and African network at Le Mans Bugatti during the FIA European Truck Racing Championship. The focused gathering brought together expertise from 12 countries to advance the network’s commercial vehicle tyre capabilities and strengthen partnerships within the rapidly expanding truck tyre sector.

The initiative leveraged Point S’s partnerships with leading TBR manufacturers, including Goodyear, to provide network specialists with enhanced insights into commercial vehicle solutions. Participants from Albania, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Morocco, Portugal, Romania, and Spain engaged in intensive discussions about market trends, customer needs, and product developments in the truck tyre segment.

“Our network continues to strengthen its position in the commercial vehicle sector,” said Fabien Bouquet, CEO at Point S International. “Bringing our TBR specialists together at Le Mans provided an excellent opportunity to deepen our technical expertise while celebrating our partnerships with leading manufacturers in the industry.”

The Le Mans gathering featured structured sessions where specialists shared regional market insights, discussed emerging customer requirements in the commercial vehicle sector, and explored technical developments in truck tyre solutions. The diverse representation from European and African markets provided valuable perspectives on regional variations in fleet needs and service approaches.

The event reinforced Point S International’s commitment to developing expertise in commercial vehicle solutions while strengthening collaboration between network members. As truck fleets increasingly demand high-performing, reliable tyre solutions, the knowledge sharing fostered at Le Mans positions the network’s specialists to better serve these evolving market requirements.

“Technical expertise and market understanding are fundamental to success in the TBR sector,” added Fabien Bouquet. “Events like Le Mans allow our specialists to exchange knowledge and build the collaborative relationships that drive excellence in commercial vehicle services across our network.”

The Point S International network serves millions of customers globally through its comprehensive tyre and automotive service offerings, with over 6,772 Points of Sale present in 51 countries worldwide, employing more than 31,700 people.

London, United Kingdom; 23 September 2025: The innovative design and advanced technologies of the Farizon SV have proved their worth as a small fleet of the born-electric vans achieved exceptional efficiency during a nationwide real-world rally at the start of the month.

From 1 – 5 September, three Farizon SVs were driven by journalists, prospective customers and fleet managers in this year’s GREENFLEET Explorer EV Rally. Covering an average of 1,043 miles each, the all-new Farizon SV was put through its paces between prescribed daily start, finish and checkpoint stops. The circuitous route started in Newquay, Cornwall and took the rally participants onto motorways, trunk roads, rural and urban routes as it skirted the Dorset and Hampshire coasts, crossed Kent, the East Midlands, Suffolk, the West Midlands, the Peak District and finished in Knutsford, Cheshire.

Data from an independent telematics provider that monitored each of the vans throughout the rally showed that the largest variant of the SV, the L3H3 with a 106kWh battery, exceeded its official WLTP efficiency rating by 9.7%, achieving 2.402 mi/kWh across the five-day event. The L2H2 variant of the SV, fitted with a 83kWh battery, exceeded its official efficiency rating by 1.5%, and the L1H1 on the event posted efficiency within 7.25% of its official homologated numbers.

The results are even more remarkable given that the vans were far from empty during the rally. One van powered a fridge for the duration of the event, running from the SV’s 3.3kW vehicle-to-load sockets in the rear load area. Another was fitted with a Sortimo bespoke racking system, while a third was carrying bulky event kit. Each van had participants’ luggage and a mixture of two or three people on board. The Farizon SV exceeded expectations, despite carrying these significant loads over challenging terrain through adverse weather.

“People are used to taking the official range and efficiency stats with a pinch of salt, so I’m very proud that the data collected demonstrates just how efficient the Farizon SV is in the real-world, on real roads and with realistic loads in the back, all with multiple drivers throughout the test period”, said Calum James, General Manager of Farizon UK. “This validation of the SV’s operational efficiency will instil even greater confidence among our customers. The resulting message is clear: the SV will deliver for businesses, day after day.”

The born-electric Farizon SV was developed from a clean-sheet to be the most efficient medium/large 3.5-tonne van in the world. This efficiency is achieved partly through a strategy to minimise the kerb weight. With advanced materials for the body and chassis, innovative by-wire controls, energy-dense batteries, cell-to-pack battery packaging, and even a low-mass wheel design, the SV is 38.5kg lighter than its competitors, and is the lightest van in its class. Further efficiency is achieved through an aerodynamically optimised body design (drag coefficient of just Cd 0.29), liquid cooling and heating to keep batteries at ideal operating temperatures, and an advanced motor that delivers up to 94.2% efficiency.

The SV’s all-electric official WLTP range is up to 342 miles (city), and up to 247 miles (combined), depending on model and battery. Brisk performance comes from peak power of 170 kW (231 PS) and maximum torque of 336 Nm, which deliver responsive performance even when fully laden.

DATA TABLE (source: telematics data recorded by Pace Technology)

In the UK, Farizon is represented by Jameel Motors UK, a leading provider of mobility solutions and partner of choice to top automotive brands. Jameel Motors is building on 80 years of automotive excellence as a distributor and mobility solutions provider.