Mike Burks highlights SMEs' role in achieving net zero at Westminster dinner
On Tuesday, 20 May, Mike Burks, a Board Member of the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and Managing Director of the Gardens Group, delivered a keynote speech at a Westminster dinner to mark the start of Chelsea week.
The event, hosted by the Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT) on Monday, 19 May, was titled "Small Businesses, Big Impact: Unlocking the Potential of SMEs for Net Zero and Nature." Chaired by Toby Perkins MP, the Chair of the Environmental Audit Select Committee, the dinner brought together MPs, industry leaders, and HTA representatives to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs in contributing to national environmental goals.
Gardens Group's eco-friendly practices
Burks emphasized the significant role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in helping the UK achieve its Net Zero targets and enhance nature. He highlighted the Gardens Group's eco-friendly practices at its 3 garden centres, including the installation of solar panels, air source heat pumps, and biomass generators to reduce reliance on grid energy. The business also harvests rainwater to minimize mains water use and actively manages waste by collecting cardboard from local businesses for recycling and reuse.
The Gardens Group is committed to measuring and reducing its carbon footprint, continuously exploring innovative ways to reduce waste and expand recycled water capacity. Burks' dedication to environmental work in the garden industry was recognized last year when he was awarded the prestigious Pearson Memorial Medal for his outstanding contributions and leadership in the sector.
It’s important to take a first step
Burks commented “I quite often hear people say that the scale of the environmental and sustainability challenge is so great that they don’t know where to start. But my belief is that no matter where we each start from, it’s important to take a first step so that collectively we can make a huge difference.
“Having the opportunity to take that message, the voice of horticulture, to the heart of Westminster and speak about how small businesses can support nature and the environment, was a privilege.”
The event provided a platform for policymakers to hear directly from the sector on how environmental horticulture SMEs are already contributing to environmental targets and the support needed to accelerate this impact across the UK.
The HTA is a committed supporter of the work of the IPT, an independent, non-lobbying, and non-partisan charity, supported by parliamentarians from both Houses of Parliament and business, aimed at educating those involved.