NEWS
4 APRIL 2025 ASIAN TRADER 7
NEWS
“Sustainability” often conjures
images of hemp shopping bags,
recycled packaging, and
perhaps a slight premium on
prices. But what if I told you
going green could save your
business money?
This isn’t wishful thinking;
it’s the reality uncovered in the
latest episode of Bira’s “High
Street Matters” podcast. What
struck me most while listening
to “Greening the High Street –
Smart Solutions for Sustainable
Retail” wasn’t the environmen-
tal benefits but the compelling
business case for sustainability.
An outdated refrigeration
unit can consume 30% more
energy than its modern
counterpart. That’s cold, hard
cash evaporating from your
business every month.
Victoria Robertshaw, founder
of Green Street, mentions a
business in Newcastle who
saved hundreds of pounds
annually just by replacing an
old fridge with an energy-ef-
cient model. These aren’t
insignificant sums for
independent retailers
operating on tight margins.
Victoria calls this phenome-
non “sustainability paralysis”
- businesses that want to
change but are stuck, over-
whelmed by conflicting advice
and do nothing at all.
What makes this podcast
episode particularly valuable is
its practical approach. It’s not
preaching environmental
virtue; it’s outlining a business
strategy that happens to benefit
the planet.
Take Keith Hunt’s ze-
ro-waste shop in Minehead,
“Our Precious Earth.” His
business isn’t thriving despite
being sustainable but because
of it. Last quarter’s takings
exceeded his entire previous
year’s revenue. Why? Because
he’s tapped into a growing
consumer demand while
running a more efcient
operation.
The timing couldn’t be more
critical. With recent budget
changes and ever-rising energy
costs, retailers need every
advantage they can get. LED
lighting, proper insulation, and
smarter heating strategies
aren’t just green initiatives -
they’re competitive advantages
in a challenging market.
Then there’s the incoming
legislation. From March,
businesses with ten or more
employees will legally need to
separate recycling and food
waste. Getting ahead of these
requirements isn’t just good
citizenship - it’s smart planning
that prevents costly last-min-
ute scrambles.
But perhaps the most
compelling insight from the
podcast is about customer
expectations. Victoria points
out that while customers may
not notice (or care) if you have
solar panels on your roof, they
absolutely notice single-use
plastics. It’s one of the top
consumer concerns in retail
experiences today.
What we’re witnessing isn’t
just a trend; it’s a fundamental
shift in how successful retail
operates. The businesses that
thrive will be those that
recognise sustainability not as a
cost centre but as a profit driver.
The question for independ-
ent retailers isn’t whether to
embrace sustainability but how
quickly they can implement
these measures before their
competitors do.
In his regular column, Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre surveys the
damage done to retail so far in 2025
Going Green Isn’t Just Good for the
Going Green Isn’t Just Good for the
Planet, It’s Good for Business Too
Planet, It’s Good for Business Too
Vimto maker Nichols
Vimto maker Nichols
sees profit rise
sees profit rise
Nichols posted higher sales and profit
figures for last years despite of
challenging market and evolving
regulatory requirements.
In 12 months to 31 December, it
reported a 1.2% increase in revenue to
£172.8m. Its core packaged business
performed well, with revenue
increasing by 4.4%.
This was largely driven by strong
performance within its UK division,
where revenues increased by 6.3% on
the back of product innovation,
marketing and distribution gains.
Focus on cost management saw
adjusted operating profit increasing
by 14.6% to £28.9m, with margin
improving to 16.7%.
Asda’s profits climb
Asda’s profits climb
despite sales decline
despite sales decline
Despite a decline in annual sales Asda
still saw profits rise.
The supermarket said its revenue
for the year to 31 December 2024
declined by 0.8% to £21.7bn, while
like-for-like sales (excluding fuel) were
lower by 3.4%. Asda grew adjusted
EBITDA after rent by 5.8% to £1.14bn,
driven by improved gross margins,
particularly in non-food reflecting the
strength and scale of its George
business, as well as a full year of profit
from the 356 Asda Express conveni-
ence stores and forecourt sites
acquired from EG Group.
Gander partnership for
Gander partnership for
inventory management
inventory management
Trust and Gander are unveiling a
strategic partnership set to transform
inventory management and mark-
down processes in grocery and
convenience retail.
It integrates Gander’s advanced
markdown solution with Trust’s
inventory management and ePOS
systems. The partnership aims to
empower retailers by reducing food
waste, optimising markdown
strategies, and increasing revenue
from previously under-utilised stock.
Price reductions logged in real
time will sync directly with the ePOS
system and markdown platform.
Once a reduced item is sold it will
be automatically removed from the
inventory list, ensuring accurate stock
visibility.
By Andrew
Goodacre, CEO
of Bira (British
Independent
Retailers
Association)