If you’re looking for a way to grow your decorating business, then going green could be the way to go. Over the last few years, environmental and sustainability issues have gone from being a concern of the few to a worry of the many.
A recent UK Gov survey revealed that 90% of consumers wanted companies to be more environmentally friendly and that 4 out of 5 people are likely to choose a brand with a positive approach to sustainability. A Co-Op report from late 2019 reported that the UK’s green economy was worth over £40bn, rising four-fold since the millennium.
The trend for green consumerism is growing, and decorators who can show their green credentials can steal a march on their competitors and grow their decorating business. The big question is, how?
In this blog, John Palmer, founder of Decorators’ Forum’s insurance partner, Coversure Poole, outlines some of the ways painting and decorating firms can go green and grow.
Get An Electric Van
One of the easiest ways for a decorating business to go green is to switch to an electric vehicle or EV. Not so long along, the EVs were limited to milk floats and work lights and were about as practical. These days, thanks to demand from consumers for cleaner vehicles and governments forced to clean up their air, manufacturers including Ford, Nissan, Mercedes, and Renault to bring out electric vans.
This change will gift users of commercial vehicles significant benefits, including:
- Lower running costs – the Department of Transport estimates that the cost of charging a standard electric van such as a Nissan e-NV2000 is around £1.50, and on that, you’ll be able to drive for about 100 miles. Depending on what you are paying for diesel, it would cost you somewhere in the region of £12 to do the same. That’s a saving that will soon mount up
- Greater reliability – compared to a traditionally powered vehicle, EVs are simple machines and have greater levels of reliability. The less time your van is in for repair, the more time it can be earning you money
- Greater access – road charging for polluting vehicles is becoming more widespread. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) will cost you £12 to enter on top of the congestion charge. With more such zones being planned and with many having exemptions for zero-emission vehicles, this could be another great source of savings
- Lower insurance premiums – thanks to their simplicity and reliability, repair costs tend to be lower, and that could mean cheaper van insurance quotes
- A green brand message – as a decorator, your vehicle isn’t just your mode of transport; it’s a mobile advert. Being seen to be green by driving an electric van will boost your business’s green brand credentials and get you more work
Energy Efficient Appliances
Hot air guns, sprayers, and electric wallpaper streamers are all tools of your trade, and they can all be heavy on power usage. New models from brands like Porter-Cable, de Walt, and Wagner promise greater efficiency, which can reduce your business’s carbon footprint and lower power costs to customers.
Switch To Low Emission Paints/Primers
Low volatile organic compounds (VOC) paints and primers are becoming more readily available. High levels of VOC solvents contribute to the formation of pollution and reduce indoor air quality – something that’s not great for customers, especially if they are one of the 13m in the UK who have breathing difficulties. While there’s a lot of talk in the trade about them being difficult to work with, manufacturers such as Dulux offer support and advice on getting the best from them. Teknos have a great range of low VOC paints.
Carbon Offset
Once something only available to large corporations, carbon offset has become popular with businesses of all shapes and sizes. Prices range from £1-£50 a tonne, depending on what you’re looking to achieve. For many small businesses, this is a great way of becoming carbon neutral quickly without having to ditch the diesel and only use eco-friendly products.
Decorating: Green Is The New Black
As we can see, there are plenty of reasons to green and plenty of easy ways to begin making the change. As climate change continues to take effect, more and more consumers will be looking for decorators with green credentials, and those that can walk the walk could be laughing all the way to the bank.
John Palmer
Founder Coversure Poole Insurance Services Group
Like Cheaper Decorators Insurance?
If you’d like some more help saving money on your decorators, public liability, or van insurance, then please get in touch with Coversure Poole. We’ll be happy to give the benefit of our experience, and we can also offer you an exclusive Decorators’ Forum UK discount. You can call us on (01202) 801 782 or email Coversure Poole here.
Final Thoughts
I hope this blog on how to make your business green has helped. Not only will you be doing your little bit to save the planet, but your business will also benefit. Get ahead of your competition by getting your ethics in line.
PDS Marketing runs the National Painting and Decorating Show. Is this Green theme something you would like to develop and present to our Show attendees in out Build a Better Business section. The Show is on the 22nd and 23rd November in Coventry.
David
I started my business based on an eco foundation and whilst many customers are responsive to my ethics, a lot still don’t care or think it’s an expensive option (which it isnt when you are comparing with premium paints). But the point I wanted to make was that I did this because I care about people and the environment, not because I thought there was money in it. I think it’s great to see other people making the effort to be more environmentally responsible but I find it rather frustrating when a lot turn out to be doing it simply as a competitive edge without actually believing in it.