UK Net-Zero Consultancy Built for Real Business
Helping UK businesses measure, reduce and report carbon, with the expertise and standards alignment your stakeholders expect. We're not just a report provider. We're your Sustainability Team for the long term.
Committed to UK business, government and our communities.
Sustainable Business Services is committed to helping UK businesses build a sustainable, low-carbon future. Not just through compliance, but through genuine understanding, action and long-term impact.
We firmly believe that environmental sustainability, business growth and health and wellbeing go hand in hand. That's why we work as a partner, not just a provider.
What we deliver for clients
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250+Businesses SupportedThrough direct contracts and funded regional programmes across the UK.
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90%+Client RetentionClients choose to extend and deepen their partnership as sustainability becomes embedded across their business.
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5+Years in BusinessBuilt from the ground up in 2020, with 15 years of sector experience behind us.
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5★Client SatisfactionConsistently rated 5 stars across Google and independent client reviews.
Our values.
Four principles that shape how we work with every business on their net-zero journey.
Simplicity
Using our market expertise and leading carbon footprint software, we analyse your business, simplify your strategy, and put you first. No jargon, no complexity.
See our approach →Accountability
Focused on you as our customer, our dedicated Sustainability Team means we are accountable for delivering measurable actions and verified results. Not reports that sit in a drawer.
Value
Working as an extension of your business, we focus on delivering genuine lifetime value. Not reports that sit in a drawer, but strategies that reduce costs, win tenders and build resilience.
Environment
We partner with businesses to lead the way toward a sustainable, low-carbon, profitable future. Aligned to GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, SBTi and UK SRS standards.
The idea takes shape
James Staniforth founds SBS following a 15-year career in utilities, telecoms and the business water market. Working across thousands of UK businesses, he had watched companies generate significant environmental impact without the tools or language to understand or reduce it. James spends the time building SBS from the ground up: gaining qualifications in carbon footprinting, ISO 14064 and climate leadership, registering the company and building the digital infrastructure.
First client. Proof of concept.
SBS signs its first client and begins delivering carbon footprinting and net-zero strategy for UK SMEs. That client is still with SBS today. The model (working as a dedicated sustainability team within your business, not just producing a report) is established from day one.
Standards, partnerships and scale
SBS is appointed as Expert in Residence at BIPC North East, providing free sustainability consultations to North East businesses. SBS becomes a BSI Associate Consultant and NQA Associate Partner, embedding ISO 14064 and ISO 14068 verification into the core programme. Geoffrey Idun PIEMA (IEMA Practitioner, Goldman Sachs sustainability consultant) joins as Principal Sustainability Consultant.
Growing the team
Leanne Staniforth joins SBS as Operations Director to help manage the growing client base and ensure consistently high standards of delivery. All SBS staff complete Carbon Literacy training, ensuring every client interaction is grounded in genuine environmental understanding, not just process.
Recognition, scale and national profile
SBS is shortlisted for NECC Green Innovation Business of the Year (2024) and wins Startup & Grow Business of the Year (2025) at The Glasshouse, Gateshead. Offices established in Newcastle and York. Over 250 businesses supported across direct contracts and funded programmes. Selected for the Small Business Britain GreenGrowth100 (2026), recognising SBS as one of just 100 UK businesses driving sustainability as a core growth strategy.
A UK-wide Sustainability Team
SBS now supports businesses across construction, haulage, professional services, healthcare and education, delivering credible, certified net-zero programmes aligned to GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, ISO 14068, SBTi and UK SRS. We embed into businesses as a dedicated Sustainability Team, retained year after year because we deliver real, measurable value.
Your sustainability journey may cost less than you think.
SBS has delivered funded sustainability programmes in partnership with local authorities, combined authorities and business support bodies. Eligible SMEs in certain regions may be able to access our expertise at no cost.
BIPC North East: Expert in Residence
SBS has been appointed as an Expert in Residence with the Business & IP Centre (BIPC) North East, providing free one-to-one sustainability consultations to eligible businesses through the BIPC network.
North of Tyne Combined Authority
SBS has delivered funded carbon footprinting and net-zero strategy programmes for North of Tyne businesses through NTCA-backed business support schemes. Ask us if your postcode qualifies.
Newcastle, Sunderland & Gateshead Councils
Working with Newcastle City Council, Sunderland City Council and Gateshead Council, SBS has supported local SMEs through Shared Prosperity Fund-backed sustainability programmes. Funded capacity may still be available.
Growing network of local authority partners
SBS is actively expanding its regional authority partnerships. Even if funded support isn't currently available in your area, we can flag upcoming programmes and notify you when they launch.
Tell us where you're based and what you're looking to achieve. We'll check what funded support is currently available and let you know your options. No obligation, no hard sell.
Award-winning sustainability support for UK SMEs.
NECC Award Startup & Grow Business of the Year winner 2025, shortlisted for Green Innovation 2024, and selected for the Small Business Britain GreenGrowth100 2026.
Meet the SBS team.
A small, specialist team with deep expertise across carbon accounting, environmental standards and sustainability strategy.
What our clients say.
Independently verified Google reviews from businesses on their net-zero journey with SBS.
James at Sustainable Business Services was brilliant in helping us start our sustainability journey. We knew we wanted to improve our carbon impact as a business and struggled to find answers as to how, until we talked with SBS. Very easy company to deal with and highly recommended services.
When we started on our objective to become a more sustainable and responsible business we quickly found ourselves lost and confused and we didn't know where to turn for genuine support. Then we found Sustainable Business Services and they were a real game changer! James talked us through the landscape and worked with us on our data collection, tracking, objectives, strategy and targets! We've since achieved amazing results that we couldn't have dreamed about prior to working with SBS! Thanks to James and the Team, you really are making the world a better place!
Standards-aligned. Independently recognised. Accountable.
Our work is backed by globally recognised certifications, responsible business pledges and verified environmental standards.
BSI Associate Consultant
ISO 14064 and PAS 2060 verified methodology. Working with the British Standards Institute to provide a credible, robust route to net-zero.
NQA Associate Partner
ISO 14064 and ISO 14068 certification pathway. NQA-backed verification for clients pursuing formal carbon neutrality accreditation.
Good Business Charter
Fair employment, ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility and transparency. Independently accredited.
Real Living Wage Employer
Every member of the SBS team earns above the real Living Wage, reflecting the true cost of living.
Cyber Essentials Certified
Government-backed cybersecurity standards. Client data managed safely and to recognised best practices.
SME Climate Hub & UN Race to Zero
Committed to halving emissions before 2030 and achieving net-zero before 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.
Aligned to the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals.
By supporting our clients to maximise their sustainability policy and process, we help meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. SBS works towards the SDGs both as an organisation and in supporting our clients to promote prosperity whilst protecting the planet.
www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment →Our environmental work.
We believe it is right to champion British business and environmental initiatives where possible. That commitment starts with us.
and counting
via SBS Nature
Ready to start your net-zero journey?
Speak to our team. No jargon, no pressure, just a straight conversation about where your business is and where you want to get to.
