Greening British Businesses: Small to Medium-sized Enterprises and the New Wave of the Environmental Social Movement

This research examines relationships between a new wave of radical green activism and increasing numbers of greening businesses in Britain. We examine the spread of the movement, through evidence on the formation of businesses that are implementing more environmentally sustainable practices. Our empirical data is drawn from both the supply side of the economy and the consumption sphere demand side. This is combined with UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, at the local authority level. Our analysis tests key individual level determinants (i.e. education, energy conscientiousness, localism) and area level determinants (such as party politics and population density). Our findings indicate the factors most important in determining the growth of the ethical marketplace. Additionally, we draw conclusions about relationships between environmental social movements and SME business sectors. Our results have implications for research on ethical business development and consumerism, as well as literature on social movements and political geography