#SustyTalk: How SMEs are forging ahead with sustainability in 2026

#SustyTalk: How SMEs are forging ahead with sustainability in 2026

The new episode of the edie Extra podcast is streaming now! Tune in as experts from Santander and Baxter Freight set out how SMEs can move beyond barriers to deliver sustainability actions that reap reputational and economic benefits. The UK is home to more than 5.5 million SMEs, accounting for more than half of the nation’s business-related emissions and employing 60% of the workforce. This makes them vital in shaping an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future. But many struggle to see their role and realise their opportunities due to challenges like a lack of expertise or finance. Wendy Whewell, head of sustainable solutions and finance within Santander’s corporate and commercial banking team, is joined by Tom Isler, associate director of innovation and sustainability at Baxter Freight, in this new and exclusive podcast conversation on overcoming these barriers. Your host for this episode is edie's content editor, Sarah George. More information on Santander's work with UK SMEs on sustainability can be found here: https://www.santander.co.uk/content/dam/sites/santander-uk-sustainability/resources/documents/SME%20Research%20one-pager.pdf

Live from edie 26: How can businesses unlock previously overlooked sustainability opportunities?

How are businesses responding to growing water-related risks? And are data centre developers taking the opportunity to drive down embodied carbon as artificial intelligence (AI) proliferates? Find out in the new edie Extra podcast. The latest edie Extra podcast is now streaming, featuring a new and exclusive live panel discussion which delves into the sustainability opportunities that many businesses may have missed when focusing on operational emissions – including water efficiency, water stewardship, and cutting embodied carbon. This discussion was recorded live at the edie 26 conference in central London in March 2026, where more than 950 ESG professionals and business leaders convened for two days of inspiration and co-creation. Grundfos’s sustainability director for industry, Therese Noorlander, and Airedale by Modine’s sustainability lead, Sophie Long, are in conversation in this episode, which is chaired by edie’s content editor Sarah George.

Live from edie 26: How can businesses make sustainability pay as cost pressures bite?

Customers are less likely to pay a ‘green premium’ for more sustainable products in a cost-of-living crisis. So, how can brands align environmental leadership and profitability? Find out in the new episode of the edie Extra podcast. The latest edie Extra podcast is now streaming, featuring a new and exclusive live panel discussion which delves into how purpose-led businesses can navigate inflationary pressures in 2026. This discussion was recorded live at the edie 26 conference in central London in March 2026, where more than 950 ESG professionals and business leaders convened for two days of inspiration and co-creation. Social entrepreneur Natalie Campbell and Gousto’s sustainability manager, Abigail Ryan, are in conversation in this episode, which is chaired by edie’s senior reporter Sidhi Mittal.

Live from edie 26: Will the UK’s accelerated energy transition be climate-resilient?

With seasons shifting and extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, are businesses and policymakers properly considering climate adaptation needs when deploying clean energy? Find out in this new podcast episode from edie. This discussion was recorded live at the edie 26 conference in central London in March 2026, where more than 950 ESG professionals and business leaders convened for two days of inspiration and co-creation. Zurich Resilience Solutions Energy UK’s head of strategic innovation, Sean Grundy, and Zurich Resilience Solutions’ climate resilience specialist, Daniel Keir, are in conversation for this episode, which is chaired by edie’s acting content editor Matilda Cox. The duo set out why resilience is key to delivering a revitalised, future-fit energy transition in the UK – and how achieving this involves coordinated action. Keir says: “Climate disruption is happening now. It's not a theoretical scenario in 2050 and beyond. “We know the core climate impacts and we know they're getting worse. But ultimately, there's not enough attention, action or investment happening on adaptation or resilience.”

Live from edie 26: What is the role of the sustainability department in 2026?

Is reporting and compliance taking up too much time? Should sustainability professionals be working to make themselves redundant? And what’s the most effective way to get finance and procurement teams to care about climate? Find out in this new podcast, which explores the role of the sustainability department and the skills that ESG professionals really need in 2026. This discussion was recorded live at the edie 26 conference in central London in March 2026, where more than 950 ESG professionals and business leaders convened for two days of inspiration and co-creation. Climate School’s Celli Lloyd and Hill Dickinson’s climate lead Dr Ariel Edesses are in conversation for this episode, which is chaired by edie’s content editor Sarah George.