Local community farm - Redberth Croft CIC has been selected as a finalist for the first-ever ‘Green Growth Awards’, a new national competition recognising small businesses leading the way in embracing sustainability to innovate and drive business growth.

Launched by Small Business Britain, in partnership with BT, the inaugural Green Growth Awards will award two sustainability grants of £5,000 to two small businesses that have successfully boosted their bottom line by implementing sustainable initiatives. The grants will help provide additional funding for businesses to invest further in this area.

Daisy Coleman who founded Redberth Croft CIC just last year, has made it to the final round of the awards after impressing judges with their commitment to green growth.

The local community farm located near Kilgetty has been shortlisted for the Green Growth Award due to its commitment to sustainability and innovative environmental practices that drive business growth. Key reasons for the nomination include:

· Circular Economy Initiatives: The farm repurposes paper waste as animal bedding and composts manure from rescue horses, reducing landfill waste and generating revenue through organic manure sales.

· Renewable Energy Investments: Installation of solar panels and an air source heat pump has reduced energy costs and carbon emissions.

· Food Waste Reduction: Collaborating with local businesses to repurpose food waste for animal feed supports sustainability while lowering livestock care costs.

· Sustainable Skills Training: Offering workshops in heritage crafts such as hedge-laying, carpentry, and green woodworking promotes resourcefulness and conservation.

· Financial Benefits from Sustainability: Waste reduction, energy efficiency, and new revenue streams have strengthened the farm’s financial resilience.

· Future Sustainability Goals: If awarded the prize, Redberth Croft CIC plans to invest in battery storage for solar power and an electric farm vehicle to further reduce its carbon footprint.

These initiatives showcase how sustainability is embedded into the farm’s operations, benefiting the environment, community, and financial stability.

On being named as a finalist, Daisy Coleman said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be named a finalist for the Green Growth Award. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Redberth Croft CIC, and this recognition highlights our commitment to creating a greener, more resilient future. Being shortlisted alongside such inspiring businesses is an honour, and we’re excited to continue driving positive environmental and social change.

Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain said: “The Green Growth Awards recognise the outstanding small businesses that are not only leading the way in sustainability but are also using it to fuel innovation and growth.

“These businesses are proving that greener practices not only benefit the planet but also create real business success—whether through cost savings, waste reduction, or deeper customer engagement. Their passion and commitment are making a real impact on their communities and the economy.”

The nation’s 5.5m small businesses are estimated to represent half of the UK’s business emissions1 and the Green Growth Awards has been launched as part of Small Business Britain’s ongoing partnership with BT to empower UK small businesses to better understand their environmental impact and embrace more sustainable practices and growth opportunities.

“The Green Growth Awards shine a spotlight on the small businesses that are not only driving sustainability but also setting the standard for innovation and growth,” said Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT.

“It’s truly inspiring to see how these businesses are leveraging sustainable practices to achieve real business success and create positive change in their communities. We’re really proud to support this initiative.”

BT is also a member of the Willow Review Steering Board; a new independent review aiming to underline the financial case for sustainability for small businesses, which has been spearheaded by Small Business Britain and is backed by the UK Government.

The winners of the Green Growth Awards will be announced at a special event at BT’s Headquarters in London on March 11