Sustainability Isn’t Just a Trend — It’s Good Business: What The Willow Review Means for Us

At Morgan + Wells, we’ve long believed that doing things the right way — slowly, thoughtfully, and sustainably — is more than a philosophy. It’s a business model.

So it was heartening to read The Willow Review, a newly published, government-backed report showing how small businesses across the UK are already gaining from sustainability. Not just ethically, but commercially too.

Led by Minister Gareth Thomas, Michelle Ovens CBE, and Nick Stace OBE, the review proves what many of us have quietly known all along: that sustainability is no longer just an environmental imperative — it’s a smart way to build a resilient, successful business.

Hand stitching leather goods

How Our Leather Studio Already Reflects These Findings

Here at our workshop in York, we handcraft small-batch leather goods using vegetable-tanned leather, British-made brass hardware, and traditional hand-stitching techniques. These aren’t just artisan choices — they’re sustainable ones.

The Willow Review outlines key ways sustainability is already helping small businesses like ours to:

* Reduce operational costs through thoughtful, less wasteful processes

* Grow revenue by appealing to customers who value ethical products

* Attract and retain customers who want to invest in quality that lasts

* Build long-term resilience by stepping away from fast, disposable production

Sound familiar? It should — these are the very foundations Morgan + Wells was built on.

Powder belt: British leather and brass belt

The Challenge: Scaling This for More Businesses

But the review doesn’t shy away from the barriers many small firms still face. Cost, confusing finance options, and lack of support can all be stumbling blocks.

That’s why the review calls for:

* Local sustainability champions to help SMEs make changes confidently

* Simplified access to green finance (yes please!)

* Reframing sustainability as a commercial growth tool, not a compliance issue

* Practical, clear guidance to make things easier

As a solo maker, this kind of support would be invaluable. Because while sustainability has always been at the heart of what I do, there’s still room to grow — whether that’s through greener packaging, energy choices, or joining forces with likeminded businesses.

Why This Matters for You, Too

When you choose a Morgan + Wells piece, you’re not just buying a bag. You’re supporting a slower, more thoughtful way of doing business. One that values quality, community, and the environment.

If more businesses felt empowered to make these choices, the impact could be huge — and The Willow Review is a solid step in that direction.

Let’s keep building something better. One stitch at a time.

📖 [Read the full Willow Review](https://www.smallbusinessbritain.uk/willow-review)