Following the release of the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy published yesterday, research from the last two rounds of Grant Thornton UK LLP’s Business Outlook Tracker* shows that only half (51%) the UK mid-market businesses surveyed have a net zero strategy in place, with over third (36%) saying they have not calculated their carbon emissions for the last year. The research further shows that mid-market business leaders will likely welcome the detail that the overarching government strategy provides but will need further clarity about how exactly it will impact them. Mid-sized businesses are particularly looking for clear guidance around international environmental and sustainability reporting standards, something that over a third (35%) of the UK mid-market business leaders who responded said they hope to see as an outcome from the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) next week. The research also explores the mid-market’s attitude to an economy-wide carbon tax. It found that the mid-market believes additional taxes on the use of carbon would be an effective strategy to focus businesses attention. Three quarters of respondents said the introduction of a carbon tax would encourage their business to focus on reducing carbon emissions (75%) and help the UK achieve its net zero targets (76%). Read More