A Fresh Start For Your Business

Julie Starr • August 16, 2021



A lot of businesses are very process-driven – it’s what keeps them running. But over time, some of these practices can become stale, leaving your employees tired, while also limiting your chance for growth. 

Businesses can benefit from a change to help them stay relevant to modern business practices, while also bringing renewed energy back to the workplace. It can be a chance to assess and rebuild, ready to focus on a bright future. After the past year, now is the perfect opportunity to transform your business. By making some changes to the way you do things, you can also make sure your business remains 

Want a fresh start for your business? Here are some ideas to get you started.

Consider a change of location

Many businesses have had to think about their location since the pandemic. For many, flexible working will be an ongoing part of the working fabric and could mean there are opportunities for you to downsize your office or move it to a more suitable location.

 

If you decide to remain in your existing space, there are things you should do to help make it safer and more sustainable moving forward. If employees have been away from the office for a long time, you should bring in a commercial locksmith to change the locks to prevent security risks. There are also opportunities to put your space to better use. You could let out some space to others, create coworking spaces, and more. You can also bring in new policies such as using energy-efficient lighting and equipment to reduce your business’s energy use.


Since the target is about giving your business a fresh start, consider changing your old business name in addition to changing your location. This can be particularly important if your old name no longer represents the new brand image or fresh start you’re seeking to create. Understandably, picking a unique business name that flows with your brand can be tricky. But you can always rely on the internet to suggest some good ideas for business names.

 

Complete your digital transformation

Digital is the future for many businesses, providing opportunities to do things better and more efficiently than before. You might have already made some changes to your practices as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but is there more that can be done to modernize your business? 

Digital transformation can bring a lot of benefits to your business, helping to make it more secure while also making information easier and faster to access. With your systems operating online, you’ve got an opportunity to take your business paperless and take another step towards creating a more sustainable workplace.

Brainstorm ideas with your team

It’s been a difficult time for everyone, and teams can feel disconnected after spending a lot of physical time apart. Taking the time to bring your teams back together to bond can help them reacclimatize to working in the office, or to work out how hybrid working can work as you take the next steps for your business.

Giving your teams the chance to share their ideas about the future of the business can help them feel empowered and more motivated. It can also help them take ownership of their work, helping to ensure better results for them and for your business too.

Clean up your office

Could your office benefit from a cleanse? A cluttered, disorganized office doesn’t make for a great place to work. But by having a clear out, you’ll probably find that there are a lot of things you no longer need, and things you can do differently to maintain order in the future. 

 

When clearing out old equipment, furniture and paperwork, make sure you do it sustainably. There are companies that can help you with this, or you can look for local organizations that could benefit from your unwanted office items. Finding a sustainable dumpster rental you can ensure your items aren’t going to go to waste.

 

Think of ways you can give back

A fresh start for your business can also help you think about ways you can give back. There are a lot of ways businesses can give back to the community that can help you do good, and making sure your business isn’t just about making money. 

There is a lot you can do to help the environment as a business too, so why not get involved in some local initiatives and clean-up campaigns to help you do your part? With benefits for both your business and your employees, it’s good to lend a helping hand.

Over the last year, businesses have faced hard times and tough decisions. Some will have undergone permanent changes to secure the future of their business and adapt to different priorities. As your business bounces back, it’s time to think about what you want the future of your business to be and how you can make it happen. Building a happier, more efficient, and more sustainable workplace could be the key to ensuring your continued success.

A Greener Supply Chain with Micro Fulfillment

By Julie Starr • May 23, 2025
A sustainable supply chain is made possible with some major shifts and minor changes that you may not consider at first. One of these is micro fulfillment, where strategically placed warehouses provide streamlined services to a smaller area. So, what are some of the benefits of changing your logistics? From consolidated deliveries to minimal eco-impact, here are a few. Closer Customer Proximity There are a few ways that micro fulfillment centers are revolutionizing the courier industry. Reduced emissions, local sourcing, and support for urban stability are just three of the many examples. Compact logistics are quickly becoming a solution for businesses that want to make a difference, and through small warehouse space for rent , as and when needed, environmental footprints are diminishing as companies deliver services and goods to a smaller customer area. Consolidated Delivery Options Efficiency is everything in business, but it is even more critical when a company is looking to reduce the environmental impact of its operations. Through a micro-fulfillment system, a business is able to reduce the overall number of trips that a courier has to make. With consolidated deliveries concentrated in a smaller geographic area, there are many more options available that contribute to a lower impact, including efficient use of fuel for lower emissions. A Greener Supply Chain with Route Efficiency A company can make many changes when becoming the green link in the supply chain for a healthier logistical operation. However, an average home delivery round for a standard courier service is 50 miles, with 0.42 miles between each drop-off, producing 181g of carbon each. Focusing on a smaller area through micro fulfillment reduce the associated issues with couriers: Being closer to delivery routes reduces the need for extra shipping options. Electric delivery vehicles can be used as there is no need to recharge them. Knowledge of the area helps with routes as drivers can avoid congested areas. Lower Environmental Impact Of course, all efforts to go green and become more sustainable through logistics are to reduce the environmental impact that a business has on the area. Micro fulfillment contributes to this in a way that a wider operation cannot. Shorter routes and enhanced inventory management actively reduce waste. There is also much less energy used, as micro fulfillment centers are designed to be energy-efficient, and EVs and less transport contribute to emission reduction. Enhanced Socioeconomic Benefits There is also a social and economic impact of a business. An enhanced and more sustainable business using local micro fulfillment centers instantly creates more jobs, helping to prop up the local economy. Of course, the efficiency of this type of logistical operation also results in happier customers, increasing the chance of repeat business. From a business perspective, you demonstrate a commitment to ongoing sustainability , appealing to eco-conscious customers. Summary Being closer to customers for delivery helps create a greener supply chain when used with micro fulfillment centers. Local couriers and employees also know the area and can avoid congested areas for streamlined operations. However, there are also social and economic benefits such as job creation, improved customer experiences, and enhanced brand reputation.

Sustainability in Ecommerce: 3 Ways to Make Progress Where It Matters

By Julie Starr • May 21, 2025
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have—it's essential. That’s true across every industry, and ecommerce is no exception. But let’s be honest: building a more sustainable ecommerce business isn’t always straightforward. From packaging to supply chains to last-mile delivery, the challenges are real—and often feel like they’re outside your control. But here’s the good news: sustainable ecommerce is absolutely possible. And it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Small, strategic shifts can make a meaningful difference—not just for the planet, but for your customers and your brand’s longevity. Here are three actionable ways you can move the needle toward a more environmentally responsible ecommerce business. Choose Sustainable Packaging That Works for People and Planet Packaging is often one of the most visible and wasteful—aspects of ecommerce. From oversized boxes to plastic fillers, the impact adds up fast. But it doesn’t have to. Thoughtful, sustainable packaging design can dramatically reduce your environmental footprint. Start by right-sizing your shipments to reduce excess material and emissions. Opt for recycled, recyclable, or compostable materials that align with circular economy principles. Better yet, one option is to design custom boxes with sustainable materials, for example. These custom packaging solutions eliminate unnecessary layers while enhancing your brand’s presentation. These aren’t just more sustainable choices, they’re smarter ones. Today’s customers care about where materials come from, and where they end up. Your packaging can reflect your commitment to both. Partner with Purpose: Choose Sustainable Suppliers Your supply chain is an extension of your brand and one of the most powerful levers you have to reduce your environmental impact. You could end up using more than a few suppliers when you’re running an ecommerce company . It’s always worth making sure these are as sustainable as possible . While you may not control every aspect of your suppliers’ operations, you do control who you choose to work with. Prioritize suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Look for transparency in sourcing, third-party certifications, and a clear track record of environmental and ethical practices. Ask the right questions: Are their materials responsibly sourced? Do they minimize waste and emissions? How do they treat their workforce? Choosing partners who align with your values not only improves the sustainability of your products—it strengthens your brand’s integrity and resilience. When your supply chain reflects your mission, it creates trust and long-term value across your business. Lead with Impact: Promote Environmental Awareness Sustainability doesn’t stop at your supply chain. As an ecommerce business, you have a unique platform to elevate environmental causes and inspire meaningful change within and beyond your operations. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of highlighting and supporting various sustainable initiatives and causes around the world. One powerful way to do this is by supporting organizations and initiatives that align with your values. Whether it’s donating a portion of your profits, partnering with mission-driven nonprofits, or amplifying important causes across your website and social channels, your advocacy matters. By shining a light on solutions and inviting your customers to participate, you strengthen your brand’s purpose and build a community rooted in shared responsibility. This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Sustainable ecommerce is entirely possible. With the right mindset and a few strategic shifts, your business can lead with integrity, reduce its footprint, and become part of a much-needed transformation in the digital economy.