UK’s big businesses have kept net zero at the top of their agenda, even as political support has wavered, according to the 2025 UK Net Zero Business Census.
The survey found 79% of larger companies called net zero a strategic priority for the coming year.
More than a third of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also rated it as a priority, despite facing less pressure than bigger firms.
The census came from the UK Business Climate Hub, Planet Mark, Sage and over 50 business groups, including the British Business Bank and the British Chambers of Commerce.
Most large companies said net zero is good for business.
Only 3% of big firms said it brought no benefits, compared to 25% of SMEs.
More than half of large organisations had been asked for carbon data by customers or as part of tenders, rising to 62% for those exporting.
Medium-sized businesses saw 37% asked for carbon data, with 20% of small businesses and 8% of microbusinesses also facing requests in the past year.
Andrew Griffiths, policy director at Planet Mark, said: “Although the political consensus on climate action is destabilising, British businesses are still clearly committed to net zero.
“When leaders look at the evidence and think about long-term strategy, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the businesses that act today to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions and build resilience to environmental impacts are setting themselves up for success in a more sustainable future.
“These landmark reports show how the private sector can lead the net zero transition in the UK.”
Griffiths added: “It also highlights how small and mid-size companies that can demonstrate their action on climate change can gain a competitive advantage, as committed larger businesses find ways to tackle their supply chain impacts.”
Barriers remain, with 70% of organisations pointing to regulatory uncertainty.
High costs were a problem for 80%, and 69% highlighted a lack of finance or grants.
The report called for more clarity and standardisation from policymakers, including new reporting standards and references to international frameworks like the ISO net zero standard.
It urged wider access to grants and a possible “Help to Green” voucher for SMEs to kickstart carbon reduction.
The report suggested Government and industry should work together to raise awareness among SMEs and fund training to measure and cut emissions.
Henrik Micsk, senior climate manager at Sage, said: “It is positive that the data illustrates progress towards net zero action amongst businesses, but it also highlights the significant challenge that still exists to align with a 1.5-degree world.
“As a result, this dataset provides vital information to support the drive for faster and more targeted policies and action.”
Ed Lockhart, convener at Broadway Initiative, said: “UK Business Climate Hub is delighted to have worked for a second year with Planet Mark to produce the Net Zero Census.
“UKBCH is the shared online service, backed by the government, the major trade associations, the retail banks and the electricity networks, for advice and support on energy efficiency and net zero for smaller businesses.
“The results from this year’s Census will help guide our work. 37% of medium sized firms have been asked for carbon data from customers in the last year, showing the importance of delivering the universal SME carbon reporting standard we’ve been working on with B4NZ.”
Lockhart added: “The finding that 25% of SMEs see no business benefits from cutting emissions is driving us to increase the amount of accessible information on the site on how to seize these commercial benefits.”
The British Business Bank also published a report focused on SMEs, which found 63% of smaller businesses saw organisational benefits after moving towards net zero, and 77% had already taken steps.
SMEs made up 37% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions and half of all business emissions.
Hannah Gilbert, director of sustainability at British Business Bank, said: “Businesses of all sizes have a role to play as innovators, employers, and community anchors.
“By exploring their net zero journeys, we can learn how best to back them — ensuring they contribute to and benefit from the UK’s green transition.
“It is encouraging to see that over three-quarters of smaller businesses have already taken steps towards net zero as they will be critical to the UK’s transformation into a low-carbon economy.”
