What does it take for a family-run business to not just survive, but lead the way in social and environmental responsibility?
Simply Washrooms, who have a strong presence in Gloucestershire and the South West, started as, and still is, a family-run business, built on values of care, trust, and doing the right thing.
Four years ago, Andrew Shelley, Managing Director, approached me with a vision: to reduce the company’s environmental impact without slowing its growth – a modern twist on the family’s long-standing commitment to responsibility.
I introduced him to B Corp, and together we embarked on a journey to embed social and environmental responsibility into every part of the business, without distracting from the operational excellence the family had spent decades building.
Fast Forward Four Years:
Responsibility is now woven into the fabric of the business.
Andrew has become a vocal advocate for B Corp values, inspiring change across the UK facilities management sector.
Some Highlights From Their Resource-Focused Journey:
- 28% of sanitary bins are now re-used or reconditioned.
- 90% of cardboard packaging is recycled.
- 59% of new products use recycled plastics.
- 30% of new products use recycled metal.
The result: 22% reduction in carbon intensity from 2021 to 2024, all while the business continues to grow.
This is legacy in action. A family business honouring its roots while leading the way for positive change in its sector. The journey continues, but Simply Washrooms proves that values can scale, and leadership can have purpose.
If you’d like to talk about how your business can turn its legacy into leadership for the future, contact Camilla Barnes of Better Business. Better World to arrange your free Green Gap Review (either online or at C2S HQ) camilla@betterbusinessbetterworld.org
