Newcastle firm wants smaller firms to be given more help in reducing their carbon footprints.

Small and medium businesses need help if they are to join the climate agenda, according to a new report from accountancy giant Sage.

The Newcastle software firm has joined forced at the Cop26 summit with the International Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants to argue that smaller firms risk being left behind in the race to net zero unless urgent action is taken to simplify carbon reporting and accounting

“Accountants are already playing their part in making sure SMBs can see how sustainability can be practical as well as purposeful and are armed and ready to navigate this challenging landscape. But we urgently need policymakers and large companies to provide a simplified framework and guidance. It’s in everyone’s interests to get this right for the benefit of the planet’s future.”

Sage’s Intacct system is used by many small firms to monitor and manage their energy consumption, while the company’s Sustainability Hub provides owners of small businesses with advice on how to reduce their carbon impact.