Net Zero is often seen as a large company project that requires dedicated teams and capital budgets most SMEs do not have. Michael Smith Switchgear (MSSL) is bucking the trend after winning a King’s Award winner for Sustainable Development.
MSSL is a low-voltage switchgear manufacturer with around 40 employees operating from its carbon-neutral Leicester site.
In 2018, Operations and Finance Director Emily Bliss started mapping out what a sustainability strategy would look like, alongside Managing Director Sean Smith.
Emily said: “Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions measurement all feel very daunting to start with. That’s why working with recognised guidance and frameworks matters.
“Having a structure from Make UK and support from Carbon Neutral Britain made it much easier to know where to begin.”
The switchgear manufacturer aligned its strategy with the industry Make UK Net Zero Roadmap, which challenges manufacturers to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% against a 2018 baseline by 2030.
MSSL reached that milestone in 2023, seven years ahead of schedule, while group revenue grew by 64% over the same period.
R&D innovation carried out during design meant MSSL reduced the copper in switchboards by 25% – cutting material without compromising performance.
At this point the company’s progress was attracting attention. Ahead of COP26 in 2021, UK Net Zero Champion Andrew Griffith MP included MSSL in a showcase of SMEs tackling climate change. In 2025 MSSL received the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, one of 27 businesses recognised nationally for measurable progress in the UK.
Carbon intensity per £1m of turnover fell by 58%, supported by a series of staged interventions. Early changes focused on basic recycling, staff engagement and policy updates – later extending into supply chain consolidation, ISO frameworks and on‑site energy generation.
Emily said: “We didn’t start with large sustainability investments, but by measuring our emissions and fixing the basics. Once you understand your footprint and get some low‑cost wins, you can build towards future investments with more confidence.”
Measures included installing 284 solar panels that now generate 35% of the site’s electricity, switching to LED and PIR‑controlled lighting, and investing in electric vehicles.
Since 2021 the business has sent no waste to landfill, and total waste tonnage has dropped by 82% in five years.
Lower energy use has reduced operating costs, and tighter supply chain management has improved efficiency.
Emily, also highlighted the impact on talent. “We’re definitely more attractive to work for,” she said. “Candidates often cite sustainability and environmental practices as one of their top expectations from an employer, which helps MSSL differentiate itself and maintain low staff turnover.”
MSSL became the first electrical engineering business to achieve certified Carbon Neutral status in 2022, following an independently verified assessment of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
We didn’t start with large sustainability investments, but by measuring our emissions and fixing the basics. Once you understand your footprint and get some low‑cost wins, you can build towards future investments with more confidence.
Emily Bliss, Operations and Finance Director, Michael Smith Switchgear
Having rapidly moved ahead of the Make UK roadmap, the company is now working on a second sustainability strategy aimed at progressing from Carbon Neutral towards Net Zero, while continuing to invest in other areas.
For small manufacturers weighing their options, the case suggests that early, structured action on emissions supports resilience and growth.
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