Sustainability Strategy Development for UK SME

​Client Background

 

​Hayes Hygiene is a leading UK provider of cleaning and hygiene products and services, supplying a wide range of business customers nationwide. Hayes recognised the need to embed sustainability into its core operations and decision-making processes. Developing and implementing a comprehensive sustainability strategy was a critical step in ensuring environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations were systematically integrated across the business.

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A well-defined sustainability strategy is fundamental for any organisation seeking long-term resilience and value creation. By aligning its strategy with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Hayes ensured its sustainability efforts contributed to globally recognised priorities for people and planet. This alignment supported meaningful impact and systemic change, strengthened stakeholder trust, and positioned Hayes as a forward-thinking leader within its industry.

 

The Challenge

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Hayes required a robust and practical sustainability framework that could be embedded into everyday operations. The objective for AORA was to design a clear sustainability strategy and actionable implementation plan that would enable the business to manage ESG risks, identify opportunities, and deliver measurable outcomes over time.

 

Our Approach

 

AORA partnered with Hayes to develop and implement a sustainability strategy that integrated ESG principles into business decision-making and enabled long-lasting organisational change.

Over a five-month engagement, the project was structured into five key stages:

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1. Gap Analysis Review

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We conducted a comprehensive review of Hayes’ existing ESG practices to assess current performance, identify gaps, and understand maturity across environmental, social, and governance areas.

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2. Identifying Priorities

 

Through a series of stakeholder workshops, AORA facilitated a materiality assessment and materiality matrix to identify and prioritise the ESG topics most relevant to Hayes’ business operations and key stakeholders.

 

3. Defining and Setting Objectives

 

We developed a detailed sustainability strategy outlining commitments, strategic goals, and measurable actions across each ESG pillar. Priority action areas were defined based on business needs and material issues identified through the materiality assessment.

 

4. Implementation Plan

 

AORA translated strategic objectives into a three-year sustainability action plan, breaking down commitments into practical, time-bound, and achievable actions.

 

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The Outcome

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AORA successfully delivered a sustainability strategy blueprint that enables Hayes to:

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• Engage stakeholders through surveys and workshops, including employees, suppliers, clients, and leadership, ensuring inclusivity and relevance.

• Apply recognised ESG tools and frameworks to benchmark current practices and identify improvement opportunities.

• Align sustainability objectives with the UN SDGs, addressing key global priorities such as climate action, responsible consumption, and decent work.

• Establish measurable KPIs and timelines across each ESG pillar to support accountability and transparency.

• Develop a clear sustainability narrative and communication strategy to share commitments and progress across all channels.

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​​​​​​​​​​Ongoing Partnership

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AORA Solutions continues to work with Hayes Hygiene to further develop and scale the carbon reporting process, supporting ongoing improvements and evolving client requirements.

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Services Delivered

 

• Gap Analysis and Report 

• Materiality Assessment and Analysis 

• Sustainability Objectives and KPIs set up 

• Business Sustainability Strategy Blueprint 

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