(231-246) Promoting environmental consciousness among entrepreneurs of African-owned SMEs in the UK

Abstract: This chapter contributes to the growing body of literature on international environmental entrepreneurship by reporting on a qualitative empirical investigation into African-owned SMEs operating in the UK. The drivers of these SMEs have always been to identify themselves as active, important co-ethnic markets with huge influences on the African and African-Caribbean immigrant communities in England. However, with environmental issues high on political and international agendas and growing concern over climate change, some African SMEs appear slow to respond. In their quest for profit they adopt an impassive approach to the environment, indirectly adversely affecting business growth. Achieving a balance between profit and environmental responsibility constitutes a key challenge in this ever-increasing and competitive green business market agenda. The findings of this study suggest a tendency to adopt an incremental approach to environmental performance among entrepreneurs of African-owned SMEs. Besides lack of awareness of environmental regulation and legislation, it is now also obvious that lack of environmental awareness and standards would have profound impact on how African-owned SMEs are conducted. This affects their growth and survival. The study suggests a need to increase awareness and knowledge of environmental performance and stewardship among African-owned SMEs to enhance entrepreneurial development and innovation.