Frying range supplier KFE has been crowned the winner of the Sustainability Award at the Federation of Small Business (FSB) Celebrating Small Business Awards for the East of England.
Taking place at The Jockey Club at Newmarket Racecourse on Friday 17th March, the prestigious awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of small businesses and the self-employed.
The Sustainability Award was one of nine presented on the day and is designed to recognise the most ethical, socially responsible, or green business.
KFE was recognised for having the most energy efficient pans on the market, certificated to 94%, which emit up to 50% less CO2 than standard ranges.
It was also praised for its market-leading approach to operating more sustainably. In 2021, it partnered with ClimatePartner to calculate its company’s carbon footprint and has since made significant attempts to reduce this, including replacing its fleet of sales team diesel vehicles with electric Teslas, reducing flights, paper printing double-sided, staff sharing lifts and more energy-efficient kitchen equipment.
With further investment in carbon offset projects, KFE expects to be carbon neutral this year – something no other range manufacturer has committed to.
KFE was up against six other businesses from a wide range of sectors including coffee house chain Toast, doorstep refill service Green Blue You, and water treatment company Anti-Chem.
Federation of Small Business Development Manager in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, Suzanna Austin said: “KFE stood out amongst the other entrants as it was very clear to see how they have successfully moved a traditional food business into a new era with a focus on social responsibility and ethics. Their hard work and tenacity have led to the launch of industry-leading products and it was very clear to see the progress the company has made and the great community connections they have developed.”
Paul Williams, Managing Director at KFE, added: “Making the final of the Sustainability Award was reward enough as it proves we are heading in the right direction. To win was the icing on the cake.
“We are committed to sustainability and achieving carbon neutrality, but creating a lower emissions business is just the start for us. Winning this award and having the opportunity to learn from the other finalists, who came from all sectors, has encouraged us to put every aspect of our business under a microscope and identity further ways in which we can work towards a more sustainable future.
“We also want to work closely with our suppliers and contractors, for example, our waste disposal company to ensure our waste is processed and managed as sustainably as possible.”
KFE now goes on to compete in the national finals held in May.