"We're now not only greener, but stronger as a business. Our processes are more efficient, our brand is more competitive, and our team is more engaged."
Cardiff-based TB Davies is one of the UK's most trusted names in work-at-height safety equipment. Founded in 1945, the family-owned business has been supplying ladders, steps, and towers to professionals and households for nearly 80 years. Today, it serves major retailers such as Screwfix and Amazon, generating annual revenues of £8 million.
But TB Davies is also proving that legacy businesses can be leaders in green growth. With support from the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP), the company has developed an award-winning carbon reduction plan and achieved ISO 14001 certification, an internationally recognised benchmark for environmental management. The business also won Best Sustainability Initiative and Best Manufacturer at the 2025 Made in Wales awards.
From switching to solar power and hybrid vehicles to influencing its supply chain, TB Davies is embedding sustainability across every aspect of its operations. Director of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality, Mat Gray, shares how AGP helped the company accelerate its carbon reduction journey and set a new standard for the industry.
How has AGP helped TB Davies progress towards Net Zero?
AGP support has been instrumental. We'd already taken some steps, such as installing solar panels and reducing plastic packaging, but we lacked the know-how to create a detailed, data-driven decarbonisation plan.
AGP connected us with a specialist sustainability intern and gave us access to practical tools and expert-led webinars. That meant we could move quickly from good intentions to measurable action. We now have a clear roadmap to reach Net Zero by 2050 and have won national recognition for our efforts, including an award for Best Small Business Carbon Reduction Plan.
Just as importantly, AGP introduced us to an ISO 14001 specialist who helped us through the certification process, something we might not have achieved on our own.
What were the biggest challenges in developing your carbon reduction plan?
We began by mapping the data we already had—such as solar energy usage and fleet emissions—but Scope 3 emissions proved more challenging, as they fall outside our direct control. Engaging suppliers and logistics partners to share their data was a key step, and our main carrier already had a carbon plan, which proved helpful.
The biggest challenge was working with parts of the supply chain unfamiliar with sustainability reporting. AGP helped us structure our approach, interpret unfamiliar metrics, and frame conversations in a way that highlighted long-term value. That support was essential in building a realistic and practical plan.
What does ISO 14001 certification mean for the business?
It's a huge milestone. ISO 14001 is globally recognised, so achieving it shows customers and stakeholders that we're serious about sustainability. It reinforces our values and provides a framework for ongoing improvement.
It also helps us stand out in the market. When clients are choosing between suppliers, our certification signals that working with TB Davies supports their own environmental goals too.
What are your priorities for the next phase of your sustainability journey?
The next step is to improve the depth and accuracy of our carbon data. This involves asking more from our supply chain and maintaining a strong internal culture of accountability.
We're also focused on using our story to influence others. We want to educate our customers, raise expectations across our industry, and help accelerate a wider transition to sustainable practices. The more businesses commit to this, the bigger the collective impact will be.
What advice would you give other SMEs thinking about carbon reduction?
Start now, even if it feels messy. You don't need all the answers upfront. The key is to take the first step and build from there.
And don't try to do it alone. AGP has a fantastic pool of sustainability experts who understand the challenges businesses face and know how to help address them. Their tools, resources, and specialist support enabled us to move faster and with far more confidence than we ever could have on our own.
What impact has AGP had on your business's green growth?
It's been transformational. Before joining the programme, we had the motivation to make a change but lacked the tools to progress. AGP gave us the clarity, expertise, and confidence to drive real change, and they've helped us embed sustainability as a strategic priority.
We're now not only greener, but stronger as a business. Our processes are more efficient, our brand is more competitive, and our team is more engaged. We're proud of how far we've come and excited about where we're going next.
Find out more about the Accelerated Growth Programme here.
Find out more about TB Davies: www.tbdavies.co.uk