Sustainability is key to success for North West business

In 2010, amid the aftermath of the global financial crisis, Sustainable Investments was founded with a clear mission: to build a business rooted in sustainability and ethics.

At the heart of Sustainable Investments’ mission is to decarbonise residential housing at scale by delivering high-quality retrofit works that address fuel poverty, improve health outcomes and enhance living conditions. The company works closely with government bodies, local authorities, registered social housing providers, private landlords and households to support their low and net-zero carbon ambitions. By doing so, Sustainable Investments ensures that their projects contribute significantly to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and social wellbeing.

Community focus

Derek explains: “The company’s name reflects its foundational principles, emphasising sustainable growth not just in profits but in creating long-term value for communities across the UK. The 2008 crash was a wake-up call. Businesses were borrowing heavily and crumbling under financial pressure. I wanted to prove that you could grow a business ethically without sacrificing financial stability. I established Sustainable Investments and committed to building a business with positive action at its core.”

And given Sustainable Investments is projected to reach a £160 million turnover by 2027, it’s clear Derek Horrocks is getting something right with the company’s ethical-centred approach to growth.

“Our approach is to decarbonise whole communities,” says Derek. “We start with social housing, but we don’t stop there. We extend our services to private homeowners, ensuring that no one is left behind. This integrated approach is fundamental to our business strategy.”

Positive social change

The company’s commitment to social impact is evident in its community-focused initiatives. Once Sustainable Investments has won a contract, it will work within a specific area over a period of years and during this time will partner with local food banks, education authorities and support agencies to drive as many community initiatives as possible including helping local people out of long-term unemployment.

Sustainable Investments’ mission is to decarbonise residential housing at scale.

Stuart Whitehead, Partner in the Affordable Housing team at Ward Hadaway, highlights the significance of Sustainable Investments’ approach. “Sustainable Investments’ commitment to ethical growth and community-focused initiatives is a remarkable example of how businesses can achieve significant success while driving positive social change. Their model of integrating sustainability and ethics into their core operations is not only good for the environment but also fosters long-term community development and resilience. They’re achieving great growth through great work – well done.”

“We invest in the areas we work in,” Derek continues. “We’re there for years, forming key local relationships and supporting community initiatives to help tackle real issues from the cost of living and housing crisis to energy security, climate change and health. Our goal is to leave a positive, long lasting impact for years after the project is completed.

“We also work closely with government bodies and sector groups like the National Home Decarbonisation Group to influence policy and drive innovation,” Derek says. As the founder and chairman of the Group, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s future. “We’re focused on policy, skills and innovation. By collaborating with the largest energy suppliers and construction companies, we can share best practices and drive large-scale positive change.”

The company also works with the Retrofit Academy to establish national training hubs, ensuring that the best people are trained and ready to implement sustainable solutions. This initiative not only supports the company’s growth but also enhances the skillset of the local workforce, providing long-lasting benefits to the communities they serve.

Future growth and ambitions

Sustainable Investments has ambitious plans for the future. “The push for net zero is driving our growth,” Derek notes. “But it’s the additional social benefits – improving living conditions, reducing energy costs and creating jobs – that make our work truly rewarding.

“We’ve shown that it’s possible to grow a business ethically and sustainably. It’s tough, but it’s worth it. For me personally, it’s about more than just the success of Sustainable Investments. It’s about driving social change and proving that you can do well by doing good. That’s the legacy I want to leave.”