Express & Star Business Awards 2025: Meet the finalists - Sustainability Business Of The Year

This award will be presented to a business that puts sustainability and the environment at the heart of its business. Judges will be looking for businesses which ensure their environmental impact is kept to an absolute minimum, for example through recycling, carbon offset, water conservation or sustainable energy schemes.

Dreamland bedding centre

Dreamland is a leading independent bed retailer in the UK, recognised for its industry leadership, customer-centric approach, and commitment to excellence. Founded with the mission of transforming sleep solutions, the company has built a reputation for unparalleled expertise, innovative product offerings, and an unwavering dedication to sustainability. 

Over the past year, the firm's efforts have culminated in the esteemed National Bed Federation Small Retail Champion of the Year award, signifying its position as the foremost independent bed store in the whole of the UK.

Dreamland's commercial success is underpinned by a strategic business model that harmonises revenue growth with sustainability and community engagement. Despite the industry experiencing significant economic challenges, Dreamland has demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining an increase in both footfall and transaction value. Key to this success has been the company's evolution in marketing strategy, targeting a new demographic that has expanded its customer base and diversified revenue streams.

Iron and Velvet

The future of cleaning is plastic-free and Iron & Velvet is at the forefront of this. The company's mission is to reduce single-use plastic from its customer's daily lives by making eco-cleaning easy, accessible and affordable to everyone.

The company is proud to be Made in Britain certified. The whole process from product development, manufacturing, packing and posting all takes place from its factory in Dudley, making the carbon footprint of its products incredibly low.

Over 80% of of Iron and Velvet's suppliers are within a 30-mile radius of the factory as the company says it loves to support other West Midlands businesses and the local economy. Iron and Velvet is currently the only manufacturer in the UK to produce a slim profile liquid fill sachet.

"Just take a stroll down any supermarket aisle and you’ll see the literal sea of plastic that is ubiquitous in this industry," said CEO Debra Glover.

"Cleaning products have relied on plastic packaging and harsh chemicals for too long. Especially as 91% of plastic waste doesn’t get recycled, meaning that most of these bottles end up in landfills, oceans or incinerators contributing to a growing environmental crisis.

"It’s been over 5 years since we first launched, and our original 7 products are still loved by so many of our customers. We now have 20+ products on our website, all formulated and manufactured in our factory in Dudley."

New Invention Brewery

The brewery began on an industrial unit in Bloxwich in April 2019 after having spent over a decade home brewing, learning and developing the craft. The taproom element opened shortly after in the upstairs area of the same unit. Although beginning as a partnership, this soon became a one man operation. 

The brewery originally consisted of just a small 100l brew kit, brewing pale ales and IPAs and just 6 taps in the taproom upstairs to serve them on. With both the taproom open to the public and the brewery also selling to trade, it didn't take long for demand to grow. Despite just one man running both the brewery and taproom, it began to thrive.

"Our commitment goes beyond crafting some truly exceptional brews, it's about fostering that sense of community and providing that inclusive, welcoming safe space where people come together, share stories and create lasting memories. 

"Our achievements so far are not just a testament to the teams' relentless efforts, but also the unwavering support of the local community. In an industry under threat, we feel this is something to be celebrated."