Dragon Group are taking climate action: here’s how your business can too

When we think of the every day actions which help to tackle climate change, we often think of what people and families can do – but businesses have a big role to play too.  

One example is Dragon Group, a proud Welsh firm made up of several businesses including Dragon Signs, Route Media, Sportin Wales, and BusinessIn Wales. 

Co-founded by former Wales international Alex Cuthbert, the company prioritises green choices and environmentally-conscious business practices. 

All businesses in Wales have a social responsibility to take action to help the climate, including having sustainable business practices. Many businesses also hold the cards to help us make greener choices in our daily lives.  

Sustainability at Dragon Group is not just about being environmentally friendly. What is required to help the climate emergency is a mindset shift. 

Alex says: “The company now considers the environmental impact in every task we do: how we buy our products in, our supply chain, monitoring and developing our practices, trading sustainably, our ethics and equality, and educating everyone about this across the Group, from our staff to our clients and audience. 

“At Sportin and BusinessIn Wales, we make sure our monthly magazine is printed on paper that has come from sustainably sourced and managed forests. 

“In collaboration with our printers, Stephens & George Print Group, we’re proud to say that all our editions are PEFC certified, which is a globally recognised forest certification and helps to promote sustainable forest management.” 

Lighting is another area where businesses can make a big contribution. Route Media have recently switched their screens, digital vans, and billboards to LED lighting – a much more sustainable lighting practice. Dragon Signs source signage materials from local venders, making sure that they are either wholly recyclable, use less energy to produce, or are reusable. 

At Colour Studios, their display walls are 100% recyclable at the end of their use, and they even produce recycling bins, which are made from cardboard.  

Alex says: “These bins have made the mindset switch to recycling far easier for our staff, with everyone at the company now recycling like it’s second nature. 

“As many people will know, in 2024 it became law for all businesses in Wales to sort their waste for recycling. 

“Since making the changes at the Dragon Group, the biggest impact we have seen is the shift in our staff’s behaviour and attitudes towards recycling and the environment.  

“Something that used to be a simple action, putting something in a bin, we now see much more consideration around. 

 “We’ve drastically cut the amount of general waste that we produce, and this has filtered into other parts of our businesses, with our staff now more conscious of their impact on the environment.” 

Over the last year, the Dragon Group has made huge strides towards implementing sustainable business practices, thanks in part to Business Wales' Green Ambition digital resources, which include tools, guidance, and case studies to share the experiences of businesses in Wales; offering specialist advice to support small and medium-sized enterprises as they decarbonise and become more resource efficient.  

With packs available to download and case studies available, company owners can explore how they can implement change in their own business. 

Check out our industry page, to find out more about the way your business can become more environmentally sustainable.

For details on Wales’ workplace recycling law, visit gov.wales/workplace-recycling.