Suma, the worker-owned co-operative known for its commitment to sustainability, has been named one of eight winners in Sky TV’s AdSmart competition. The win secures Suma a £20,000 advertising campaign on Sky TV, as well as professional support to create a high-quality TV advert.
The AdSmart competition, designed to support small and medium-sized businesses making a difference in sustainability and community engagement, saw Suma emerge as the winner for the North region after a rigorous selection process. The judges praised Suma for its commitment to plant-based and vegetarian products, its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions by 90%, and its strong support for community initiatives such as food banks, charities, and local clean-up events. Additionally, Suma’s equal-wage model and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights played a key role in its selection.
Rebecca Kinnard, who leads marketing and brand product development at Suma, expressed her excitement about the win: “Winning the Local Hero’s Award means the world to us. As a worker-owned co-op, we’ve worked tirelessly to ensure sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from reducing CO2 emissions to supporting local communities. This recognition will allow us to further expand our efforts and make an even bigger impact.”
The upcoming TV advert will not only showcase Suma’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices but also shine a spotlight on the co-operative model during the UN’s International Year of Co-operatives.
Of all the eight businesses chosen, David Sanderson, Director of AdSmart Local and Development at Sky Media, said: “These winning businesses are raising the bar for sustainability, proving that it’s possible to make a positive impact while scaling your business. We’re immensely proud to support these local heroes by helping them reach the right audiences with targeted regional advertising, enabling them to share their inspiring stories and drive real, transformative change.”
Suma’s advert is set to air later this year, bringing its message of ethical business and sustainability to a wider audience.
