• Tech start-up Joe's Blooms has helped over 1,000 sites deliver Biodiversity Net Gain with its digital tool, making BNG simple for SME developers 

• The Biodiversity Net Gain Tool streamlines the BNG process, showing its success in guiding small sites application and driving nature recovery

• This shows digital tools are helping to successfully deliver BNG, with Joe's Blooms so far supporting developments in 259 local authorities

Tech start-up Joe's Blooms has supported over 1,000 users on its platform that helps SME developers comply with biodiversity net gain (BNG). This shows that digital tools are successfully guiding small sites applications and driving nature recovery across England. 

Since its launch in March 2024, the "Biodiversity Net Gain Tool" has been used over 1,000 times by different small developers, architects, and planning consultants, demonstrating the value of Joe's Blooms' tool in helping them navigate the small sites BNG process.

The Biodiversity Net Gain Tool streamlines the BNG process, producing all the site-specific data and legal documents developers of small sites need to secure planning permission under the scheme in minutes. Specifically designed for property developers, contractors, and planners, it saves time and money by offering a digital solution that avoids project delays under the new rules.

North Yorkshire, Sheffield, and Cornwall are the top three local authorities where planning applications have been submitted using the tool. In total, the tool has supported developments in 259 local authorities, helping to make cities, towns and villages across the country greener. 

Evidence also suggests that small sites are not only a key driving force behind BNG, but that they produce biodiversity uplift higher than the minimum 10%, hence boosting natural habitats across the country. Recent analysis from Joe's Blooms of 100 detailed case studies shows that nearly two thirds (64%) produced net gain of 15% or higher.

This milestone underscores the important role small sites play in achieving the Government's biodiversity goals. Official planning data suggests that small sites cover 80% of permissioned residential sites, and 90% of non-residential applications, demonstrating the essential role that small sites play in meeting international biodiversity commitments.

With readily available digital tools proven successful at simplifying the process, small and medium-sized businesses who may have been apprehensive about meeting BNG regulations can meaningfully contribute to habitat creation and restoration targets. 

Oliver Lewis, Founder of Joe's Blooms said: "Reaching over 2,000 unique users is a significant milestone for Joe's Blooms, and it highlights the growing impact of digital tools in supporting BNG. Our platform is simplifying the process for SME developers, helping them to create meaningful contributions to nature recovery, even on smaller sites. Since launching in March 2024, we've seen consistent engagement from developers, with many returning multiple times, proving that small sites are not only key to BNG compliance but are also driving biodiversity uplift beyond the required 10%."