The business case study for listing Fairtrade
Responsible business
is one of the buzz words of our time but what does it mean? Responsible business is achieving
commercial success while incorporating ethical values and respect for people,
communities and the environment. We
spend most of our waking hours at work, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that
an IPOS Mori survey revealed that 86% of employees want their company to be
socially and environmentally responsible.
What is the business
case for acting in a responsible way and what is the business case for buying
Fairtrade?
Corporate responsibility simply put is good business. The motivations can vary widely, from
meeting CSR or agenda 21 objectives or part of government targets. For smaller businesses, it can be a
demonstration of the owner’s beliefs, or a way to differentiate oneself from
the competition. The benefits are
numerous:
- Staff
engagement
- Recruitment
and retention of staff
- Client
and customer engagement need more
explanation on last 3 bullets particularly
- Cost
saving, (some organisations have made cost savings in procurement when
changing to Fairtrade)
Two in three small
businesses believe that social and environmental responsibility contributes to
a more successful business.
78% of employees would
rather work for an ethical and reputable company than receive a higher salary.
65% of UKbusiness leaders said that they would change their policies if pressed by their
employees.
Fairtrade is a very simple and easy way that an employer can demonstrate its business ethics
Here’s what business
leaders have said about their reasons for choosing Fairtrade:
“Fairtrade is good
business. It improves staff morale,
helps create a more resource efficient workforce and reduces staff turnover.” Peter Howson, Environmental
Officer, Training and Development Agency for Schools
“Fairtrade is such a
good fit with the CSR policy and its has generated so much good will - all
staff feel it’s good that they can do their bit whilst at work.” Jill Dyal, Business Manager, Virgin
Trains
“We encourage all
other organisations to support Fairtrade. There really can’t be a more simple
yet meaningful demonstration of how business can be a force for good through
its everyday purchasing.” Barry Clavin, Ethical Policies
Manager, CFS
“Fairtrade is a way
for us to demonstrate our ethics and it’s a talking point with clients”, Mike Kelly, UK Head of CSR, KPMG
“As an employer of local
people, UltraVision are proud to be supporting our local Fairtrade Steering
Group. It is easy to support this
world-changing initiative and we would encourage every company in the area to
do the same.” Nick
Loan, Managing Director of UltraVision, in Leighton Buzzard