smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

A website recently launched by the Government is aiming to increase awareness and adoption of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The Government sees CSR as the business contribution to sustainable development goals. Essentially it is about how business takes account of its economic, social and environmental impacts in the way it operates – maximising the benefits and minimising the downsides. Specifically, CSR is the voluntary actions that business can take, over and above compliance with minimum legal requirements, to address both its own competitive interests and the interests of wider society.

The newly launched web portal, www.csr.gov.uk, contains information, tools and links to help businesses of any size develop a CSR programme, with a section dedicated to smaller businesses.

CSR can bring tangible benefits to small businesses. At a time when a company’s environmental and social record is increasingly important to the public, a business that is seen to be acting ethically can boost sales and attract better staff.

One organisation that recognises corporate social responsibility is Business in the Community, which runs the annual BIG TICK awards. Winners of these awards will have integrated responsible business practice into their operations to impact on the environment, the marketplace, the workplace and the community.

This year’s awards saw a record 101 companies of various sizes achieve the desired standard and earn the right to display the BIG TICK logo. For more information on this award click here.

(16/6/04)