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Sustainability, the race to net zero and a growing focus on social responsibility are all occupying the minds of increasing numbers of business leaders here in Lancashire and across the UK.
In this issue we highlight some of the work being done in all sectors and the steps being taken by companies of all sizes to ‘do business better’.
They are acting - on the environment, on social responsibility, and in supporting their communities - not just because it is the right thing to do but because it also makes sound business sense.
New research has revealed that 80 per cent of the UK public would favour shopping from companies that are doing good for people and the planet.
Other figures show that 66 per cent of global consumers will pay more for sustainable products and practices while potential employees increasingly seek out employers that reflect their values.
The rise of the B Corp movement is one way that companies are tackling the challenges and seeking to make a positive impact. B Corp businesses change their legal articles to consider the impact of their decisions on people and the planet alongside profit. The B stands for ‘benefit for all’.
Gaining the certification isn’t easy and shows a huge level of commitment. Only around 1,200 businesses in the UK currently have B Corp status.
Celia Gaze of The Wellbeing Farm, one of the county’s B Corp businesses, explains: “Achieving the B Corp certification has made a massive difference in our business, but the main one is raising trust – being viewed as a venue which looks after its staff, its local area and the planet.
Ram Gupta, our Big Interview subject, also takes the view that business has a responsibility to ‘do good’ in its community. The founder of
Lancashire tech company Nybble puts it in simple terms: “No one is going to remember you for your bank balance”.
Nybble handed out more than 1,000 free laptops to struggling children and families in the Blackburn area during the Covid19 pandemic. It’s just one of the many ways the business gives back. Ram’s story is truly inspiring.
The journey to net zero is also inspiring many businesses to think and work differently. Take the Budweiser Brewing Group, which operates the county’s biggest brewery at Samlesbury.
Only around 1,200
businesses in the UK currently have B Corp status
We report how it is looking to build a state-of-the-art ‘green hydrogen’ production facility, which will save up to 11,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
There’s also the potential jobs boost that a green economy can deliver in sectors like construction, another area we explore in this issue as Lancashire is given millions of pounds to support energy efficient retrofits to homes.
All these initiatives, opportunities and aspirations come about because businesses have asked a simple but vital question: ‘Is the world better off because we are in it?’
If your business hasn’t asked that question yet, isn’t it time it did?
Richard Slater, chairman
richard@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295584
EDITORIAL
Ged Henderson, editor
editor@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585
SALES
Joanne Hindley, sales director
joanne@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585
SUPPORT
Abbey Coates, operations manager
abbey@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295585
Anna King, senior administrator
anna@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295582
Kath Bell, LBV Hub manager
kath@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 07385 381073
Tim Aldred, online editor
tim@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 297870
Lancashire Business View is written, designed and produced by Northpoint Publishing.
Lancashire Business View and LBV are registered trademarks. The views expressed by our columnists are not necessarily shared by Lancashire Business View.
Photography: Clive Lawrence, Liz Henson Photography
Artwork: Scott Dawson Advertising Printers: Peter Scott Printers, Burnley
Northpoint Publishing East Park Lodge, East Park Road, Blackburn BB1 8DW
t: 01254 297870 ISSN: 1757-479X
Stephen Bolton, managing director
stephen@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295583
Rachael Norris, marketing & events director
rachael@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk t: 01254 295586
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