Good Business Charter launches today

A simple accreditation to recognise and reward good business behaviour has been launched when it has never been more important for businesses to regain trust and show they care about more than just profit.

Capita, Deloitte, London City Airport, Brompton Bicycles and Richer Sounds head the list of companies that will today join the Good Business Charter (GBC), an accreditation that seeks to raise the bar on business practices for employees, tax, the environment, customers and suppliers.

The Good Business Charter exists for all organisations of any size across all industries and sectors and works through a simple online self-certification process. At a time when people are caring more about who they work for and who they buy from, the Good Business Charter offers a straightforward accreditation which recognises organisations which prioritise and care for their employees, the environment, customers and suppliers, whilst also paying their taxes according to the spirit of the law. The GBC and its founder members seek to inspire many other businesses to follow suit.

The Good Business Charter has the support of both the CBI and the TUC which both have trustee representation on its board. Other partners of the GBC include the Living Wage Foundation and the Prompt Payment Code. The GBC has been set up by a charity called the Good Business Foundation and accreditation will be free for all companies in the first year.

Chairman of the GBC board, Simon Fox, said:
The Good Business Charter brings together 10 standards, most of which already exist, but in separate places. We have bought them together to give a coherent overall position for businesses to aspire to. We believe that the GBC has enormous potential to change business practice for good. We hope that because of its simplicity and cost effectiveness, it will quickly gain support.

Stephen Griggs, Deputy UK CEO, Deloitte said:

We’re excited to be a founding member of the Good Business Charter, a movement to inspire and motivate good business practices. Being inclusive – in every sense of the word – really matters if you want to be a responsible business. This is a key focus for how Deloitte works with clients, supports its 18,000 people, and contributes to communities across the UK.