Small firms given new chance to champion ethical practice through business group tie-up
Press Release on Federation of Small Businesses and Good Business Foundation collaboration
· Collaboration between Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Good Business Charter (GBC) brings opportunity to have best practice recognised
· Richer Sounds and GBC founder Julian Richer describes development as “important step forward”
· Initiative follows FSB research highlighting small business community roles throughout Covid pandemic
Small businesses are being offered a new way to have their employee wellbeing, sustainability and diversity credentials acknowledged thanks to a fresh collaboration between FSB and the GBC.
From today, firms with up to 50 employees can apply for Good Business Charter accreditation through a streamlined application process.
The new assessment has been designed in recognition of the time and financial pressures faced by small business owners, especially against a backdrop of trading restrictions and the end of the transition period.
The Good Business Charter – brain child of Richer Sounds Managing Director Julian Richer, who handed control of the firm to his employees in the summer of 2019 – enables businesses to have their commitment to ethical practice recognised by clients, employees and the wider community alike.
The new application process consists of a short questionnaire covering:
– Pay, hours and staff wellbeing.
– Employee representation and diversity.
– Environmental responsibility and sustainability.
– Transparency and ethical sourcing.
– Prompt payment.
FSB research shows that small firms often play a role in local communities that transcends the transactional. Its ‘New Horizons’ report shows that over half (57%) of small firms have played such a role throughout the Covid pandemic, with large numbers donating to food banks (24%), directly supporting key workers (23%) or signing-up to volunteer for the NHS (9%).
The group’s assessment of poor payment practice in the wake of current disruption shows that the UK’s late payment crisis is intensifying. Almost two-thirds (62%) of small firms have suffered an increase in late payments or had payments frozen as a result of Covid-19.
FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “These are exceptionally hard times for small businesses. That’s why it’s so important that those who are dedicated to ethical practices are provided with a streamlined route to Good Business Charter accreditation. Commitment to the Charter can not only help with employee wellbeing and productivity, but also with growth. Everyone wants to buy from firms that do right by their communities and society as a whole. By securing this accreditation, firms can show that they are doing just that.”
Good Business Charter founder and Richer Sounds Managing Director Julian Richer said: “We welcome this opportunity to work closely with FSB and take an important step forward to ensure the accreditation works for small businesses. Richer Sounds started as a small business and as it grew, responsible business practices have always been at the heart of our approach to all stakeholders. We want the GBC to work equally well for small businesses as for the largest UK companies and are excited about the potential small businesses now have to lead the way in being recognised for their ethical practices.”
Greenwich Pantry Director Lara Omoloja said: “At Greenwich Pantry, our GBC accreditation helps us stay on track with sustainability goals. Achieving these goals are key to our overall success as a food business since decisions we make now, impacts the future for all of us directly or indirectly. We believe small businesses will benefit from seeking accreditation early in their development for the good of their communities.”
Jerba Campervans Director Simon Poole said: “Jerba Campervans is a small business with only 13 employees, but we see our Good Business Charter accreditation as a vital mark in our commitment to being an ethical and sustainable company. Going hand in hand with being 100% employee-owned, the accreditation is also becoming increasingly important for many customers who simply wish to see businesses behaving responsibly and doing the right thing. It’s great for customers, great for the business and great for wider society too!”
Ends
Notes to editors
1) Small businesses can apply for accreditation on the GBC website. The first year of accreditation is free to successful applicants who are also entitled to discounted FSB membership.
About FSB
As experts in business, FSB offers members a wide range of vital business services, including advice, financial expertise, support and a powerful voice in Government. Its aim is to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk. You can follow us on twitter @fsb_policy.
Matt Dickinson: 075 2580 1773 matt.dickinson@fsb.org.uk. For regional FSB contacts please go to www.fsb.org.uk/regions
About GBC
The Good Business Charter is a simple accreditation which organisations in the UK can sign-up to in recognition of responsible business practices. It measures behaviour over 10 components covering care for employees, suppliers, customers and the environment all whilst paying taxes according to the spirit of the law. Our aim is to inspire as many businesses as possible to change their behaviour, where required, in order to sign up, which should in turn encourage wider good business practice. See more at www.goodbusinesscharter.com or follow us @GBCharterUK.
Jenny Herrera: 07703 453862 jherrera@goodbusinesscharter.com
About Greenwich Pantry
Greenwich Pantry is an ethical food business which began life in Greenwich SE10. With a love for good food; artisan foods, locally sourced and specialty ‘free-from’ foods it shows clients how to cook delicious healthy food with amazing ingredients.
Imogen Taylor: 0203 0927238 info@greenwichpantry.com
About Jerba Campervans
Jerba Campervans was formed in 2005 and is registered as an official vehicle body builder with Volkswagen. The company is 100% employee-owned.
Simon Poole: 01620 890 374 simon@jerba.co.uk