Better Business Heroes

I hope you’ve had a lovely extended weekend.

Last week was especially busy for me so the weekend gave me an opportunity to have some time walking the dogs, and a bit of tidy up - of my head and desk.

I don’t know about you, but as I reflect on the past few months, it really does feel as though we are on the brink of a wave of real change.

Change in the way we understand and tackle the greatest social and environmental challenges facing us all.

That feeling of being on the brink of a revolution for Good was reinforced at the launch of the Better Business Act (BBA) ‘wake up to better business’ campaign, which I attended at the House of Commons last Wednesday.

Mary Portas OBE , Co-Chair of the BBA was the keynote speaker, followed by Co-Chair Douglas Lamont Lamont, Chief Chocolonely (yes, that really is his title!) of the very brilliant Tony's Chocolonely .

Mary was very clear:

“There is hope. People are becoming more conscious. They want business to be responsible. It’s what we need to protect our planet into the future, the people on it.”

In fact 78% of people in the UK now believe that businesses should have a legal responsibility to the planet and people, alongside maximising their profits (B Lab).

This really isn’t rocket science, although it is based on compelling scientific data.

To shape a world where we can all prosper, we must embrace the opportunity and responsibility to understand and improve our impact on our people, communities and the planet.

Because if not us who, and if not now when?

Every month in our UK for Good Members Forum we host truly brilliant business leaders who are embracing that opportunity and responsibility.

This month we are joined by Ed Perry to share the COOK journey on Thursday 4th May for our UK for Good Members Forum. I can’t wait! I’m especially keen to learn more about their RAW Talent Programme which is gaining lots of attention and of which they are justifiably proud.

From the founding of COOK in 1997, the ambition for the business was about more than money. Its goal was always to create a company that was good for shareholders while also nourishing relationships with everyone who comes into contact with it – employees, communities, suppliers and customers.

COOK believes there is a better way of doing business than the conventional capitalist approach that pursues profit at all costs. In 2013, COOK became one of the UK’s first certified B Corporations, part of a global movement of companies reinventing business as a force for good in society.

We’ve been huge fans of COOK for many years - not just because they make delicious food, but because of the difference they make to their people and the planet.?We can't wait to welcome Ed to our May meeting...will you join us?

If you’re an existing Member of UK for Good, please remember to register for your Zoom link. If you’re not a member and would like to join our thriving community of forward-thinking business leaders, please apply below.

And remember, to support your and our environmental impact we’ll plant 25 trees through our partnership with Ecologi when you sign up, and you’ll become a part of a very special community of businesses which are all committed to shaping a better world. ??

I am looking forward to seeing existing and new members at Thursday's UK for Good Members forum. If you are not a member and would like to join as a guest to see how we work, send a DM or email [email protected] for your invitation.