Good Business - Lizzie Neave & Mel Taylor, Churchill Group

Businesses are facing increasing pressure to reassess their societal roles, environmental impacts, and responsibilities towards employees and communities. Churchill Group stands out for not only recognising this but also making strides to address these various factors. I spoke with two key leaders, Lizzie Neave and Melanie Taylor , for insights into the importance of ESG, and strategies for shaping a better future.

Central to Churchill's ethos is the understanding that genuine social impact extends beyond superficial gestures. Lizzie emphasised the importance of building trust through tangible, lasting initiatives focused on employability and community development. This dedication to authentic engagement sets Churchill apart and drives its purpose-driven approach to corporate responsibility.

Mel underscores the interconnectedness of #HR and #marketing in shaping organisational culture and external perceptions. Their collaboration ensures consistency and authenticity in values, messaging, and actions, which is essential for attracting top talent, enhancing performance, and fostering client satisfaction.

Churchill has addressed frontline staff wage and benefits issues in multiple ways. Perhaps the most notable is its transition to an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT), which means that every single employee has a stake in the business. Lizzie noted how this has helped with aligning incentives and fostering long-term commitment. Mel spoke of efforts to promote higher wages and other financial benefits, such as including access to online GPs and programmes like WageStream that give employees an alternative to high-interest payday loans.

Churchill's commitment to understanding team needs is demonstrated through regular internal updates and leadership forums. They aim to lead sector discussions on societal, economic, and political issues, with a strategic focus on where they can make a positive impact.

For Churchill, "good business" entails genuine social impact, particularly in enhancing employability within local communities. By investing in initiatives targeting marginalised groups, they aim to create lasting societal benefits that avoid superficial approaches to CSR.

You can read the full Q&A on the Magenta website.