“Your customers knowing that you get involved in community projects encourages them to come back because they want to be part of that.” – Paul Cutsforth, operations director at Orchid.
“Examine your business using PESTEL (political, economic, social, technical, environmental and legislative) analysis. By examining each area carefully you’ll find ways to improve your corporate responsibility along the way.” – Paul Elliott, advisor and team leader for Business Link East Midlands.
“We try and recruit locally if we can. Fundamentally I think its better if your staff don’t have to travel far – you have to remember people are working long hours in the restaurant industry.” – Sam Harrison, owner Sam’s Brasserie.
“Charity can help root a restaurant in a community. I’ve noticed that something about the charity we’ve chosen and the way we support it has chimed with our customers and staff . It’s played a role in the way people think about us.” – Huw Gott, Hawksmoor.
“Would anyone in your business say ‘I would strongly recommend working here to friends and family’? How well a business scores on that question is going to be one of the best predictors of long-term business success. A business which is run responsibly is undoubtedly going to score higher.” David Grayson, chairman of the Small Business Consortium.
“You’ve got to have a long term view of it. We work in hospitality and hospitality means being generous. I believe it is very much a two way relationship with local communities and if you look after them, they’ll look after you.” – Sam Harrison, owner Sam’s Brasserie.
“It is important to have a mixture of local and national causes, so people within the company are closer to them and believe in it.” – Paul Cutsforth, operations director at Orchid.
“Encourage other local businesses to act responsibly too. A collective effort will result in better options in your area, which ultimately drives tourism you way.” – Jeff Gillard, owner South Sands Hotel.
“But those leaders and companies able to see the long-term view - recognising the opportunities for, and communicating the value of responsible business to the bottom line - will be the ones to truly come out fighting.” – Stephen Howard, chief executive of Business in the Community.
“Get involved. Charity work doesn’t damage the bottom line, in fact the benefits far outweigh the costs in terms of morale and motivation.” – Paul Cutsforth, operations director at Orchid.
Read more articles in this series here.
And for a more thorough understanding of what Corporate Social Responsibility involves, we suggest visiting www.businesslink.gov.uk.