Pictured above: David Darlaston, Regional Director for
Business in the Community (BITC)
Small and medium enterprises in the West Midlands are being
urged to manage their business responsibly and enjoy an increase in
profits according to one of the region's leading figures on
Corporate Social Responsibility.
David Darlaston, Regional Director for Business in the Community
(BITC), made the rallying call today after announcing details of
the first ever 'SME Membership' offer for companies in the
area.
The new initiative has been specifically designed to address
growing demand from firms looking to combine commercial success
with respecting people, communities and the natural
environment.
It will tap into all of BITC's expertise and contacts to offer
SMEs strategic advice and support on doing business responsibly,
employee development, community impact and the massive benefits
that come from networking with some of the biggest companies in the
UK.
David Darlaston explained: "Being a responsible business is not
just for the big corporates, small and medium enterprises have
their role to play and also deserve to enjoy the bottom line
benefits that come with it.
"From talking to firms all over the West Midlands it was evident
that there was a huge demand for us to introduce a new SME
membership package that would cater for companies with less than
250 people."
He continued: "And this is exactly what we've done, developing
an offer that gives companies access to a dedicated account
manager, strategic advice on corporate social responsibility,
added value support for community work and opportunities to
participate in some of our major BITC action days, such as Give and
Gain 2011."
Business in the Community, which is the UK's largest and
best-known knowledge network for those involved in responsible
business, has already signed up two founder members in Birmingham's
New World Solar and Warwickshire-based Alumet Systems (UK), a
specialist in bespoke fabrication and installation of building
exterior products.
The membership will be split into three main areas:
• Advice and support (annual strategy meeting,
tailored action plan, guided access to website, media round up)
• Employee Development and Community Impact
(participation in Give and Gain Day, access to quarterly team
meetings, support and added value for community work)
• Profile and Network (access to a 800 company
strong BITC Network, free attendance to member's forums, reduced
rate on high profile events, use of BITC logo communication and
regular updates)
David concluded: "We would urge any companies interested in
corporate social responsibility to join the debate. No matter what
part of the journey you're on, the SME membership offer could add
real value to the way you do business and your bottom line
performance."
For further information please contact alison.maxam@bitc.org.uk
or phone 0121 451 2227.