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The Small Business Consortium was established in March 2002 in response to feedback from small and medium size business (SME) owner-managers who asked for a collaborative approach to corporate social responsibility by the main SME stakeholder organisations.
The Small Business Consortium members are:
AccountAbility; Arts & Business; British Chambers of Commerce; Business in the Community; CSR Europe; Federation of Small Businesses; The Forum of Private Business; Institute of Directors; Lloyds TSB; Scottish Business in the Community; Serco and BT.
Considerable interest has been shown from business advisors and SME owner-managers themselves, who have been providing a reality check throughout the process.
“Business is facing a number of rapidly emerging issues today not least in the area of climate change. This issue however, not only presents challenges to how we operate responsible and profitable businesses but it also provides opportunities through which to develop new products and services, and reduce business costs through improving energy efficiency. The IoD is pleased to work with the Small Business Consortium in providing this valuable route-map on how business can improve not only their operational effectiveness but, as the case studies show, also improve the bottom-line. For example, the simple six point framework that outlines an approach to environmental sustainability provides an excellent approach to reduce your footprint and grow your business.”
Miles Templeman, Director General of the Institute of Directors
"The consortium is an important resource in promoting the many unique business opportunities associated with Corporate Social Responsibility. It's focus on business case studies and use of language that resonates with the commercial sector will be an important influence in encouraging more businesses to get involved in wider community initiatives."
David Frost, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce
"This series of concise and jargon free briefs shows businesses how they can enhance their reputation and improve their bottom line. Each brief outlines how other firms have made a difference and how they have benefited as a result. For example by paying bills on time, entrepreneurs don't just help their fellow business owners, they also generate goodwill with suppliers and get a better quality of service as a result."
Stephen Alambritis, Head of Parliamentary Affairs at the Federation of Small Business
“Scottish Business in the Community has been a member of the Small Business Consortium since its formation, and finds it an incredibly useful forum for sharing our message on responsible business practice with other business support organisations and companies. The Consortium’s website is an excellent example of our collaboration. It has become an important source of information for SME owner-managers on how to create a more sustainable business, illustrating each fact sheet with case studies of small businesses that have taken action and reaped rewards. It also signposts them to valuable sources of free assistance and connects them to like-minded businesses. At a time when climate change is a key issue for business sustainability, this is a vital resource for SMEs.”
Samantha Barber, CEO, Scottish Business in the Community.
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