Summary

WaveWrights steers a middle course between the conventional business model and the not-for-profit paradigm. While adopting a robust ethical stance that is almost charitable in essence, our decision-making policy is pragmatic and commercial.

Background

WaveWrights is, at heart, the writing partnership of Ken and Joules Taylor, formed in 1992. As well as writing books, articles, website content, copywriting, and reports (all of which may be illustrated by a variety of media), there are two 'wings' that give added dimensions to the business. JAT is a website design and management business, and Archyve is a book publishing business with a wholly-owned imprint Heartsown. All of these conform to high ethical standards in business dealings, pursue a low-carbon policy, and are active in supporting charitable and community ventures.

Responsible business objectives

As authors and publishers (website and conventional) WaveWrights are keenly aware of their responsibility to dispel ignorance, and empower people with the tools (mental and physical) to successfully pursue their own personal wellbeing, which entails due consideration for social and environmental welfare.

By establishing a successful business model based on sound ethical principles, WaveWrights hope to lead by example, enabling more people to be economically productive and still act in accordance with their conscience.

How they do it

WaveWrights have taken the following steps in order to meet their responsible business objectives:

• Source energy from renewable resources;
• Audited energy consumption and acted to minimise wastage;
• Provide staff with organic and Fairtrade refreshments;
• Obtain stationery from recycled materials and sustainable sources;
• Recycling waste wherever possible;
• Applying positive discrimination to suppliers with high ethical standards;
• Offering significant discounts to charitable and not-for-profit organisations;
• Membership of the Mayday Network, who provide a list of appropriate environmental pledges for members to sign up to. WaveWrights have adopted two and have volunteered to undertake one further pledge each year for the next five years (at least!).

What impact it has

WaveWrights watch where their money goes: by selecting business partners not by the cheapest but by the most ethical. Money is then injected into and circulated among a community that cares for human wellbeing, environmental welfare, and positive change.

By minimising fuel and materials wastage, and maximising procurement of fuel and materials from sustainable sources, WaveWrights limit damage to the environment, and slow the pace of eco-degradation such as climate change.

By supporting charitable and not-for-profit organisations WaveWrights enable activities and outcomes that would not otherwise be achieved.

Business Benefits

By reducing wastage in fuel and materials WaveWrights fund their increased costs in procuring goods and services from ethical sources.

For example...

The company's publishing wing (Archyve) has switched from a low-cost printer to one sourcing its paper (which is elementary chlorine free) from sustainable forestry. They also bind books with mineral rather than animal glue. This printer is also geographically close, so the carbon cost of transport is minimised. They are slightly more expensive but...

WaveWrights have also re-organised all their computer workstations, much of whose electrical equipment was kept on standby; this allows unused peripherals to be switched off independently of core units that need to run 24/7. Although the re-wiring will have a one-off cost, WaveWrights anticipate significant savings in fuel consumption (and carbon emissions) in the long term, as well as increasing equipment longevity.

So, taken in combination, these activities should have a neutral impact on finances, but a doubly beneficial impact on the environment.