Member News
A reflection on the Responsible Business Roundtable event, hosted by Just William
In a room filled with influential local business leaders and founders, the conversation was never going to be straightforward. But discussing ‘responsible business’ threw curveballs that nobody could have anticipated.
What was immediately apparent as the room filled was the palpable camaraderie – everyone there for the shared purpose of discussing and supporting the movement for more businesses to become ‘responsible’. Warm smiles and handshakes were exchanged before the discussion began – what does being responsible, in business, even mean?
Whilst each and every one of us will have our own interpretation of the phrase, what was fascinating was the variety of responses as leaders from across sectors shared their thoughts. From the third sector, Phil Bramhall of Refugee Futures eloquently stated that, from a business perspective, it’s about creating an organisational culture where all staff believe in ways that demonstrate “individual responsibility for the collective good”; helping facilitate positive impact on our people and communities through our business efforts. Fostering a culture that encourages responsibility at all levels within any business, to think and act in ways that support collective responsibility.
Chris Renahan, Assistant Director for Inclusive Growth and Development at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, was first to raise the view that it is “doing the right thing”. But with that comes the inevitable question: what actually is the right thing to do? Another avenue wide open to interpretation, which sparked lively, good-natured debate. From challenging greenwashing and low-impact social value frameworks to exploring profit as a tool to generate change, each guest brought their own unique experience.
Just Williams founder, MD and event host, Jessica Williams, reinforced the thinking: “Responsible business is subjective; being ‘good’ in business is subjective. But there must be ways we can help facilitate positive impact by using our businesses as a force for good.”
Building on this collective thought, Grant Glendinning, Chief Executive and Group Principal of The ETC Group – a network of colleges across the region – discussed the Group’s marketing team’s internal ‘Tone of Voice’ document. Initially created for one team and later rolled out across the Group, it has had a galvanising effect on culture and created a shared understanding of responsibility and excellence both internally and in the wider communities served.
Grant reflected: “We are measured by our social value, and we are hell-bent on making sure our communities benefit from inward investment in the region … but the idea of ‘being responsible’ also comes with the perception that you must forgo something to benefit others – it doesn’t have to mean that.”
Becoming a responsible business does not require reinventing the wheel. What we heard, and know from experience, is that responsibility is subjective – but with positive intentions, a desire to create meaningful change and determination, every organisation can find ways to be more responsible.
Just Williams has increased its use of a local supply chain to nearly 80% of its network. Lee Mableson of Mabo shared that, having experienced toxic cultures previously, he committed to only working with people who were ‘good people’. Benjamin Drury of Drury added that responsibility is intrinsically linked to authenticity – doing what you say you will do, consistently.
Regardless of sector or size, what was clear as the event drew to a close was that the appetite for change is strong within our region. Those around the table represented a small cross-section of leaders ready to influence change, support communities, and do so responsibly. The next step is for that drive to be mirrored more widely – for more organisations to stand together, champion positive impact, lobby for effective change, and help build a region of responsible employers, colleagues and partners.
Want to be part of the next steps of the Responsible Business Roundtable?
We want to hear from you. As our delegates begin shaping a Responsible Business Charter, we are inviting more organisations who want to drive positive change to join us. Email emma@justwilliamsltd.co.uk to stay informed and consider your own organisation too – are you acting as responsibly as you can? If not, now is the time to make those changes.
