Ethical trading conference set for Wolverhampton
BLACK COUNTRY firms looking to boost their sales by doing business responsibly have been invited to attend a new conference.
The ‘Profits v Responsible Business – does there have to be a choice’ event, which is being backed by Business in the Community (BITC) and University of Wolverhampton, takes place at Wolverhampton Science Park on November 9.
The conference will show companies how they can be more profitable by committing to a sustainable agenda that focuses on respecting people, communities and the natural environment.
Delegates will hear from Aaron Reid, responsible procurement consultant for support services group Carillion, Dr Silke Machold, reader in Governance and Ethics at the University of Wolverhampton and Mark Clemson, managing director of New World Solar.
Topics include strengthening supplier partnerships, enhancing brand reputation and securing and retaining important contracts.
Also attending will be Cleone Foods’ Wade Lyn, who will speak on his company’s commitment to ethical business and how his strategy has led to him being named the Prince of Wales’s Ambassador for Responsible Business in the West Midlands.
David Darlaston, regional director at BITC, said: “Being a responsible company is not just for the big corporate; SMEs have their role to play and also deserve to enjoy the bottom line benefits that come with it.”
He said from talking to firms across the West Midlands it was evident there was a huge demand from firms wanting to know more about what it takes to be sustainable.
“Wolverhampton is one of the first events to be held and we believe the high profile speakers will add a lot of benefit to local companies. There will also be all the latest information on the support you can access to do business responsibly,” added Mr Darlaston.
Business in the Community, which is the UK’s largest and best-known knowledge network for those involved in responsible business, has recently launched its first-ever SME membership package.
The service covers three main areas: advice and support; employee development and community impact; and profiling and networking.
To attend contact Samerina Sahota on 01902 717491 or samerina.sahota@bitc.org.uk.
