Midtown Big Ideas Exchange Debates Business Values

Do Londoners think that CSR is enough?

Ahead of the fourth event (28th Feb) in the current series of London’s most dynamic debates, the Midtown Big Ideas Exchange, where a prolific panel will discuss the topic of Business Values, its hosts BEE Midtown and London Evening Standard partnered to conduct extensive research on the views of Londoners surrounding Corporate and Social Responsibility (CSR).

Those surveyed were invited to consider whether businesses are doing enough to support their local communities, how should they respond to the changing demands of the population, and how might they help to restore public confidence in the social and commercial economy.

From the survey results, two-thirds of Londoners felt that businesses have a positive impact on society, with 85% stating that they felt CSR was important. When asked what aspects of CSR are most important to them, the majority agreed that fair wages were their main concern, followed by environmental policy and healthy workplaces. Londoners also feel strongly about CSR compliance and the clear majority (79%) think that London’s businesses should set a precedent for good practice in ethics: 67% specified that they would not buy goods or services from companies who faired negatively on such matters.

The desire for businesses to think local seems prevalent amongst Londoners also, with 80% suggesting that they should be engaging in initiatives such as supporting local environmental schemes or youth projects.

The debate will be chaired by Joy De Lico, editor of Londoner’s Diary at the Evening Standard, a column that observes and asks questions of the capitals political, social and art worlds. The confirmed panel includes investigative reporter Jacques Peretti, Steve Woerner, Manager, Corporate Communications & Sustainability at Mitsubishi Corporation International,  Mike Bonner, Director of Sales & Marketing for Rosewood London and more to be arranged.

As with all Midtown Big Ideas Exchange debates, entry is free with prior registration and – as well as a lively discussion – the event will conclude with complimentary drinks and a networking opportunity.

Tass Mavrogordato, CEO of BEE Midtown commented:

“Large corporations are often positioned in an ethically negative light, yet in reality, many of these contribute a deeper value to society that may go untold. Whilst we might observe the visible manifestations of solid values in positives such as charitable support, apprenticeships and gender diversity, creating purpose and belonging might be harder to quantify. This debate seeks to explore the heart and soul of business values, both globally and – more specifically – how this extends hyper-locally to Midtown.”