tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-215005772011-08-14T15:00:28.880ZCorporate ethics in the newsKaren Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.comBlogger1231100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-52914915982309241692010-03-02T22:07:00.005Z2010-03-02T22:18:09.611Z

Marks and Spencer commits to the next stage of Plan A, by stating the company's aim to become the world's most sustainable retailer by 2015, reports The Independent. Despite a complete lack of clarity over the standards in factories used by Marks and Spencer, it remains that the retailer has done much to raise the levels of ethical awareness among high street shoppers.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-62902039714056202332009-09-17T13:41:00.004Z2009-09-17T13:47:53.201Z

All eyes on the UN on Sep 22 as Obama joins 100 other government heads at the summit on Climate Change and Chinese President Hu Jintao will present China's new plans to tackle global warming.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-45295469757244347112008-01-09T21:18:00.000Z2008-01-09T23:15:54.953Z

In May 2007, the COI called for agencies to improve their environmental credentials or risk being axed from their roster. In October, Procter and Gamble announced a sales target for environmentally improved products. Many advertisers are reviewing the way they source materials, promote their products and dispose of waste, partly to win consumer approval, and partly to appease regulators and

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-61437257573426747382008-01-07T20:38:00.000Z2008-01-07T20:42:57.656Z

Last year there was a big rise in the number of people reporting false green claims to the Advertising Standards Authority reports Marketing magazine. Certainly consumers are becoming more aware of environmental issues, but their awareness of greenwashing is increasing too. Marketers and their agencies need to be more aware of their customers' increasing sophistication.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-78769685020518651652007-10-30T17:01:00.000Z2007-10-30T17:17:43.315Z

Two significant announcements today - one from a brand owner and the other from government. Taken separately they are both important stories, but taken together they mark a huge change in the relationship between individuals, brands and government. Procter and Gamble released news of the company's plans to reduce the environmental impact of their products, while the UK Government announced "pay

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-33564170495288051512007-10-28T19:49:00.000Z2007-10-28T20:12:47.562Z

GAP, the clothing retailer and member of Red initiative, was today accused of using child labour in the production of its clothing in India. Despite being rated as one of the most ethical retailers in the Time Out shopping league, ERI respondents have consistently rated GAP as one of the least ethical retailers on the index. Nearly 90% of people who rated GAP poorly did so because they believe "

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-54380745898678683122007-10-26T13:29:00.000Z2007-10-26T14:01:19.015Z

News yesterday from BBC says that some goods may be stripped of their organic status if they've been flown into UK. If implemented this will help clear up some of the confusion that exists in consumers' minds. Back in 2006, to coincide with Fairtrade fortnight, ERI conducted research which shows half of UK shoppers weren't clear about the differences between fairtrade, organic and ethical goods.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-69788437088788473752007-10-20T09:41:00.000Z2007-10-20T09:52:31.996Z

From January 2008, the Netherlands will employ a carbon-based packaging tax that could herald the start of wider EU movement forcing companies to take CO2 emissions into account when making packaging decisions, according to Sustainable is Good and Environmental Leader reports.CO2 emissions from the production of each kilogram of packaging will form the basis of the calculations.Changes in

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-3060484431266949102007-09-13T09:47:00.000Z2007-09-13T10:03:14.099Z

The LGA (Local Government Association) recently proposed a ‘pay as you throw’ scheme after a survey found that almost two-thirds supported being charged under the system in return for council tax rebates. Of course it's not the first time we've heard about plans that focus on personal responsibility. David Miliband announced plans to review

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-27020311379924508292007-08-02T09:44:00.000Z2007-08-02T09:54:22.883Z

In association with the Ethical Trading Initiative, this week's Time Out has rated London's most ethical retailers says GreenBiz. Marks and Spencer, Gap and H&M are rated highest.For me the differences between what shoppers think (ERI) and the results of audits such as this one are very revealing.According to the ERI, Marks and Spencer's consumer ratings are rising faster than any other retailer

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-64494580272123498592007-07-18T07:22:00.000Z2007-07-18T07:27:32.029Z

Gordon Brown is urged to act on supermarkets using factories that pay workers 4p per hour for up to 80 hours a week says the Scotsman.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-17848519730596075902007-07-10T16:53:00.000Z2007-07-10T16:59:40.848Z

Are banks pouncing on green to differentiate their products and make more profit asks The Telegraph? With commendable honesty, Barclaycard, which recently launched Breathe, says "yes" but goes on to say they are also responding to customer demand.The article also references the Live Earth concerts held on seven continents 07.07.07. Find out whether the concerts did change public perception - of

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-57042596881284467842007-06-15T09:04:00.000Z2007-06-15T09:12:59.916Z

Kellogg's has announced new voluntary guidelines for marketing to children.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-84104571787467023752007-06-13T05:59:00.000Z2007-06-13T06:16:41.990Z

Tesco have introduced what they call 'naked deliveries', an attempt to reduce the 4 billion bags their grocery delivery service uses every year. I'm trying to imagine what 4 billion bags looks like and how much oil and energy is used to produce them. It's quite hard. But it is a fitting response to consumers concerns which at the moment are focussed on packaging and recycling. Tesco's website

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-48857128548554351262007-06-12T07:40:00.000Z2007-06-12T07:59:13.661Z

The Energy Saving Trust estimates that an average home in UK has 12 appliances on standby at any one time. Dixons CEO John Clare is meeting suppliers today to call for the end to the standby button on electrical goods. Dixons are the latest company to attempt to reduce energy use of its products. Recently Philips announced a 'green tick' logo to denote more energy efficient goods.Although the

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-59061959371680931922007-06-10T16:15:00.000Z2007-06-10T16:30:49.910Z

As the Carbon Trust's work shows, there is pressure on the airline industry to react to consumer and legislative pressures. The reaction of the airline industry varies widely, but regional carrier flybe has launched a scheme to alert customers to carbon offsetting. Using a traffic light system the airline aims to help customers decide whether to offset the carbon or not.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-91218223308029154082007-06-10T14:40:00.000Z2007-06-10T18:36:07.760Z

Hot on the heels of the Carbon Trust campaign comes announcements from two supermarkets. The first from Morrisons is a scheme launched to help customers identify which goods can be recycled.Our Ethical Reputation Index research shows a lot of people are confused about their role reducing waste and energy - so this scheme should be welcome news to consumers. Two-thirds of people surveyed on the

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-53079586787653287362007-06-10T14:35:00.000Z2007-06-10T14:52:33.913Z

The Carbon Trust has launched a campaign to persuade business to do find more ways of reducing carbon output. News of the story is featured here. Looking for a picture of the Carbon Trust I came across this instead - a diagram showing the market value at risk if sectors do not act to reduce carbon emissions. A difficult thing to calculate I'd imagine, but the relative positions seem pretty

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-67781826952131901342007-05-24T07:23:00.000Z2007-05-24T07:58:27.836Z

General Electric announced today that 'green' sales have doubled in the past two years to $12 billion. At the same time, overall sales at GE grew by just 20%. General Electric are broadcasting a press conference live today.General Electric and BP have both teamed up with ivillage to launch a new Web channel "to show women how easy it is to go green." Recently NewsCorp, IBM and Citigroup, have

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-84064421884999887472007-05-18T09:56:00.000Z2007-06-10T14:45:03.716Z

Yahoo! has launched a 'go green' initiative in the US. How will it affect consumers views of the company?

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-46086385532327583522007-05-16T11:04:00.000Z2007-05-16T11:08:15.824Z

Tesco's shareholders have forced ethical issues onto the public agenda. Several newspapers have picked up on this including the Scotsman business pages. The comments below the article are interesting. Not only do they show that readers are thinking about these issues, but digital and social media is allowing them to participate in a debate. It means companies are becoming more open to public

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-49531786211859727562007-05-05T17:08:00.000Z2007-05-05T17:12:31.432Z

Environmental concerns have mainly focussed on the food and fashion industries, then transport. Now technology companies are coming under scrutiny. After we saw Greenpeace slam Apple, Steve Jobs announced new measures to green Apple. Now Philips have launched a new green tick to help guide consumers to more environmentally friendly products.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-17357489607564274552007-04-24T11:32:00.000Z2007-05-02T00:14:12.560Z

Nice idea at Lime 'green living with a twist' to pull together 'eco' sites and blogs to provide comms opportunities.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-68315558421598220702007-04-22T22:09:00.000Z2007-04-22T22:13:22.265Z

I just stumbled across this blog called Marketing Green and thought it was great especially like the interview with Toyota about priuschat.com, very inspiring. Then I saw it was written by David Wigder at Digitas and then I realised why. They are a very interesting company - and I'm sure David is a very interesting person. So I'm going to take a closer look at this blog and read a few more

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1176136539742147782007-04-09T16:35:00.000Z2007-06-10T14:42:54.604Z

http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/wellbeing/story/0,,2053116,00.html

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1176045124061791252007-04-08T15:12:00.000Z2007-06-10T14:42:35.112Z

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1626727.ece

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1175614347342854372007-04-03T15:21:00.000Z2007-04-03T15:43:32.633Z

... this is a bit new for me, advertising what I'm working on in this 'blog. Up until now I've just noted things that have caught my eye in the press. But I'm planning a project with a few like- minded people and so I thought I'd plant a seed and see what grows...So right now there are 4 of us and we are all interested in how 'green' issues are affecting shoppers on the high street. I did an

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1175162277272397962007-03-29T10:55:00.000Z2007-03-29T10:57:57.466Z

The Sexy Green Car Show at Eden Project starts today. It's interesting to see how the motor manufacturers and trade bodies are going to respond to consumer pressure and/or legislation.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1175161725630111132007-03-29T10:48:00.000Z2007-04-03T15:00:55.890Z

Last night went to a D&AD event at RIBA which was all about sustainability. Speakers included Russell Davies, John Grant and David founder of Howies. All 3 were naturally funny and charming speakers who made it look easy.Russell's speech was great. I'm not certain I can do it justice, so instead I'll think I'll link to his thought process as he develops the presentation.John Grant was very

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1172185155506913572007-02-22T22:59:00.000Z2007-02-22T22:59:15.766Z

Great 'blog entry shows a huge leap in the number of people searching for global warming. If you like this blog entry you can hugg it.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1172137342623719212007-02-22T09:42:00.000Z2007-02-22T23:07:46.640Z

The Scotsman reports that retailers are rushing to capture the consumer's green pound. In the UK, New Consumer reports that Marks and Spencer ranks above other food retailers Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Asda and Morrisons according to the Ethical Index. But the supermarkets are investing a lot in trying to catch up. But, some supermarkets are sending confusing messages. While there corporate

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1171476124613072202007-02-14T18:02:00.000Z2007-02-14T18:02:04.986Z

Strategic corporate social responsibility takes the long term view reports AOL money and finance. I can't see how anyone could disagree and those companies who are acting now are investing in long term sustainability ofbusiness by limiting their exposure to rising energy costs, potential restrictions on energy use and wastage. They are also gearing up to meet a significant change in consumer

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1171286248019180192007-02-12T13:17:00.000Z2007-02-12T13:17:28.646Z

The London Stock Exchange reports that interest in ethical investments is growing. The report says that the Royal London Ethical Bond Trust has attracted £35 million in external assets so far. This confirm a growing trend as investors increasingly recognise the risk to businesses which are relying solely on unsustainable energy, or which may become subject to legislation or tax on emissions and

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1170712440597297752007-02-05T21:50:00.000Z2007-02-07T09:20:38.186Z

Here's a piece that caught my eye at CSR wire, and this quote in particular made me wonder about the relationship between corporate responsibility and profit. "...Business Ethics magazine reports that companies on the S&P 500 stock index who make their annual 100 best corporate citizens list have higher sales and profits than those who don't". I should look into this before I make any assumptions

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1170079760882898512007-01-29T13:03:00.000Z2007-01-29T14:09:21.166Z

In the Retail Bulletin, Helen Dickenson questions the motives of the major supermarkets in their quest to become greener.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1169467287538598732007-01-22T11:59:00.000Z2007-01-28T16:26:17.116Z

This is a great article in BusinessWeek. One thing caught my eye in particular, a company that calculates the value of reputation damage. Going to have a closer look at this. "Few Wall Street analysts, for example, have tried to assess how much damage Wal-Mart's reputation for poor labor and environmental practices did to the stock price. But New York's Communications Consulting Worldwide (CCW),

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1169466901768345732007-01-22T11:53:00.000Z2007-01-22T11:55:02.003Z

BusinessWeek has prepared a list of the world's 100 most sustainable corporations, to be presented at the Jan. 24-28, 2007 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1169466016351528532007-01-22T11:24:00.000Z2007-01-24T23:56:36.486Z

A new study featured in the Financial Times suggests business is regaining public trust. However the study's publisher, Edelman PR, says that American brands have a problem in Europe. Presuming this means brands founded in America, but I thought some US brands have suffered negative associations for many years. I believe that Simon Anholt, author and expert on public diplomacy, considers that it

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1169161214260934432007-01-18T22:58:00.000Z2007-01-18T23:07:03.276Z

Tesco announces latest plan to reduce the company's indirect environmental impact, reports the BBC.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1168888158977928572007-01-15T19:06:00.000Z2007-01-30T16:08:32.016Z

Various newspapers, including The Independent, report on M&S's announcement that they will become carbon neutral by 2012. And one of The Guardian's blogs comments too.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1160564040745170762006-10-11T10:50:00.000Z2007-01-22T10:48:38.010Z

Warren Buffett recently warned employees at his company Berkshire Hathaway that corporate reputation can be quickly damaged, but take many years to regain. "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently."In a speech to managers on 27th September 2006, he said, ""Somebody is doing something today at Berkshire that you and

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1158916683372228952006-09-22T09:04:00.000Z2007-01-24T23:57:10.866Z

PC World reports that a number of manufacturers have joined forces to try to make mobile phones more environmentally friendly. A number of other organisations including the World Wildlife Fund and the Department of the Environment are involved in the scheme. This scheme is announced shortly after European set regulations determining the types of materials that can be used in electronic devices.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1158306302050407262006-09-15T07:42:00.000Z2006-09-15T07:45:02.376Z

An interesting piece in Brand Republic asserts that marketers should consider CSR as part of modern brand management.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1157830361654155682006-09-09T19:19:00.000Z2006-09-09T19:32:42.226Z

Tesco recently launched their environmental initiative to encourage shoppers to use fewer bags by offering green clubcard points. Now Sainsbury's have revealed their compostable packaging which will be introduced over coming months on own label products. It's going to be difficult for city dwellers without their own composting bin. Perhaps councils will step up re-cycling efforts to include this

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1157103164565187472006-09-01T09:22:00.000Z2006-09-01T09:32:52.596Z

As Wal-mart opens its 62nd store in China, China CSR reports that the store is focussing on corporate responsibility. Meanwhile in its US homeland, this article reports that Wal-mart is launching ads to defend its reputation. Interestingly both articles major on the benefits of 'everyday low prices', employment Wal-mart provides and the amount of taxes the company pays.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1156843964267447412006-08-29T09:32:00.000Z2006-08-29T09:33:12.250Z

Wired blogs note that Apple is seeking a manager for their Corporate Responsibility program.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1156411287058136472006-08-24T09:13:00.000Z2006-08-24T09:22:44.436Z

Marks and Spencer's "Look behind the label" is being credited as one of its most successful ever advertising campaigns. The Independent publishes this piece describing Citibank's assessment of the campaign.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1155553130072681882006-08-14T10:40:00.000Z2006-08-14T11:31:13.546Z

Unilever-owned Ben and Jerry's - the people who first brought us Chunky Monkey and Chubby Hubby - launch the UK's first Fairtrade ice-cream. Launched in 1978, sold to Unilever in 1999, the company has shown commitment to corporate responsibility. Their "Climate Change college" campaign was launched in 2005. The graduates of the programe (or 'ambassadors' as they are called) will help to lobby

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1155551831770254612006-08-14T10:26:00.000Z2006-09-07T22:01:31.303Z

This Sunday Times article talks about the influence of blogging on corporate reputation. A commentator Mark Rogers of Market Sentinel points out that 75% of new car buyers search online before they buy - companies should beware if they don't like what they find. And I read here that 44% of internet users are content creators according to Pew. This is an important trend right now but I was

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1154419933095842622006-08-01T08:09:00.000Z2006-08-01T08:12:13.410Z

Asda, along with representatives from other supermarkets, met the environment secretary David Miliband last week to discuss ways to reduce waste from supermarkets. Asda have responded with news of their initiatives published in freshinfo today.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1153725289592949902006-07-24T07:08:00.000Z2006-07-24T07:14:49.900Z

This FT article about cotton production and the development of more Fairtrade clothing ranges, notably by M&S, sums the role of initiatives like RED and Fairtrade thus "Brands can add a lot of value, but part of their appeal is their exclusivity, and the higher price that enables a less efficient supply chain to exist will also limit demand for its output. At the very least, it should help

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1153679178312447062006-07-23T18:22:00.000Z2006-07-23T18:27:29.093Z

Suppliers' activities can contribute significantly to business risk which is why BP and competitors are joining forces in an interesting development reported by the Telegraph. Using their combined resources to share information, the companies will minimise potential risks.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1153209024595018852006-07-18T07:48:00.000Z2006-07-18T07:50:24.906Z

The Times reports that the organic foods store Wholefoods is launching in London on the site of the old Barker's store in Kensington. The site is vast and is in a very affluent area (just a few yards from Kensington Palace in fact) so looks set to capitalise on a growing market.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1153073542269659662006-07-16T18:07:00.000Z2006-07-16T18:12:22.513Z

Ethical purchasing is growing four times faster than UK household income, according to the Co-operative Bank's annual Ethical Purchasing Index. This Telegraph article however, points to huge growth within ethical investing - from £613 in 1996 to £4 billion in June 2006.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1152602128930713102006-07-11T07:13:00.000Z2006-07-11T07:15:29.176Z

Fresh Info reports "Sainsbury’s policy on corporate responsibility comes down to five key points, according to the retailer’s latest report. The Corporate Responsibility report states the company is striving to be “the best for food and health”; “show respect for our environment”; “source with integrity”; make a “positive difference to our community”, and be “a great place to work”.The report

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1152261586072374882006-07-07T08:31:00.000Z2006-07-07T08:39:48.173Z

There is some doubt over ASDA's approach to Fairtrade Foundation for a 'Fairtrade kitemark' for food produced by UK farmers. While UK shoppers admit to some confusion about Fairtrade labelling, the addition of a Fairtrade kitemark for UK products might not help, since consumers associate the label with helping poorer farmers in developing countries.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1151656095639166732006-06-30T08:23:00.000Z2006-06-30T08:28:15.943Z

Investigations into BP's activities in the US propane market may cause their shares to be shunned by investors says one analyst in Dow Jones newswire article quoted in NewRatings.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1151503445355185702006-06-28T14:02:00.000Z2006-06-28T14:04:05.750Z

Today an article in The Guardian says that big retailers including Tesco and M&S have helped to boost sales of Fairtrade goods in the UK.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1150705306432706562006-06-19T08:00:00.000Z2006-06-19T08:22:48.380Z

Being seen to behave ethically is as important as making profits says Nick Mathiason in this article in The Observer. The report quotes Samuel Palmisano, chairman and chief executive of computer giant IBM, who says that "multinationals are dead. In their wake is a new creature - the 'globally integrated enterprise' (GIE) - which does not exploit nations or workers but seeks to 'open new

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1150703766391462042006-06-19T07:55:00.000Z2006-06-19T07:57:53.053Z

Apple is investigating a UK newspaper report picked up in this BBC online article about labour practices in China.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1149953729514718802006-06-10T15:35:00.000Z2006-06-10T15:35:30.060Z

This article in the People's Daily online describes the cost of consumer demands for lower prices and faster lead times for fashion. This is exacerbated by multi-national companies giving short lead times in order to minimise the cost of storage. This in turn means Chinese workers must work more and more overtime to complete orders, or face losing business. The article says the manufacturers face

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1148972379047130592006-05-30T06:56:00.000Z2006-05-30T06:59:39.273Z

Althought the Co-operative Bank turned down nearly £10m business last year on ethical grounds, the bank calculates over one third of its £96.5m pre-tax profit can be attributed to its ethical stance reports the Guardian.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1148466032105465942006-05-24T10:20:00.000Z2006-05-24T10:20:32.616Z

This is interesting as BBC reports that Nike and Apple have joined forces to launch products for runners. An increasing number of companies are co-branding. Retailers work with banks to provide store cards and financial services, or new outlets for their products. But what impact will this have on either companies' reputation, especially if there is disparity in consumer perceptions?

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1148216692311125722006-05-21T12:33:00.000Z2006-06-02T15:29:07.446Z

In a Guardian report on supermarkets and environmental issues, Sainsbury's group Chief Executive says "It is a huge and hot topic at the moment, but it is core to the way we do business."

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1148212596438113252006-05-21T11:43:00.000Z2006-05-21T11:57:32.390Z

Tesco's Terry Leahy is quoted in The Telegraph as saying, "The battle to win customers will increasingly be fought not just on value, choice and convenience but on being good neighbours, being active in communities, seizing the environmental challenges and on behaving responsibly." Todd Stitzer, chief executive of Cadbury Schweppes, also was quoted as saying companies needed to "loudly and

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1147882849355791642006-05-17T16:18:00.000Z2006-05-17T16:20:49.516Z

The Financial Times reports that General Electric sharply increased its revenues from environmental goods and services last year, and more than doubled its future order book from these businesses.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1147709099184699192006-05-15T16:04:00.000Z2006-06-02T15:30:20.950Z

The Independent is edited by Bono on Tuesday 16th May 2006.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1147173170256172822006-05-09T11:09:00.000Z2006-05-09T11:12:55.803Z

The UN Global Compact launched Principles for Responsible Investment at the New York Stock Exchange at the end of April. At the launch Kofi Annan said "There is a disconnect between corporate responsibility, as a broadly stated management imperative, and the actual behaviour of financial markets, which all too often are guided primarily by short-term considerations at the expense of longer-term

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1147171471551086852006-05-09T10:43:00.000Z2006-05-09T10:44:31.703Z

I feel like maybe I'm the last to know, but I'd never heard of Nike's "Considered" range of footwear.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1146866539441016442006-05-05T22:00:00.000Z2006-05-05T22:05:35.516Z

Julian Smith from Jupiter Research on BBC website confirms that 'blogging and other forms of 'consumer media' are increasingly important in shaping perceptions of companies. His report illustrates how individuals can influence corporate reputation. This report talks about Dell, but there are other examples of influential 'blogs; ipod and the Neistat Brothers, Microsoft and Scobleizer (who has now

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1146599323954901372006-05-02T19:46:00.000Z2006-05-02T19:50:24.280Z

The Guardian reports the findings of a joint exercise between the Sustainable Development Commission and the National Consumer Council that recommends the government should make it easier for consumers to make "greener" choices.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1146488234924458022006-05-01T12:57:00.000Z2006-05-01T12:57:19.143Z

Reputational risk expert Peter Horn quotes a global survey of senior risk managers by the Economist Intelligence Unit says that 84% of senior executives think threats to reputation are rising. One of the major factors being increased scrutiny from regulators, another the expansion of global media networks.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1146485558554741842006-05-01T12:12:00.000Z2006-05-01T21:05:30.573Z

Macleans reported on our work in this article. Although I see the point they've tried to make (and I understand why), I did think that they'd misunderstood the purpose of the Ethical Index, so I wrote this letter to explain:My company, the Fraser Consultancy, publishes the Ethical Reputation Index featured in your article "French fries and sneakers pure evil", April 28th. I’d like to explain that

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1146480444453780862006-05-01T10:47:00.000Z2006-05-01T10:47:30.086Z

The BBC reports that the Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland calls for businesses to take greater responsibility and that this makes good business sense.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1145993440755937662006-04-25T19:30:00.000Z2006-04-25T19:30:41.070Z

This Sunday The Observer published a report about working conditions in Cambodia, in factories supplying retailers including Next and Arcadia.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1145571636284358482006-04-20T22:20:00.000Z2006-05-02T05:34:19.130Z

The Independent's Martin Hickman announced the new film of Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette. I read the book one Sunday in 2003, I think. I can't imagine how it will translate into film. However, McDonald's replied this week with the launch of a McProspect campaign to convince people that they offer decent jobs and other benefits. Newsnight featured our

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1144858095645877162006-04-12T16:08:00.000Z2006-04-12T16:09:05.133Z

In a report with a title and a half, "Corporate Responsibility: Strategy, Management and Value", this chimes, "companies must formulate a clear strategy for behaving responsibly and integrate that strategy within their core business operations... Second, they must adhere to the values and standards they have articulated for themselves. Long-term sustainable performance does not come from

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1144431216883018852006-04-07T17:33:00.000Z2006-05-01T16:54:42.323Z

Following news posted last week, Body Shop have announced they are looking for a UK PR agency to handle the issues surrounding the L'Oreal buy out.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1144430901243979142006-04-07T17:28:00.000Z2006-04-07T17:28:21.493Z

I'll admit, sometimes I don't quite get all the shapes and flow diagrams in their articles, but for me this McKinsey report ,"When social issues become strategic" sums the business arguments for corporate responsiblity particularly well. This bit especially good summary of why corporate communications should respond, "businesses have never been insulated from social or political expectations.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1144313482737971392006-04-06T08:51:00.000Z2006-04-06T08:51:23.046Z

Wal-mart plans changes to the development of its stores in an effort, its reported, not to drive out smaller business.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1144171276823065502006-04-04T17:11:00.000Z2006-04-06T05:29:25.946Z

Heard this on the radio too this morning. The Guardian reports that Britvic sales of fizzy drinks have fallen in response to consumer demand for healthier drinks. This appears to be a trend that has been reported before, and was noted as far back as 2003/2004, but today's news is in line with what I've found that soft drinks manufacturers ethics are rated poorly and the main reason is because, "

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1144164003914855902006-04-04T15:20:00.000Z2006-04-06T11:34:20.403Z

This article in The Advertiser from Adelaide caught my eye about employees being more likely to stay with a company if that company has a good reputation and staff feeling better if the company they work for is highly regarded and treats them fairly and responsibly.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1144095472945289432006-04-03T20:15:00.000Z2006-04-04T14:42:02.686Z

Launched the study today and have had a lot of interest so far, phone calls from companies featured on the study, only one of them saying you're not going to publish any of this stuff, are you? Should I be putting my lawyer on speed dial do you think? The aim is not to cause controversy - the opposite in fact - this information is going to help companies communicate better with their consumers.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1143805505266486642006-03-31T11:45:00.000Z2006-04-04T14:06:56.783Z

I've been working non-stop on release of the results of the study and Monday's the day. This cheered me up when I read the comments from respondents to the study. One person said, 'You are so right to be conducting this research. It has definitely made me more conscious of the issues involved and I shall be keeping myself more informed on the subject". Sounds like they got something out of it

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1143544782819826482006-03-28T11:19:00.000Z2006-03-28T11:24:13.483Z

I didn't miss the big news last week, but I was in Switzerland in a car-free village with little access to news and papers - but lots and lots of snow. So Body Shop has sold to L'Oreal. Ethical Consumer reports that it's ethical score has plummeted. Next Monday 3rd April, I publish the Ethical Reputations Index. I have already seen the scores for Body Shop and they've been seen as one of the most

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1143544185065572202006-03-28T11:09:00.000Z2006-03-28T11:09:45.426Z

Saw an article in The Guardian that said Sainsbury's fair trade sales were up 70% in last year. It says that represents £1m sales a week. That's interesting because my research shows that 70% of females are expecting to buy more fair trade and ethical products in the coming year. Promising figures and glad my research is in line with sales figures too!

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1142374478262240152006-03-14T22:14:00.000Z2006-03-14T22:16:19.003Z

Coca-Cola joins UN global compact, the world’s largest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1142358259461161762006-03-14T17:44:00.000Z2006-03-14T17:44:19.593Z

News that Wal-mart is launching organic ranges is accompanied by a company spokesman's comment that these products are "good for Wal-mart's image". This is something companies really need to understand better. Just how much difference will moves like this makes to corporations standing in the eyes of consumers?

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1142353529624299312006-03-14T16:25:00.000Z2006-03-14T22:15:35.920Z

Channel 4 news reports that Cafe Direct has performed well and plans to pay first dividend to shareholders. Although sales of tea and coffee are falling, there has been an increase in Fairtrade and out of home consumption. It looks set to rise if the results of the fairtrade study we published last week is anything to go by as 68% of people said that they expect to buy more Fairtrade and ethical

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1142152948467861922006-03-12T08:42:00.000Z2006-03-12T08:42:28.686Z

Saw this article in The Times by Anna Shepherd questioning the motives of coffee chains offering ethically traded coffee. Last week I published research that shows that consumers want more Fairtrade and ethically produced products. Women are leading the way, 70% of those polled expected to buy more Fairtrade and ethical products in the coming 12 months. But half of the shoppers polled were

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1141646078181256692006-03-06T11:54:00.000Z2006-03-06T11:56:56.730Z

Fairtrade fortnight launches today. Yesterday's Independent on Sunday had an article summarising the companies, including Virgin Trains and Sainsbury's who are introducing new fairtrade products.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1141645532347977692006-03-06T11:45:00.000Z2006-03-06T11:55:41.296Z

This weekend the Observer carried a report featuring criticism of Philip Green's Arcadia group from ethical trading associations. Recently, Arcadia's Top Shop announced that it was launching some ethically produced products into the store for the first time. Top Shop should keep a close eye on consumer response to the company's initiative.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1141392186565431592006-03-03T13:23:00.000Z2006-03-03T16:54:18.883Z

The Observer report says there are now more than 1,000 Fairtrade products. Research we've just published today shows consumers want even more from Fairtrade. Nearly half the people we polled were confused by the difference between Fairtrade, Ethical and organic goods, but 58% of people say they want more information, so they can make more informed choices.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1141320302043433782006-03-02T17:25:00.000Z2006-03-03T10:27:28.196Z

The Sunday Times reports Scarlett and Bono's involvement with Product RED, and the project has has begun to gain attention. Just over one quarter of the people we polled had heard of RED. Of those who had heard of it, RED was making a good impression. 60% of them said their opinion of Emporio Armani, Gap and Converse (owned by Nike) had improved as a result of their involvement in the initiative.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1141066467824735472006-02-27T18:54:00.000Z2006-02-27T18:54:27.896Z

When I was growing up, this company used to use chimps to advertise their products. Now Jason Nisse reports in The Independent that PG Tips are launching an Ethical Tea Partnership which, along with other tea brands Tetley and Twinings, will set an ethical code for tea growers.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1141066162006629462006-02-27T18:49:00.000Z2006-02-27T18:49:22.116Z

Brand Republic reports that M&S, Topshop and Oasis are all launching ethical clothing and notes that this is likely to impact on other sectors.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1141064614999505562006-02-27T18:23:00.000Z2006-05-03T21:58:54.896Z

The Independent writer, Kate Finnigan, tries to live ethically for a week and finds it needs dedication and stamina. I can imagine. I live in the same neighbourhood and we aren't exactly falling over organic and fairtrade outlets.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1141064412389432442006-02-27T18:20:00.000Z2006-02-27T18:20:12.520Z

The Sunday Times gets excited over the imminent launch of RED by Bono and business partner.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1140613787890467202006-02-22T13:09:00.000Z2006-02-25T14:06:47.230Z

Another article in today's FT reports that BP's commitment to the environment has won it's chief executive Lord Browne respect from other CEOs.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21500577.post-1140613170595289102006-02-22T12:59:00.000Z2006-02-22T12:59:30.643Z

The Financial Times today reports they are launching annual Sustainable Banking Awards. This move will further increase focus on sustainability and social responsibility in business.

Karen Fraserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17298930425923462338noreply@blogger.com0