As we start the new year, how refreshing to hear from the leaders of two remarkable, progressive retail giants - John Lewis and Mars Wrigley - sharing their thoughts about the importance of conducting business with purpose.
Guest editor of the BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme on 2nd January, Dame Sharon White (Chairman of John Lewis Partnership), could not have been clearer as she spoke with great conviction about the importance to a commercial business of both profit and purpose. For Dame Sharon, facing an incredibly tough retail environment, customers and partners are looking for great value but also to shop with businesses that stand for something; in the same way, employees seek to work for companies placing high value on investment in community.
Mars Wrigley President, Andrew Clarke, reiterated Dame Sharon's words. To guide all business decisions so that they align with the organisation's key purposes, Mars have created 'the Mars' compass'. The compass helps direct decision making to incorporate not only the expected aim of making a profit but to ensure that it does so whilst making a positive societal impact and that it remains a trusted partner.
Dame Sharon concluded that her organisation sought to 'make the world a happier place by working in partnership'. Inspirational words which capture so succinctly the key purpose of CMPP and send an encouraging, sincere New Year's message to remind us all, should we need it, of the reasons why we do what we do.
If you'd like to listen to the entire Today broadcast for 2 January, it's still available from BBC Sounds.
Meanwhile, a very happy New Year to all our partners, supporters and beneficiaries. We look forward to working closely with you all to make our communities happier places to live and work in 2023.
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