Research by the Institute for Business Ethics and the Small Business Consortium, shows that 99% of all businesses in the UK are small and medium sized (4.3 million of them)[i]

• 2 in 3 smaller businesses believe that social responsibilities contribute to a more successful business [ii]
• 60% of people want to work for a company whose values are consistent with their own [iii]
• 78% of employees would rather work for an ethical and reputable company than receive a higher salary [iv]
• 86% of smaller businesses believe that they should pay significant attention to their social responsibilities [v]
• 88% of consumers said they would be more likely to but from a company that supports and engages in activities to improve society [vi]
• 79% of smaller businesses believe that they should be involved in encouraging a healthy work-life balance among their staff [vii]

Ensure your website and marketing materials are accessible to all, e.g. large print, text-only. Staff should be trained to respond positively to disabled customers and their varying requirements. If parking cannot be provided a staff place could be made available. Alternatively the nearest disabled parking space could be used for customers who need it.[viii]

• 81% of UK websites are inaccessible for disabled users [ix]
• Companies need to ensure that premises are accessible for people with disabilities [x]
• Companies should also keep a record of the access needs of regular disabled customers [xi]

Better Business Journey – Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility

Direct Enquiries

Sources

1. [i] Better Business Journey - Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility, p.1
2. [ii] Better Business Journey - Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility, p.5
3. [iii] Better Business Journey - Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility, p.8
4. [iv] Better Business Journey - Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility, p.5
5. [v] Better Business Journey - Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility, p.5
6. [vi] Better Business Journey - Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility, p.8
7. [vii] Better Business Journey - Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility, p.8
8. [viii] Better Business Journey - Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility, p.15
9. [ix] Better Business Journey - Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility, p.12
10. [x] Better Business Journey - Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility, p.13
11. [xi] Better Business Journey - Helping small and medium sized businesses to increase their profitability and responsibility, p.13