Small businesses said to be socially responsible

Date: 17th June 2009

Small businesses believe corporate social responsibility to be of great importance, according to new research from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

In a report titled Social and Environmental Responsibility and the Small Business Owner, the 'popular perception' of corporate responsibility being the concern of big businesses is dismissed.

The FSB said: "This report shows a shift in attitude and a proactive approach by many small businesses to environmental issues."

The survey found that 92 per cent of small businesses believed themselves to be socially and environmentally responsible.

An additional 83 per cent said they 'actively engaged' in waste minimisation and recycling, while 41 per cent of businesses bought products specifically because they were better for the environment.

Recent research conducted by the Environment Agency found that 40 per cent of small and medium-sized businesses had an environmental policy implemented. In 2005 the figure was only 25 per cent.