Page 7 An engaging Partnership

(Wide angle picture of a local community)

Local communities
We are committed to contributing to the communities in which we operate, and we aim to build long-term relationships with local community and interest groups. For example, our Branch Marketing Guide contains guidance to help shop Partners to develop effective community involvement plans. We also carry out public consultations before finalising planning applications for all new shops and refurbishments.

Industry and other organisations
We actively participate in a number of industry groups and forums, and sit on various policy, advisory and working groups covering issues from food standards to packaging. We support the work of organisations like Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF), the Marine Conservation Society and the Marine Stewardship Council, and respond to and support relevant campaigns from nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) including Greenpeace on issues such as soya, palm oil and sustainable fishing.

In October 2007, in conjunction with sustainable development charity Forum for the Future, we held a senior managers CSR conference. The purpose of this event was to build awareness and understanding of the importance of sustainability to long-term business performance, and to debate how the Partnership could respond to the dilemmas associated with the sustainability agenda.

"You should use new legislation to your advantage, and ensure nutrition and health claims are honest and transparent."
Professor Judy Buttriss Director General, British Nutrition Foundation

"As a retailer, can you source current products and services more sustainably? Can you harness innovation and bring to market new products and services that can help you and your customers be more sustainable in the future?"
Dr Sally Uren Director, Business Programme, Forum for the Future

"Expectations have risen; people want to see retailers do more on certain issues. As issues become more familiar, they become part of what is expected. This is an opportunity for the Partnership, and perhaps for building a new basis for trust."
Jenny Dawkins Research Director, Ipsos MORI Reputation Centre

(Pictures of a fishing boat and ewes with lambs)
(Picture of a trolley in a new store)


Government and other authorities
We work closely with Government, local authorities and regulators such as the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive to make sure we operate within the law. We also engage in regular dialogue with policymakers over legislation in areas that may impact our business, such as packaging, carrier bags and waste.