17�Թ�����

Are brands meeting the growing demands of their audiences when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? We’re exploring the importance of being socially responsible as a company and looking at what a range of brands and corporate organisations are doing to satisfy public demand.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?

In its simplest form, Corporate Social Responsibility is a “business approach that contributes to sustainable development by delivering economic, social and environmental benefits for all stakeholders”. For brands, this means considering ways that you, as a business, can help the environment and society, whether this is through donations to charities, volunteering, renewable-energy initiatives or focusing on the well-being of employees.

Why is it so important for brands to be socially responsible?

Corporate social responsibility is a key factor in the way companies are perceived by the public. In an increasingly more digital world, the behaviour of companies has never been more transparent, so it’s more important than ever that companies consider their CSR proposition.

At the click of a button, anyone can pop a search term into Google and trawl through a whole host of information about a company and compare its actions to that of its competitors. With the increased transparency, consumers are becoming more aware of CSR best-practice and, dangerously for some, worst practice.

suggests that as more brands recognise the need to address important issues, we’re likely to see an increase in the number of mistakes brands are making. But don’t be alarmed, it’s a move in the right direction. It demonstrates that brands are starting to make bolder moves as they take social issues more seriously.

As the expectations of audiences across various industries are changing, we’ve picked out some great examples of brands that are doing more than their fair share of CSR.

Google

Google has a total of 14 data centres across four continents, and offices in 150 cities across the globe. So, understandably, a lot of power is consumed. In 2012, to demonstrate its commitment to the sustainability of the environment, Google set a – that is, to “buy enough renewable energy globally to match what we consume as a company”. In 2017, its goal was achieved, and the company continues to proactively act on its sustainability goals.

Apple

Unsurprisingly, Apple has a pretty comprehensive set of programmes and initiatives in place when it comes to CSR. From encouraging employees to sign up and get involved in volunteering projects in local communities, to maintaining its data centres running at 100% renewable energy, Apple is another strong example of a company that’s showing the right attitude.

Now, it’s not just the big corporates that are hot on CSR. At 17�Թ�����, one of the things we’re most proud of is our company culture. Here’s an insight into some of the areas we’ve invested in over the years.

Philanthropy – it’s in our DNA

Get to know us a little better as we give you an insight into the values that lie at the core of our brand and some of the causes we support.

 “We’ve donated more than £6million to great causes around the world”

17�Թ����� is and always has been a company that prides itself on being a little different, and philanthropy is an integral part of the company culture. Since we started in 1999, we’re proud to have donated more than £6million to great causes around the world. From local charities like near to our head office, to global causes such as the 2010 Haiti earthquake fund, we do what we can to support those in need. Here’s a little glimpse at some of the great causes we’re involved with:

Cancer & DNA research

A cause close to our hearts here at 17�Թ�����. We fund vital cancer and DNA research through a laboratory called ‘’. The lab itself is funded by major shareholder Mike Fischer and his charity, the ‘Fischer Family Trust’. The charity’s aim is to conduct research to improve the treatment options available to patients.

Solar-powered lamps

To help people in developing countries where electricity isn’t readily available, we’ve donated thousands of solar-powered lamps. They’re safer, cheaper and more environmentally-friendly than the kerosene lamps that are commonly found in these countries.

The lamps have helped :

• Those made homeless by the 2010 Haiti earthquake
• Communities in Nairobi
• Communities throughout Southern India in partnership with charity

Supporting local schools

Education is important to us. Near to our India office in Kerala, we’ve been supporting local schools in a variety of ways over the years. From providing financial aid to schools, to setting up computer labs to support children with learning difficulties, we support a range of causes overseas.

Find out more about 17�Թ����� and the causes we support by checking out ‘Our Philosophy’.