Despite the challenging times, we’re still seeing plenty of examples of businesses using their resources and influence to make positive change. Here are a few of our highlights from July. And don’t forget to sign-up to the Whatsapp daily broadcast by sending the word ‘Purpose’ to: 07367 897583 💚
Asos pays back furlough
ASOS has become the first fashion retailer to announce it would repay furlough support to the Government as its sales rose significantly during lockdown. The company, which had 1,000 employees on furlough in April, has slowly brought back all of its staff. A statement from the chief executive matter of factly stated ‘sometimes you have to do the right thing by society’. A similar pledge was made by IKEA in June, which announced it would pay back furlough support from nine of the countries which helped financially during the pandemic. https://bit.ly/30awmNH , https://bit.ly/2AM9OKs
Snapfish and Macmillan team up to create cards for people living with cancer
Back in May we highlighted a campaign from Moonpig, to mark Mental Health Awareness Week. In a similar vein Snapfish has teamed up with Macmillan to create a range of greetings cards to support people living with cancer. The cards include messages written by Macmillan designed to be more personal and relevant than the generic ‘think of you’ cards. What’s more 5p from the sale of every card goes to the charity: https://bit.ly/2Z3W9rm
Spotify supports under-represented voices in podcasting
Last month Spotify launched the next round of applications for it’s ‘Sound Up’ initiative, designed to tackle inequality in podcasting. The applications were opened along research which showed that 74% of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women and non-binary people feel underrepresented. The initiative is built around a training programme for budding podcasters. Around the same time, both Apple Music and Amazon Music have launched new playlists aimed at supporting new black music from the UK. Find out more about the initiatives here – https://bit.ly/2ZMkmCX , https://bit.ly/39KRcaZ
Mastercard launches ‘sustainable’ cards
Mastercard has announced the launch of new sustainable cards made from recycled and ocean plastic. Six million cards, typically made from PVC, are issued each year with a lifespan of three to four years. Sixty financial institutions, including Sandander, have signed up to use the new sustainable cards. Alongside the new card, Mastercard’s innovation lab is investing in research related to environmentally-friendly ways to recycle existing plastic cards. https://bit.ly/39ptErY
BMW plans to link executive pay to climate goals
As part of a new 10-year climate plan, BMW has committed to linking executive pay to the company’s climate targets. The car manufacturer’s target is to reduce its emissions by one third by 2030, this includes reducing emissions associated with manufacturing by 80% in a decade and cutting emissions from vehicle use by 40%. Find out more here: https://yhoo.it/2D7rW2d