Britain needs business at its best
1500+ companies have chosen to be part of the coalition for a cleaner, greener, fairer future for all.
As the cost of living crisis unfolds, the UK’s businesses will experience it in different ways but all face urgent decisions about how to respond. The Better Business Act and B Lab UK have produced a short guide showcasing some amazing examples of businesses taking innovative approaches to support workers and communities.
The Power of Business explores how your company can support people and the planet in the cost of living crisis. Not all companies are able to help right now – for some, it’s simply a matter of survival. This guide is for those that can.
We know this small change in the law can make a big change in the world. That’s why we’re urging you to call on the UK Government to make this change and help create a fairer, greener future for everybody.
Coalition supporters
"I have been a long-time supporter of the Better Business Act. I think it is essential to ensure that UK businesses are legally responsible for benefiting communities and the environment while still delivering profit […] I will continue to support the Better Business Act to better hold companies accountable for their practices and ensure they are a positive force for good."
Caroline Lucas, Green Party, MP for Brighton Pavilion
" A responsible capitalism, aware of its fraternal duties alongside its fiduciary responsibilities, is the key to advancing all of our material, spiritual and social wealth"
John Hayes, Conservative and Unionist Party, MP for South Holland and The Deepings
"I do understand the benefits of making these principles a legal responsibility with the pressing need for the world to hit the net zero targets."
Daisy Cooper, Liberal Democrats, MP for St Albans
"The UK pioneered corporate governance and has a long and proud tradition of leading the way on workers’ rights and high standards. We can once again be at the forefront if we choose to adopt the principles of the Better Business Act"
Andy Carter, Conservative and Unionist Party, MP for Warrington South
"We don’t as a party want to be associated with the caricature of free market fundamentalism that thinks the only responsibility of directors should be to maximise returns to capital"
Danny Kruger, Conservative and Unionist Party, MP for Devizes
About us
The story
Change the UK law to ensure every company in the UK aligns their interests with those of wider society and the environment.
The act
Our objective is to see these four principles reflected in an amended Section 172 of the Companies Act.
Your role
Together, we will ask for the government’s leadership to help deliver this new contract between business and society.
“We need to set minimum expectations about how businesses will contribute to society and ensure it has a positive environmental and social impact... that's why I back this bill”
Paul Polman, Co-founder and Co-Chair, IMAGINE and former CEO of Unilever
“I believe that every business should not just be about profit but also about purpose and operate in a way that isn't detrimental but instead benefits society and the environment.”
Wai Foong Ng, Founder and CEO of Matchable
“Through the Better Business Act campaign, we are aiming to change UK law to make sure every single company in the UK, whether big or small, puts balancing people, profit and planet at the heart of their purpose and the responsibilities of their directors.”
Douglas Lamont, CEO of innocent and Co-Chair of the BBA
