Member Article

Directors join forces to make the case for a cleaner, greener future

The Institute of Directors (IoD) is bringing directors together to debate a change to UK law that would ensure all companies align the interests of their shareholders with those of society and the environment.

The Better Business Act campaign, launched in April this year, calls for an amendment to Section 172 of the Companies Act that would empower directors to align the long-term interests of people, planet and profit.

More than 650 businesses have signed up, including John Lewis, Iceland, Danone, innocent drinks, The Body Shop and Bulb.

The free-to attend, online event takes place on 22 July at Noon.

Panellists include Joanna Allen, chief executive of healthy snacking business graze. The ex-Coca-Cola and Unilever executive is the founding co-chair of enable, Unilever’s employee disability network.

She will be joined by Dr Roger Barker, director of policy and corporate governance at the IoD. Roger regularly speaks about corporate governance issues at universities and business schools and will outline why the Institute has thrown its weight behind the campaign.

Guests will also hear from Joanna Bryan, an environmental specialist at Rix & Kay Solicitors. A former environmental scientist, Joanna will explain what the Better Business Act would mean for day-to-day boardroom decision-making and how the small change to the law would ensure directors can support all stakeholders and the environment.

Also on the panel will be Siân Holt, managing director and owner of Fudge Kitchen, an artisan confectionery manufacturer and retailer. Siân will explain why Fudge Kitchen is supporting the campaign and outline her firm’s journey to improve the impact their daily operations have on people and the planet.

Conservative MP Danny Kruger will lay out his reasons for supporting the Act. Danny is a former Political Secretary to Boris Johnson, the author of a recent government review of civil society and a vocal supporter of responsible capitalism.

Promoting Good Governance is a fundamental part of the IoD’s mission. The Institute’s Royal Charter instructs it to advance the understanding of how organisations should be run, while also enhancing the knowledge and skills of individual business leaders.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Abbott .