2. 1 Introduction
6
4 From backwater to mainstream
Credibility guide
CONTEXT Nev ut a bunny The birth rate began to grow in 2001 with a fast-
on the cover! Wise
MIKE TYRRELL – HSBC BANK PLC increasing number of companies producing CSR
Peter Knight – Context
PETERK@ECONTEXT.CO.UK reports. We asked in Directions 2 if the growth was
2 Greater disclosure is
good for business advice. But we just sustainable and whether the business case was
LORD WHITTY – ENVIRONMENT &
compelling enough to keep companies reporting.
BUSINESS MINISTER
could not resist the
Simon Propper – Context
8 CSR reporting temptation, because Our research shows the answer is a definite yes.
and the emperor’s SIMONP@ECONTEXT.CO.UK
new clothes The combined pressures of corporate governance
SALTERBAXTER Corporate Social reform, the threat of legislation in Europe and
Responsibility (CSR) the UK, and the activities of the socially responsible
Nigel Salter – salterbaxter
NSALTER@SALTERBAXTER.COM reports – as this edition investment community, are driving ever more
16 US overview companies to report on ever more issues.
10 Peering at the horizon of Directions so clearly
CONTEXT AND SALTERBAXTER
Find the key figures and analysis on page 13, and
13 Analysis overview
shows – are breeding
a detailed breakdown by sector on page 20.
like rabbits.
18 European overview For over a decade UK governments have consistently
championed environmental and social reporting
and deserve credit for the relatively high level of
participation among UK companies. On page 2, Lord
Whitty, the UK’s Environment and Business Minister,
argues greater disclosure is good for business. Mike
20 Top 250 sector analysis
Tyrrell of HSBC reviews the influence of socially
responsible investment (SRI) (page 4) and hopes the
issues will become so mainstream that the SRI
community will return to oblivion.
Looking forward 31 We also point to the growing importance of internal
CSR communications and peer at the horizon to find
the next hot issues for companies to manage. And for
those about to write their first CSR report, we offer
some tips to enhance clarity and build credibility.
As ever, your feedback is most welcome.
About salterbaxter and Context 32
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