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Social business

Business. Better.
“To prosper over time, every company must deliver not only financial performance, but also show how it makes a positive contribution to society.”

(Laurence Fink, CEO of Blackrock, January 2018)

The times for businesses are unpredictable. We all see examples of businesses both succeeding – and failing – to demonstrate business being done in a way that enhances its reputation. Consumers, employees and wider society are embracing their spending power and choosing businesses based on their values.

We help businesses achieve financial success and demonstrate their values through how they work, in all aspects of what they do.

Every business can be better. There are many ways to do this from small steps, to big leaps.

We help businesses make sure that their values are evident in:

  • Corporate deals and business ownership
  • Contracts and purchasing
  • IT, data and technology
  • Construction
  • Employment
  • Property

We can help you do business for good and improve the bottom line. If you want to explore this, take a look at our Ethical Business Project – a new handbook for businesses or get in touch.

Business. Better.

Some examples of how we have helped businesses show their values:

Corporate deals and business ownership

  • innovative structures such as employee ownership, co-operative and mutual structures;
  • embedding purpose in your business process;
  • clear and open decision making;
  • alternative finance/funding structures like community shares and social investment;
  • accreditations and trade body membership which recognise demonstrate your integrity, such as B Corps, the Fair Tax mark and other ethical marks.

Employment

  • representation of gender, BAME and encouraging social mobility;
  • supporting diversity and going further than the letter of the law;
  • equal pay;
  • paying the living wage;
  • gig economy use,
  • “fair” employment terms and using apprenticeships and other workplace access schemes;

Commercial contracts

  • positive climate change action clauses;
  • ethical and environmentally sustainable supply chains;
  • incentivising quality;
  • partnering and collaborative projects;
  • terms and conditions which fairly apportion risk;
  • negotiations that are tough but fair.

IT, data and technology

  • creating ethical efficiencies through innovation;
  • maximising the value of data;
  • maintaining trust in your digital practices.

Property

  • ethical buildings;
  • landlord requirements – both where you are landlord or demanding it of your landlord;
  • green buildings;
  • quality of works and taking responsibility for repairs/management companies in a way that goes above the bottom-line requirements.

Construction and development

  • true urban regeneration
  • sustainable development and communities;
  • fair payment/treatment down the supply chain;
  • social value through construction;
  • private/public partnerships that are genuinely driven by a common good.
For more information

Please contact David Alcock.

Select your type of social business

Co-operatives and mutuals

Helping co-operatives and mutuals with legal solutions.

Community organisations

Advising TMOs, Locality members, community-based…

Social enterprises

Helping social entrepreneurs create innovative solutions to…

Business for good

Provision of legal advice to values-driven businesses.

The Ethical Business Project

The Ethical Business Project uncovers the journey to…

Building a better business – employee ownership

An increasing number of new and existing business owners…

Defending tribunal claims

Expert advice from Anthony Collins

Latest sector insights

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The slightly delayed consultation on the future of the law governing co-ops and community benefit societies has been released today.  The…

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We have been recognised for the work we do

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2024

Chambers UK 2024 Guide

The Legal 500 Rising Star 2024

The Legal 500 Next Generation Partner 2024

The Legal 500 Leading Individual 2024

The Legal 500 Hall of Fame 2024

The Legal 500 Top Tier Firm 2024

Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2023

Chambers UK 2023 Guide

The Legal 500 Hall of Fame 2023

Appeal against pension regulator fine

We helped a client where there had been a failure to pay over pension contributions.

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Latest news

Anthony Collins maintains top-tier rankings in The Legal 500 2025 edition

Anthony Collins maintains its position as a top-tier firm in five practice areas in The Legal 500 2025 edition, with 23 lawyers being ranked in the leading partner, leading associate, […]

Wednesday 2 October 2024

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Anthony Collins expands corporate team with new legal director

Joe has over ten years’ experience in supporting dealmaking activity, advising organisations in the health and social care sector such as specialist care, supported living and children’s care. As well […]

Tuesday 1 October 2024

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Latest webinars and podcasts

PODCAST: Who gets the microwave?

The first in a series of podcasts from our matrimonial team begins with the team discussing what happens to pets during divorce and separation.

Friday 16 August 2024

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PODCAST: 12.07% holiday accrual is back… But not for everyone!

In the podcast we will outline the new Working Time Regulations legislation in detail, noting when the provisions coming into force, whilst also providing practical examples and guidance for employers across all sectors.

Friday 1 December 2023

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23Oct10:00 — 13:00

VIRTUAL EVENT: Academy company secretary workshop 2024

Online
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28Oct12:00 — 14:00

Contempt in housing litigation: Consultation event with the Law Commission

Birmingham
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SECTOR LEAD

David Alcock

Partner

Partner in the governance, funding and corporate team