Avoiding Mediocrity – An Exemplar of Sustainability…

Do you ever wonder if those reports you hear about a company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability programmes are for real? or, like me, do you often think they are mere “Greenwash” i.e. all words and no action – talking it up, but not walking the talk? As a consultant working in the field I have come across more than one company who says all the right things but fails to put them into practice.

So I was really enthused last week when I came across a company that seems to really be putting its weight behind the development and implelentation of sustainable practices.  Adnams of Southwold are part of the historical fabric of this up-market seaside town in Suffolk.  After sampling some of their wonderful range of beers in local pubs, I came across the Sole Bay Brewery in the heart of town, then their fantastic new  flagship Cellar & Kitchen retail outlet, and then a magnificent new 40,000 square metre distribution centre on the outskirts of town, which boasts the largest green roof in the UK. Later that weekend I sampled really good food and wine at The Crown Hotel – owned by Adnams along with another major hotel in town. Everything that I observed about Adnams further convinced me that this is a company that gets really close to its customers, and lives and breathes sustainable working practices for the benefit of all stakeholders.  After seeing so much mediocrity in business it was truly refreshing – just like a pint of their Broadside beer!

As you can see from my comments, I am enthused by Adnams the beer and Adnams the company, and I will be using them as an example of best practice in my consutling work in future… I’d like to suggest thet you check them out when you get the chance.

Global Economic Outlook – The New World Order…

I went to a really fascinating talk at Warwick Business School last week.  Dr Gerard Lyons, Chief Economist at Standard Chartered bank and respected global economic forecaster, shared his expert knowledge, insight, and personal views on key economic issues with MBA students and Alumni.  In his talk he covered the following:-

• How the world got into the current economic crisis
• The immediate economic outlook for the short-term
• Further implications for the global economic system

In 45 minutes he was able to explain in plain English what myself and many in the audience have struggled to understand from watching hours of TV programmes and reading multiple articles in newspapers and magazines.  He was able to translate complex economic jargon, using metaphors from the  world of film to illustrate a concise picture of what has already happened, and a set out his vision of what is probably going to happen next.  He has a good track record of being able to do this as his Biography attests.

In summary, Dr Lyons explained how the state of our economy is driven by 3 key elements -  economic fundamentals;  policy responses from government and central banks; and confidence.  He described how the lessons learned from Japan’s deflationary cycle have been used to accelerate UK policy responses which have been designed to restore confidence by “throwing the kitchen sink…” at the problem. As a result Dr Lyons summarised the following for us:-

• “You can’t stop what’s coming” – the downturn will be steep, particularly in the west but less so in the east, for at least the next 12-18 months;
• There is a significant long-term shift in economic power from the western economies to the east – China, India and the Middle East; and
• The UK must face up to it’s challenges – increase added value and look to increase exports to strong and growing markets in the east.

I’ll be watching out for more comments from Dr Lyons as things develop. In the meanwhile there is a short video interview recorded on the night that can be seen here: Dr Lyons Interview

Sign up to Earth Hour and save the world… 28 March 2009

On Saturday 28 March more than 1 billion people across the world will turn off their power from 8.30 – 9.30 pm. This action is their way of expressing their vote to save our precious planet. The energy saved during this period is expected to top 10% of normal global consumption.

Cultivar has signed up and is comitted to doing something positive on 28 march. Will you vote for our planet too?

Find out more about Earth Hour… Make a personal commitment, tell your famly and friends, get your business to sign up, make a difference!

Earth Hour