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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes . The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission. Supply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health and safety management through mentoring programs Organisation Arcelor, France Objectives and activities In order to assist its SME subcontractors in the implementation of requirements on health and safety, Arcelor developed mentoring programs. Among other initiatives, the mentoring program includes the creation of a shared health and safety policy, certification and auditing, and the establishment of "contractors clubs". Between 2002 and 2005, Arcelor managed to drastically reduce accidents among its own employees as well as contractors’ staff. Key success factors As a large company subcontracting 30% of its activities, Arcelor took advantage of its key position to pass on its CSR policy on health and safety to its SME suppliers. Arcelor's initiative does not only impose CSR requirements to its suppliers, but also assists them with concrete tools, thereby contributing to an effective management of the health and safety issue among them. In particular, the group created a tool for progress called REX ("returns of experience"), which consists of collecting about 200 experiences of incidents per year and sharing them with all sub-contractors in the different countries. The initiative also puts a strong emphasis on "coordination", for instance through common actions of "shared vigilance", which imply a two-way relationship between the group and its sub-contractors. Finally, recognition is given to SMEs through the "Arcelor contractor health and safety award". Experience sharing, joint work and an effective two-way relationship are key elements contributing to the success of Arcelor's mainstreaming of CSR through its supply chain. Further information Descriptions of the project on Europa website: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/docume nts/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic6_mull er.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/docume nts/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic6_delco ur.pdf Contact details

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Page 1: Supply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health ... sociale... · PDF fileSupply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health and safety management through mentoring programs

This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Supply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health and safety management

through mentoring programs

Organisation Arcelor, France

Objectives and activities

In order to assist its SME subcontractors in the implementation of requirements on health and safety, Arcelor developed mentoring programs. Among other initiatives, the mentoring program includes the creation of a shared health and safety policy, certification and auditing, and the establishment of "contractors clubs". Between 2002 and 2005, Arcelor managed to drastically reduce accidents among its own employees as well as contractors’ staff.

Key success factors

As a large company subcontracting 30% of its activities, Arcelor took advantage of its key position to pass on its CSR policy on health and safety to its SME suppliers. Arcelor's initiative does not only impose CSR requirements to its suppliers, but also assists them with concrete tools, thereby contributing to an effective management of the health and safety issue among them. In particular, the group created a tool for progress called REX ("returns of experience"), which consists of collecting about 200 experiences of incidents per year and sharing them with all sub-contractors in the different countries. The initiative also puts a strong emphasis on "coordination", for instance through common actions of "shared vigilance", which imply a two-way relationship between the group and its sub-contractors. Finally, recognition is given to SMEs through the "Arcelor contractor health and safety award". Experience sharing, joint work and an effective two-way relationship are key elements contributing to the success of Arcelor's mainstreaming of CSR through its supply chain.

Further information

Descriptions of the project on Europa website:

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic6_muller.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic6_delcour.pdf

Contact details

Page 2: Supply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health ... sociale... · PDF fileSupply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health and safety management through mentoring programs

This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Round Table Business and Youth: Involving SMEs for the next generations

Organisation

UPJ – Bundesinitiative "Unternehmen: Partner der Jugend", Germany Objectives and activities

The "Round Table for Business and Youth" is a growing network of 25 SMEs and large enterprises wanting to engage in certain aspects of CSR with a focus on community investment, and supported by UPJ. Its aim is to respond to the many societal challenges facing the new federal states in Germany such as unemployment or insufficient social infrastructure, and to improve future opportunities for young people in the German Federal State of Brandenburg. On the basis of three meetings a year, participants agree on projects to be developed by the whole network or by some members in their sectors according to their objectives and possibilities.

Key success factors The initiative relies on the cooperation of enterprises of different sizes and sectors, and

benefits from the participation of an experienced intermediary organisation (UPJ), which can provide sufficient resources, push the initiative forward and act as a facilitator. The involvement of larger companies in the round table which can act as role models is a positive driver for SMEs. Political recognition of their efforts through the support of the prime minister of Brandenburg is also a key success factor. The structure of the round table is attractive and adapted to SMEs, which are approached individually and have the opportunity to really engage in the projects. Anchored in the local community, concrete actions are decided and implemented through a step-by-step approach, which involves SMEs closely in the process. Finally, awareness that social cohesion and strong communities are important factors for the local development of business is raised through the initiatives of the round table, not only among the members but also among other businesses in the region. By offering an opportunity for SMEs to get involved collectively in CSR, this project also has the potential to improve their competitiveness in the longer term.

Further information

Project website: www.upj-brandenburg.de Organisation website: www.upj-online.de

Contact details Dr. Reinhard Lang

UPJ Linienstr. 214 10119 Berlin

Germany

Tel. (49) 30 278740-0 Fax. (49) 30 2787406-19

[email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Mainstreaming CSR among small suppliers in global supply chains

Organisation Hewlett-Packard Company The Copenhagen Centre for Corporate Responsibility, Denmark

Objectives and activities

Following consumer requirements and as part of their value chain and risk management processes, Hewlett-Packard began passing on comprehensive CSR requirements to their suppliers in 2003. Within the framework of the EICC (Electronic Industry Code of Conduct), a supplier engagement model based on continuous improvement was developed, and this guides suppliers through CSR assessment and auditing. This includes Central and Eastern Europe, where approx. 40% of HP’s suppliers are SMEs. Working in partnership with The Copenhagen Centre in an EU funded programme, HP will facilitate innovative capability building partnerships on CSR issues which will include some of their major contract manufacturers and small manufacturing, packaging and outsourced labour SME suppliers in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.

Key success factors

HP puts a strong emphasis on management systems and root cause analysis in order to deliver sustainable performance. The formalisation of HP's CSR requirements embedded in contracts contributes to the effective uptake of CSR among its SME suppliers, whereas informal non-contractual requirements may have less impact. When partnering with SME suppliers on CSR, the company puts an emphasis on several key elements: the imperative of explaining the business case for CSR to SMEs, the importance of building awareness and capacity among SME managers, the commitment of time and resources by HP and its larger first tier suppliers, the importance of practical and effective communications with workers and the adoption of a partnership approach. The capability-building partnerships established with the support of The Copenhagen Centre will provide for more effective two-way communication between HP and its SME suppliers.

Further information

Presentation of the project on Europa website:

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic6_nixon-gardiner.pdf http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic6_hp_andersen.pdf

Contact details

Karl Daumueller Global Procurement

Services Hewlett-Packard GmbH

Hanns-Klemm-Str. 5 71034 Boeblingen

Germany Tel. (49) 7031 14 1555 Fax. (49) 7031 14 3077

[email protected]

Contact details Mette Andersen

The Copenhagen Centre for Corporate Responsibility

Porcelænshaven 24 A 2000 Frederiksberg C

Denmark Tel. (45) 38 15 23 16 Fax. (45) 38 15 23 70

[email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

MPS: Environmental and social certification for the horticultural sector

Organisation

MPS, The Netherlands Objectives and activities

In reaction to the damaging publicity in the floriculture sector in the 1990s, MPS was founded in 1995 in the Netherlands as an international certification organisation to give insight into factors of production and obtain measurable results. This in turn leads to greater awareness, which in turn stimulates the development and implementation of new methods of production that would be sustainable. Initially focusing on several environmental themes such as usage of pesticides, fertiliser and water, MPS defined registration procedures, standards and qualifications systems, but also inspection and sanctions mechanisms in order to obtain certification. More recently, MPS has also developed labels with regard to social issues, such as safety, health and conditions of employment.

Key success factors

The sector specific approach combined with an international reach contributes to the wide success of this initiative. MPS has become a world standard with 3000 to 4000 participants in 38 countries, about 75% of them are SMEs. One particular business advantage of this tool is to provide growers with the opportunity to improve their business by controlling their inputs and cutting their costs. Another strength of the initiative is its adaptability: different certifications now exist, either on environmental or social aspects, making it relevant to businesses' specific needs. Because it is web-based, the tool is easy to use and can be developed through the whole supply chain. Conceived as a way of encouraging “small steps by a large group” of companies, this particular approach led to a high degree of acceptance in the sector.

Further information

Organisation website: www.my-mps.com

Presentation of the project on Europa website: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic5_van_hes.pdf

Contact details Dana van Hes

MPS Jupiter 450

(Horti Business Center) P.O. Box 33

2675 ZT Honselersdijk The Netherlands

Tel. (31) 174 61 57 00 Fax. (31) 174 63 36 96

[email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Xertatu: adi A tool for diagnosis and continuous improvement on CSR

Organisation

Provincial Government of Biscay, Basque Country, Spain Objectives and activities

Given the confusion around CSR and the lack of tools "on the market" that could really help SMEs in the region, Xertatu, a multi-stakeholder initiative led by the Provincial Government of Biscay, developed a management tool called Xertatu:Adi to help Basque SMEs implement CSR. By comparing two different diagnoses (a self-assessment questionnaire and an evaluation of CSR indicators), the tool helps to identify areas for improvement, to develop, implement and evaluate action plans, to communicate results and progress, and to establish company values and ethical codes. In parallel, the toolkit also includes a catalogue of resources called "101 ideas to improve on CSR", which provides SMEs with easy steps to expand their CSR activities.

Key success factors

A key success factor is that the tool is based on and fully compatible with the EFQM (European Foundation for Quality Management) excellence model, which is very popular among SMEs in Biscay (adopted by around 700 SMEs with less than 50 employees). Hence, the tool is easy to use and does not require too much extra work for SMEs which already use the EFQM model. The tool covers the whole scope of CSR, but is nevertheless adapted to specific issues that are relevant for Basque SMEs. Developed within a multi-stakeholder initiative, the tool is currently funded by the Biscay government and is free of charge during the first year, which makes it affordable for small businesses.

Further information

Project website: www.xertatu.net

Presentations of the project on Europa website: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic5_berezo.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic5_goyarola.pdf

Contact details Jorge Berezo

Provincial Government of Biscay Dep. Innovation and Economic

Development Xertatu

Obispo Orueta 6 48009 Bilbao

Spain Tel. +34 94 406 80 84

[email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

The Responsible Entrepreneurs Achievement Programme (REAP): A toolbox for supporting

SMEs in adhering to CSR principles

Organisation

UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation), International

Objectives and activities

The Responsible Entrepreneurs Achievement Programme (REAP) supports SMEs in adhering to CSR principles, in particular to those expressed in the UN Global Compact. Although UNIDO works with the European Union, its mandate is focused on developing regions, in particular in Asia, Latin America and Africa. Under this programme, UNIDO developed a toolbox, which includes a software package, providing SMEs with tools for monitoring, analysis, solution-finding and communication.

Key success factors The REAP initiative strongly focuses on two elements: reporting, and effective implementation of CSR within SMEs. It follows an innovative and comprehensive approach which integrates all relevant stakeholders. REAP not only assists SMEs with tools and training, but also aims at developing institutional support through a training manual targeted at organisations that work with SMEs. There is also a strong focus on policy support and advice to policy-makers for improving responsible competitiveness at country level. Through the integration of relevant stakeholders (SMEs, institutions, policy makers) in one approach, REAP proves to be an effective tool for SMEs and highlights the importance of practical support for small businesses, in particular with regard to implementation and communication on CSR.

Further information

Project website: www.unido.org/reap Presentation of the project on Europa website: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic5_bethke.pdf

Contact details Dr. Kai Bethke

CSR & Business Partnership Programme

Private Sector Development Branch UNIDO

P.O. Box 300 1400 Vienna

Austria Tel. (43) 1 26026 3179 Fax. (43) 1 26026 6842

[email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

GRI High 5! Reporting Handbook: Helping SMEs to report on CSR

Organisation

Global Reporting Initiative, International Objectives and activities

In order to develop globally applicable guidelines that would ensure credibility of communication on CSR, a multi-stakeholder process, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), was set up in 1997. In 2005, more than 80 SMEs were reporting under the GRI guidelines. Within this initiative, the GRI looked at the applicability of the guidelines to SMEs and developed a specific guidance for small businesses, the High 5! Handbook. In parallel, the GRI is working with several partners on specific projects aiming to foster the creation of sustainability reports among small businesses around the world.

Key success factors

The GRI High 5! Handbook has been developed by and for SMEs and therefore tackles the specific issues SMEs have to face. Designed as a "beginner's guide", it offers a simple five-step process and practical how-to advice, helping SMEs to easily and effectively create sustainability reports. High 5! provides a business case for reporting, defines concrete steps, and helps SMEs to choose issues to report on, indicators, the appropriate media and target to communicate. The handbook also includes a collection of short case studies allowing SMEs to tell their stories about the process, the costs, and the benefits of reporting. GRI promotes and disseminates the guide in partnership with SME support organisations and large companies having SME suppliers. GRI is also working with clusters of SMEs, for instance with wine and fruit growers in Chile, helping them to report jointly on sustainability. This offers them the opportunity to reduce potential burdens linked to reporting and to improve the international competitiveness of the cluster. Additionally GRI is cooperating with 5 large companies to help SMEs in their supply chains to report on CSR. A pilot project in partnership with the federation of pharmacies in Spain is also being developed, potentially involving 22.000 pharmacies.

Further information

Project website: http://www.globalreporting.org/SME Presentation of the project on Europa website: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic5_plugge.pdf

Contact details

Leontien Plugge Programme coordinator SME

GRI Headquarters Keizersgracht 209

1016 DT Amsterdam The Netherlands

Tel. +31 20 531 0025 [email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

CSR Netherlands: Working in partnership with trade organisations

Organisation CSR Netherlands (MVO Nederland), Netherlands

Objectives and activities In January 2006, CSR Netherlands started to work with several trade organisations to stimulate the uptake of CSR among their member companies. 13 trade organisations, representing over 25.000 SMEs, have already entered this programme. CSR Netherlands also advises the trade organisations on ways to incorporate CSR in their regular structures in a sustainable matter. Activities focus primarily on creating awareness about the possibilities that CSR offers to companies. One of the first and most advanced experiences is with Uneto-Vni, the Dutch association of installation contractors and technical retailers, which is also one of the largest employers' organisations in the Netherlands. CSR Netherlands assisted members of this trade organisation to establish their own CSR advisory committee. The aim is to start similar projects with 40 trade organisations in the period 2006-2008

Key success factors A major strength of this initiative is the partnership approach: working with large trade organisations that are already trusted by small businesses provides a higher impact on a large number of SMEs. It also ensures that companies receive advice and support that are specific and appropriate to their sector of operation. The program is demand-driven: the entrepreneurs themselves take the lead and formulate activities such as awareness-raising activities, brochures, etc. CSR Netherlands only provides support and expertise, thereby ensuring an effective uptake of CSR by the organisation and its members. Each initiative with the 13 different trade organisations is different, tailored to the needs and the will of each sector. Finally, CSR Netherlands is assisting some of the trade organisations in building broader cross-sectoral partnerships, for instance between the construction and installation sectors.

Further information

Organisation website: http://www.mvonederland.nl/index.html

Contact details Lobke Vlaming Waterstraat 47

Postbus 48 3500 AA Utrecht The Netherlands

Tel. +31 (0)30 236 3282 [email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Small Business Journey: A web-based tool to help SMEs work with CSR

Organisation

Small Business Consortium, United Kingdom Objectives and activities

Launched in 2004 by the Small Business Consortium*, Small Business Journey is an online guide to help businesses improve profits through responsible business practice. Targeted at Britain’s 3.8 million small firms, the Small Business Journey website (www.SmallBusinessJourney.com) is a route to help businesses grow in a way that has value for everyone. The website is currently averaging 10.000 visitors per month.

Key success factors

As an innovative web-based tool, Small Business Journey offers easily available advice to small businesses that are interested in developing responsible practices. It provides simple, jargon free information and notably avoids using the term “CSR”. It presents responsible entrepreneurship as a “journey”: encouraging SMEs to progress by small steps, so avoiding the impression that SMEs must address all aspects of CSR in one go. Designed like a map of an underground/metro system, it allows businesses to start at any point and stop off at issues that most interest them. Small Business Journey is a practical tool, in so far as it breaks “CSR” down into concrete practical questions that mean something to SMEs. The same structure is applied to every topic: pointing out the issues at stake and demonstrating the business benefits of taking action, illustrating with a good practice example and giving guidance on how to take action. The Small Business Journey is a joint venture by various organisations that enjoy a high degree of credibility with SMEs. They decided to keep their cooperation informal and flexible, deliberately avoiding the creation of a new organisation specifically for the promotion of CSR.

* The Small Business Consortium is a collaborative venture between ten leading UK business organisations:

British Chambers of Commerce, Business in the Community, Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors, Forum of Private Businesses, Lloyds TSB plc, AccountAbility, CSR Europe, Arts & Business & Scottish Business in the Community.

Further information

Project website: http://www.smallbusinessjourney.com

Contact details Stephanie Hagan

Small Business Consortium Business in the Community

137 Shepherdess Walk London N1 7RD United Kingdom

Tel. (44) 20 75 66 66 53 [email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Integrating CSR into vocational training for SMEs

Organisation

CECOA - Vocational Training Centre for Trade, Portugal

Objectives and activities

CECOA has been involved in a EU funded project (Leonardo da Vinci Programme) to promote CSR practices amongst SMEs through vocational education and training services. The project produced a wide range of products: a CSR training manual, reports reflecting CSR practices in the 6 participating countries, a CSR glossary, CSR information campaigns and materials, seminars, workshops and study visits to enterprises organized by each partner in each country, as well as a practical guide to help organising those kind of study visits.

Key success factors

The specificity of this project is that it seeks to integrate CSR in the training offer of mainstream organisations which are already used by SMEs. The project was conducted in partnership with other training consultancies or organisations in 5 other European Member States (Austria, Hungary, Estonia, Italy, The Netherlands), including Member States where awareness on CSR is less advanced. The most important result of the project is the development of a CSR training manual designed for vocational education and training organisations willing to teach and train about CSR especially in management areas. This manual is one of very few such initiatives that are targeted at training organisations themselves and not at SMEs directly. First testing proved that trainers and SME consultants strongly welcomed the provision of effective and attractive pedagogical material on CSR. Through its strong national and European networks, CECOA intends to share the project results with a large number of partners across Europe and have a greater impact on the offer for vocational education and training services on CSR.

Further information

Organisation website: http://www.cecoa.pt

Presentation of the project on Europa website: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic3_dimas.ppt

Contact details

Cristina Dimas Centro de Formação Profissional para o

Comércio e Afins Rua da Sociedade Farmacêutica, 3

1169-074 Lisboa Portugal

Tel. (351) 21 311 24 00 Fax. (351) 21 311 24 24 [email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Exploring sustainability opportunities with Dutch SMEs

Organisation

Triple Value Strategy Consulting, Holland ABN AMRO Bank, Holland

Objectives and activities Increasing pressure from large company clients, governments, banks, and competitors means that an increasing number of SMEs need a strategic approach to CSR. Yet SMEs often do not know how to exploit the advantages of CSR and sustainable entrepreneurship. Triple Value Strategy Consulting, with the support of ABN AMRO Bank and other partners (South Holland Province, Haagladen Chamber of Commerce) developed a practical, custom-made and market-oriented approach to sustainability issues and assisted a pilot group of 8 SMEs in South Holland.

Key success factors

The initiative puts a strong emphasis on the link between CSR and business opportunities. The core specificity of the project is to identify sustainability-related opportunities through the assessment of a company’s market sector, customers and products. Key elements of the project are to focus on a systematic and businesslike approach to sustainable entrepreneurship for SMEs and to speak the language of the entrepreneur. The involvement of a bank (ABN AMRO), which is an important trusted intermediary for SMEs, was important to the success of the initiative. Integrating CSR issues resulted in improved relationships between the bank and its SME clients.

Further information

Organisation website: http://www.triple-value.com

Presentation of the project on Europa website: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic2_scheepens.pdf

Contact details Wouter Scheepens

Triple Value Strategy Consulting Lange Voorhout 41

2514 EC The Hague The Netherlands

Tel. (31) 70 392 1488 Fax. (31) 70 392 1490 [email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Integrating CSR into regional development strategy in Northwest England

Organisation Sustainability Northwest, United Kingdom

Objectives and activities

The project “promoting CSR among SMEs in Northwest England” aims to contribute to the regional development strategy and increase competitiveness and attractiveness of a region traditionally known for large-scale industrial pollution. The initiative offers training to SME support organisations and develops tools to measure CSR improvements in the region.

Key success factors

The project focuses on capacity building for relevant business support organisations for SMEs. Rather than targeting individual companies directly, the approach is to work with and through existing structures already trusted and used by SMEs, such as Chambers of Commerce, lawyers, accountants, etc. Key focuses of the project are “sign-posting” and “capacity-building”: the aim is to strengthen demand for existing CSR related services and to improve their quality, rather than to create new ones. The development of a Responsible Regional Competitiveness Index is another key element of the project. It allows to measure improvements and contributes to strengthen the link between CSR and regional competitiveness. Finally, the project aims to target a large number of SMEs in order to match the ambition of having a significant impact on regional development.

Further information

Project website: http://www.snw.org.uk/responsibility/

Presentation of the project on Europa website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic1_lawson.pdf

Contact details

Rob Lawson Sustainability North West

Fourways House 57 Hilton Street

Manchester M1 2EJ

United Kingdom Tel. (44) 161 247 7800 Fax. (44) 161 247 7870

[email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Fabrica Ethica: Promoting CSR in the leather goods cluster in Tuscany

Organisation

Tuscany Region, Italy Objectives and activities

In response to increased global competition, the Tuscany region - through the Fabrica Ethica project - uses CSR practices as a tool to add value and to promote CSR knowledge in the regions and to link CSR to the improved competitiveness of SMEs. Ethica Laboratorial Filiera Pelle (FELAFIP) is a special project to strengthen “made in Italy” leather goods brand with the collaboration of all local stakeholders. It contributes to spread CSR principles in 900 Tuscan SMEs through awareness-raising and training for SMEs and the development of innovative management systems.

Key success factors

The regional authority took a strategic leadership by linking CSR to deep and durable regional innovation and by providing tax incentives and public grants for SMEs gaining SA8000 certification. The cluster approach (focus on the leather industry in Tuscany) leads to a greater impact on SMEs which are reached more easily through trusted trade associations. Because CSR issues are quite sector-specific, this approach also offers the advantage of tailoring CSR to be directly relevant to SMEs in the leather goods sector. Finally, the partnership approach (in particular through the creation of a Regional Ethical Committee responsible for the project) contributes to stronger relationships between regional stakeholders and to more competitiveness of the cluster.

Further information

Project website: www.fabricaethica.it

Presentation of the project on Europa website: http://europa.eu.int/comm/enterprise/csr/documents/mainstreaming/ms_sme_topic1_paloscia.pdf

Contact details Fabrizia Paloscia Regione Toscana Via di Novoli, 26

50127 Firenze Italy

Tel. (39) 55 438 30 80 Fax. (39) 55 438 39 40

[email protected] [email protected]

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This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Page 15: Supply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health ... sociale... · PDF fileSupply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health and safety management through mentoring programs

This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Page 16: Supply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health ... sociale... · PDF fileSupply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health and safety management through mentoring programs

This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.

Page 17: Supply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health ... sociale... · PDF fileSupply chain: Helping SME suppliers to implement health and safety management through mentoring programs

This description was drafted as part of the European Commission project "Mainstreaming CSR amongst SMEs". For more information, please visit our website: http://ec.europa.eu/csrforsmes. The content of this sheet does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission.