Heart of the City operates on the simple belief that businesses of any size should be able to access responsible business practices and become a force for good. For small businesses, in particular, the charity recognises their challenges are unique, and opportunities differentiate them from larger organisations. To ensure that enterprises of any size or variety have their needs more than met, the charity has pioneered its signature tailored approach by offering the best support possible. What distinguishes the organisation is its commitment to inclusivity and practical solutions. With a dedicated team of experts and all the tools necessary to integrate responsible business practices into everyday operations, Heart of the City helps companies both large and small to embed these values into the very core of their business. As a non-profit organisation grounded in its principles, Heart of the City builds lasting partnerships and fosters seamless, effective collaboration within partner businesses' supply chains. Heart of the City strives for a net zero Square Mile by 2040 By focusing on the specific needs of each business, Heart of the City is creating a business environment where small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can thrive in a sustainable manner, by both enriching their local communities and enhancing the wider environment in the process. All of this can be seen through their Climate for SMEs: 4 Steps to Action course which the charity has been running since 2021. This was developed in partnership with the City of London Corporation to support SMEs to contribute to a net zero Square Mile by 2040. More than 200 businesses in the City have engaged with the course so far, allowing them to understand and then implement strategies geared towards achieving net-zero emissions. As a result, 68 businesses have already committed to achieving net zero, with Heart of the City estimating this will lead to a collective reduction of approximately 88,500 tonnes of CO2e. Additionally, 80 more businesses are currently progressing through the programme, which is expected to bring the total reduction across London to around 149,500 tonnes of CO2e once these SMEs reach net zero. The expertise that Heart of the City has developed has enabled the charity to expand its reach, both in terms of the geography it works in and the organisations it supports. Heart of the City is now supporting large businesses with their response to climate change by training small businesses across their value chains to take their first steps to achieve net zero. Amplifying diverse voices across London's creative community Examples of this responsible business charity’s excellence do not end here, as 2023 saw the launch of the Minority Business Matters programme, which revolves around offering support for London’s array of ethnic minority-owned businesses. Specifically, the initiative is geared towards creating and safeguarding jobs as well as adopting improved products and services, so that these businesses may engage with leading brands and boost their public perception. The guidance provided by the charity in this setting is comprised of everything from one-on-one support to learning programmes and networking opportunities. A collaboration with MSDUK and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, this successful programme has seen more than 150 minorityowned companies receive expert guidance on building the capabilities of their businesses, increasing their sustainability and social value, and enhancing their positive impact on society. Driving sustainable business practices across a diverse range of industries Heart of the City’s upcoming initiatives, including their work with Places for London, Canary Wharf Group and Pinsent Masons, demonstrate the charity’s unwavering commitment to integrating responsible and sustainable practices across a variety of sectors. For example, the charity is piloting a new programme with a large insurance company to help the sector become net zero ready, taking learning from its other climate work. This initiative aims to establish verifiable sustainability plans and reduce carbon footprints, significantly enhancing the insurance industry’s contribution to sustainability. With SMEs serving as the backbone of the UK’s local communities and economies, Heart of the City is there to ensure that those seeking to be responsible can remain at the forefront of innovation and transformation going forwards. For this, we are proud to present the charity with this duo of well-deserved awards. Contact: Kimberley Brockbank, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager Company: Heart of the City Web Address: https://theheartofthecity.com Heart of the City is a London-based charity dedicated to improving local communities and the environment by supporting small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to make responsible business a meaningful part of their work. Established in 2000 by the City of London Corporation, the Bank of England and the then Financial Services Authority, the charity has over 24 years' experience, and has helped more than 2,000 businesses make a positive impact by better supporting their people, places and the planet. Most Innovative Corporate CSR Support Company 2024 & Excellence Award for Sustainable Business Practices 2024 Heart of the City
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