Did companies resist the new law?
We had discussions with some large UK companies about corporate responsibility and the Company Law Reform Bill.
Although the Confederation of British Industry (the main UK business lobby group) publicly stated its opposition to new rules on companies, many enlightened businesses privately stated that they see a benefit in ensuring there is a level playing field that requires all companies to meet minimum social and environmental standards.
Before the legislation companies who respect environmental and labour standards are actually at a commercial disadvantage. We think it's time to level the playing field so all companies must operate to the same standards overseas.
Most companies are keen to prove that they are behaving responsibly - ensuring all companies must abide by the same standards is the fairest system of all.
