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Friday 03 of September, 2010

The Ethical-Commercial Continuum

Group Partners describes a big part of its motivation as the 'Ethical-Commercial Continuum'. Put simply this suggests that the kinds of projects and companies we work with fit criteria that suit the 21st Century. For example these companies are genuinely trying to improve their role in society, become a positive contributor to social and global value and they have started to alter their thinking towards the new principles required to operate responsibly in their markets and therefore driving the new decisions they make.

Without wishing to state an exhaustive list here this will be about working responsibly and accountably. Working equally and fairly with the communities they operate in. They would be working to avoid undermining the raw materials or the resources that are needed for sustainability. It means a focus on Equal Rights, Fair Trade and Diversity.

It means more than simply stating a financial commitment on the balance sheet. It means that this is how the company thinks, acts and behaves. In everything that's done. We appreciate that a company needs to remain economically viable and we also know that change takes time so this is why we describe it in a 'sliding scale' way and with a dynamic idea such as the Ethical-Commercial Continuum.

A Commercial-Ethical balance is a fine ambition and a simple statement. Put in simple terms it means that wherever possible we work with clients that strive for it and understand what they mean by it. It will enable us to identify opportunity for decisions to be made that are directly going to contribute to an ethical outcome. This guiding principle runs to the heart of a sustainable humanity. We believe it should drive business across the world in the 21st Century. This principle drives the way we think act and operate.

Community

• Commercial Intentionality - This means supporting the local economy and heartbeat - This is about providing work, meeting local needs...

Coupled with...

• Ethical Intentionality - Both in investing in the community, but aware of the diverse needs of the people, disability, religion and race. This is about critical thinking, sustainable and responsible attitude and responsible use of resources. Welfare of the planet and the people.

Industry

• Commercial Intentionality - Growth yes, competitiveness yes. Innovation and creativity yes...

Coupled with...

• Ethical Intentionality - Environmental sensitivity, collaboration and real engagement with all the stakeholders, conscious conservation and integrity.

Government

• Commercial Intentionality - High integrity and transparent accountability for a balanced economy, GB PLC, Creating a balanced and humane security and independence of spirit but without parochialism (nimby-ism)...

Coupled with...

• Ethical Intentionality - True meaning applied to the policies around environment - equality - diversity - social community and conservation

Individual

• Commercial Intentionality - Liberated environment for personal success - wealth - security and material need...

Coupled with...

• Ethical Intentionality - Consciousness about our own legacy - responsibility - meaning - conservation - altruism - diversity