Open networking event for people in business

Small businesses will be given the opportunity to learn how to showcase the good work they do in their communities at a Trading for Good event being held in Ipswich on Friday May 9 ,2014.

Trading for Good is a digital service that inspires businesses to be more socially responsible, with a passionate belief that successful businesses are responsible businesses.

The free-to-use service helps to boost the reputation of small businesses and helps consumers find a business based on its social and environmental credentials.

Speakers at the event, which is being held at the University Campus Suffolk, include Trading for Good’s founder Kay Allen OBE and local MP Ben Gummer.

During the event, small business owners will be able to network with MPs, local journalists and other businesses as well as hearing about practical steps they can take to celebrate the valuable work they do in their area.

Trading for Good, which is powered by Excell Group, was inspired by the government’s ‘Every Business Commits’ agenda that encourages British businesses to contribute to society. The initiative is championed by the Prime Minister’s Advisor for Corporate Responsibility and non-executive Chairman of Trading for Good, Philip N Green.

There are five ways that small businesses can show they are Trading for Good:

- Support charities and communities

- Help young people into work

- Improve your impact on the environment

- Work better with your suppliers

- Make life better for employees

Trading for Good founder Kay Allen OBE said: “We all believe that small businesses are the backbone of the British economy and are a force for good – but they often go unrecognized. Trading for Good is about getting small businesses improve their reputation and grow their business by highlighting the great work they do in their communities.

“The event in Ipswich offers small businesses owners the chance to hear more about how they can promote what they do through Trading for Good.”

The Trading for Good Ipswich event starts at 9am on Friday May 9 2014 at the University Campus Suffolk, IP4 1LT.