Welcome
Message from our Chief Executive
Home Retail Group is committed to being a responsible retailer; something that remains just as relevant in these challenging economic times since we see no conflict between corporate responsibility (CR) and good business practice. We continue to seek out opportunities across the business to create shared value – meaningful benefits for society that are also valuable to our customers and our business.
Our colleagues have put our plans into practice by making corporate responsibility part of their day job. Thanks to the actions of colleagues in stores, distribution centres and offices we have cut the amount of waste we send to landfill by an amazing 46% this year; we now recycle over 70% of the waste we produce. We have reduced our carbon footprint by 7%. Our colleagues’ fundraising efforts mean that over £1.3 million has been raised for our charity partners this year.
We offer our customers clear information and products that will help them to make responsible choices. Customers have this year responded particularly well to products which help save energy and save money. And we are working to ensure that the process of shopping from us is a responsible choice in itself. All the print publications given to our customers are recyclable and, by the end of next year, all our publications, including the main catalogue, will be printed on 100% certified or recycled paper. We have increased the recycled content of our carrier bags to 50% over the past three years and have reduced the number of carrier bags used by 40%. Of course, the efficiency benefits we have achieved from these and other CR actions are helping to keep costs as low as possible across the business.
We recognise the value of partnership in driving social and environmental change. This year, we have joined the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (Sedex) which allows us to share ethical data with global suppliers as well as other businesses, enabling us to work together to achieve continuous improvement. We are working with selected major UK suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of our supply chains.
Our interaction with Government, shareholders, NGOs and special interest groups such as WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), the Energy Saving Trust, WWF UK Forest and Trade Network and the Responsible Jewellery Council have shaped our policies and helped us to deliver on our commitments.
With the economic environment likely to remain challenging, it is more important than ever that we maintain a relationship of trust with our customers and suppliers and enable colleagues, not just to contribute to the long-term success of our business, but also to the sustainability of the wider environment and community.
Terry Duddy, Chief Executive
