annual report 2002/2003 — harnessing difference
If ethical trade is to make a significant impact on workers worldwide, it needs a critical mass of committed companies. Expanding our corporate membership is an important way to improve the scope and effectiveness of our direct influence. It brings a larger number of workers within the scope of application of the ETI Base Code, and, by increasing market leverage, enhances our ability to influence suppliers.
We aim to increase our corporate membership to 43 companies by the end of 2004. With this in mind, our expansion strategy is twofold. First, we aim to strengthen our influence in our traditional market sectors, food and general merchandise. Second, we aim to expand into new sectors, including electronics, home improvement, jewellery, personal care and toys. These sectors are characterised by large or growing consumer markets in the UK, production processes that involve a significant workforce, poor employment practices and weak labour organisation.
Within the priority sectors, we are targeting retailers, brand manufacturers and direct suppliers with sufficient market clout to influence their supply base, and with demonstrable commitment to implementing the ETI Base Code in their supply chains.
The recruitment challenge
Over the year, we recruited eight new companies and are delighted to welcome BBC Worldwide, Bewley’s Ltd, New Look, Peter Black Footwear & Accessories, Ringtons Ltd, The Boots Group, WH Smith Plc and World Flowers to ETI. We are particularly pleased to have broken through into new manufacturing and retail sectors.
However, other companies we approached in the new sectors have been less receptive to the need to address ethical trade issues, perhaps because consumer and media pressure has been less acute in these sectors. We remain convinced that ETI’s principles, processes and services are nevertheless relevant to these other industries. Over the year we developed a more systematic and proactive approach to engaging potential new members, which places greater emphasis on the positive support and services we can offer companies. We trust that our new approach will bear more fruit in the year ahead.
We aim to expand into sectors characterised by large or growing consumer markets in the UK, production processes that involve a significant workforce, poor employment practices and weak labour organisation.
Picture:
This year we welcomed several high street names into membership.
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