Seminar gives Essex Businesses Food for Thought

A groundbreaking seminar on corporate responsibility and ethical trading organised by leading Essex law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP, the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex and Essex Chambers of Commerce, was attended by representatives from more than 40 local businesses.

The seminar which focussed on how companies can trade ethically and help secure respect for fundamental human rights was chaired by professor and director of the University of Essex’s Human Rights Centre, John Packer and featured speakers which included professor of law, Kevin Boyle, Jackie Bowiss from the East of England Co-op and Tony Fisher, senior partner at Fisher Jones Greenwood. 

Tony Fisher said: “The seminar aimed to show organisations of all sizes, how developing socially responsible ways of doing business can work extremely well and have huge benefits. It was a great success with plenty of lively debate and we hope to have given those who attended plenty of food for thought.”

The event  which was held recently at  Waterfront Place in Chelmsford, also included an open forum with a panel of ethical business specialists featuring Jane Blacklock of ethical trading consultancy firm Impactt, rural and social development specialist Helen Russell from Golder Associates and Jason Cattrell from JC Fuels, an environmentally friendly biodiesel company.

Professor John Packer added: “There was remarkable interest from all who attended and a real interest in holding further events to highlight how ethical business is good for business."