In this more caring era of the noughties, social responsibility should be part of any budding entrepreneur’s business plan. Your Ethical Business will get you on track

When publishing moguls such as the notorious Felix Dennis of Dennis Publishing (notorious for years of living the high life, chasing women and wine) who has done a u-turn and is helping to restore Britain’s native woodland, you sense there must be some hope for the future.

Throughout the centuries, capitalist business success really hasn’t gone hand in hand with ethical and eco-friendly behaviour. Ravaged rainforests, exploited third world workers, and a thinning ozone all find their origins in someone’s great idea for making money.

While the spirit of entrepreneurialism is a worthy and admirable one, its execution can result in some not so worthy practices. And while entrepreneurialism carries on strong, running to catch up with it has been socially responsible business practice.

Thankfully, and testimony to a cultural shift away from the money-and-success-hungry 80s and 90s, anyone starting a business these days is more than likely to want to do their bit for the environment and ensure they implement good ethical practice in their company.

So where to start? Well, you cannot go wrong with picking up a copy of Your Ethical Business. This is a digestible and very straightforward, step-by-step guide to all the things you need to do to set up your business. From coming up with a sound business idea to the challenges faced by positing your business as ethical to how you go about getting accredited, it’s all there.

There is a nice combination of sound practical advice (who to contact, what to do), decoding of technical jargon (sweat equity and patient capital) and inspiring words from the founders of successful ethical brands, such as Innocent Drinks and Cafédirect. And even if you have your business up and running there are always ways to make your business more socially responsible. A must for every entrepreneur’s bookshelf.

Your Ethical Business: How to Plan, Start and Succeed in a Company with a Conscience by Paul Allen is published by ngo.media Visit www.yourethicalbusiness.co.uk for more information.