Region's first Institute of Business Ethics launched

A collaboration of North East business organisations and educational establishments have formed the region’s first group dedicated to examining business ethics.

The North East Institute of Business Ethics will work as an independent body in partnership with interested parties to discuss and advise on business ethics in the workplace.

The new group will hold discussions about how ethical issues affect some of the major talking points in businesses today and will campaign to promote best practice in the way business is conducted in the region today.

One of the driving forces behind the institute is Rev Canon Glyn Evans from St Andrew’s Church in Newcastle city centre.

He said: “We believe that there are many people interested in this area of thought.

“We plan to hold events where speakers will talk about business ethics from various fields.

“We also hope to work alongside charities and other such organisations to help businesses being involved in the communities in which they operate. “

One such charity is The People’s Kitchen which hosted the launch event, attended by MP, Chi Onwurah, the Lord Mayor of Newcastle and the Lady Mayoress.

The People’s Kitchen was formed in 1985 and has transformed thousands of disadvantaged people’s lives by providing them with friendship and food and filling a gap in the evenings when homeless people are at their most vulnerable.

The People’s Kitchen has benefited greatly from ethical businesses that have supported their work by donating money as well as business services, food products and expertise.

Bob Eldridge, Chair of the People’s Kitchen said, “We are proud of our business connections with companies like John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Greggs who help us to provide clothing, food and shelter to our friends.

“We are delighted to be a part of NIBE and hope that it will change the way businesses do business in the region.”