We have, to date, been very lucky in having the support of family, friends and our business contacts - both customer and supplier - and we aim to continue to grow steadily whilst retaining our original principles. These were quite simple really - "to treat others as we ourselves want to be treated".
We did not set out with an "obvious" ethical policy at the beginning however, as with most people on the planet, we knew (in most cases) what was right and wrong and try to do the "right thing" when required to make a difficult decision.
We did not set out with an "obvious" ethical policy at the beginning however, as with most people on the planet, we knew (in most cases) what was right and wrong and try to do the "right thing" when required to make a difficult decision.
Ethics is a difficult area to define as people will always view the same things differently.
This simple statement is our ethical policy and outlines what we hope is good business practice.
Our ideals:
We want to work in a way which will improve things for others and which ensures no harm comes from our actions.
We want to work with, for and alongside organisations that attempt to bring about positive change in our local community and the wider world in which we live. When working with organisations such as charities, not-for-profit, public sector bodies and individuals - we ask whether the purpose of the organisation or project has social benefit.
"Ecological", "ethical", "organic", "sustainable" and "green" are often seen as nothing more than trendy buzzwords by some companies. Organisations with poor environmental or social responsibility records are increasingly keen to jump onto the "ethical" bandwagon by supporting "ethical" projects - but with the cynical aim of only improving their public image. This often means it can be difficult to determine if this kind of sponsorship is a good or bad thing; we attempt to see whether the benefits achieved will outweigh not becoming involved in the project.
We aim to:
- bank with The Co-Operative Bank - the UK's only high street bank with a credible ethical policy.
- make use of we recycled or low-impact materials where possible. Especially for office supplies and stationery. We try to promote recycled paper stocks for clients to consider.
- "Freecyle" equipment that still works but that we no longer need, want or have a use for. This prevents usable items being placed into land-fill sites helps to reduce waste.
- recycle as much of our waste and materials as is possible.
- support ethical or fairtrade products where available and possible.
- support and use like-minded organisations and individuals.
- be open, honest, polite and approachable with all our clients, suppliers and any third-party organisations.
- donate to charitable and voluntary organisations that benefit society - both locally and globally. Our donations have so far included financial support and the provision of our time and services.
- use our vehicles as little as possible and to carefully consider our routes when traveling to see clients, attend site or make deliveries. We also aim to reduce the amount of vehicles on the roads by employing a "car sharing" policy.
- conserve energy by turning off computers, equipment and lights when not required. And by heating rooms correctly - don't have open windows or doors with the heating on!
- source materials and supplies locally where possible. We try to reduce the environmental impact caused by unnecessary travel and transportation.
- source quality materials for all jobs. This helps to prevent things having to be redone - thus saving cost for clients and materials.
- use the most appropriate materials for the job. We want to to ensure the client gets a quality job that will last a long time and provide good value for money.
- be as competitive on price as possible. We try to ensure that we do not knowingly sell our services and goods too low. People will always undercut on cost but we aim to provide quality and good value.
- charge a fair price for our goods and services and to pay a fair price for the goods and services of others. We all need to make a profit and pay our bills.
- pay our suppliers bills within the agreed timescales. We also ask that our customers pay ours on time! Cash flow is vital to a small business like ours and we cannot afford to offer lengthy credit terms to customers. Small businesses succeed or fail by their ability to pay creditors.
- be friendly, approachable and tolerant. It's great being "ethical" - but it is also very important to be nice people. Good manners are totally free! And a polite manner will often get you the job or commission - so it's worth it!
We strongly believe in the philosophy that
"what goes around comes around".
We won’t:
- act in a way that undermines our ethical aims
- undertake work that is illegal, likely to cause offence or that we know is just plain "wrong".
- work with organisations which we know to be involved with animal testing or those with questionable human rights or environmental records.
Kramers Designs & Signs Limited - December 2008
