Latest news with #socialResponsibility
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Vegan restaurant leaves customers fuming after adding a 'diversity role models' charge to people's bills
A vegan restaurant in London has left customers seething after charging 50p for a 'Diversity Role Models donation'. Mallow restaurant in Borough Market is fundraising for Diversity Role Models, a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending LGBTQ + bullying in schools through educational workshops and role model storytelling, according to their website. While the charitable initiative is well-intentioned, Reddit users have expressed concern that the scheme places the burden of social responsibility on the customer rather than the business. One person took to Reddit to showcase the extra 50p automatically added to their bill, which came to £57.55. The customer paid £19 for a vegan full English breakfast, £19 for a mezze brunch, £5.50 for an oolong and pineapple drink, and £7.20 for two oat flat whites. There was also an optional additional charge of £6.35 for service, plus the optional 50p for the diversity charity. Some commenters questioned the extent of the restaurant's contributions to the charity, suggesting that while the business promotes its charitable support, the financial responsibility appears to fall primarily on the customer. One person said: 'This is about the owners being able to claim they're environmentally / socially conscious at your expense. 'You'll hear their celeb chefs on TOPJAW being all smug about 'giving back to the community' while guilting you into this situation, 'Oh, you want me, a service worker, to take this bill back to the till, remove the 50 pence donation and bring it back to you? Do you want me to club a baby seal on my way back as well?' 'It's making the customers pay for their PR. The id**** posting 'Hurr durr not paying 50p is a bad look on you' is justifying this s*** being the norm. They concluded: 'I might not get it removed at that time, but I will make a mental note of not going to that place again.' Another said: 'Yep, they do exactly that. They boast about supporting charities, but they don't make it clear that not a penny is from them.' Someone else wrote: 'You also see this a lot with airlines. They offer you the option to pay extra for your flight to help them meet their environmental obligations. And the way they word it is a clear attempt to make you feel guilty for not doing so.' A fourth added: 'I hate this sort of thing. It's shaming the customer into paying more money, with the implication that if you don't you clearly don't care about diversity. 'Even if it does go to a charity in this case, if this sort of thing gets normalised you could quickly see places start to establish their own 'charities'.' MailOnline has reached out to Mallow restaurant for comment. However, others didn't see a problem paying a small sum of money to help a great charity. One person wrote: 'I'd just pay it's only 50p.' Another said: 'Diversity Role Models are an excellent charity.' Someone else added: 'Using their platform and reach to garner support for a legitimate, worthwhile charity - I see no problem. It is not in any way unique to this business; it is a widely leveraged method to raise charitable funds.' A fourth added: 'Seems to be an anti-bullying charity for schoolchildren. Might be a cause close to the owner's heart.' The original poster later clarified: 'I'm in a fortunate position where 50p doesn't make a dent. I also have no issue with role models. I just want to be asked first.' Mallow restaurant's website explained where the money goes, writing: 'Diversity Role Models is a UK-wide charity, working with schools to end LGBTQ+ bullying through educational workshops and role model storytelling. 'They educate young people about difference, challenging stereotypes and addressing the misuse of language to shape a world where everyone embraces diversity and can thrive.' Mallow concluded: 'We fundraise for them during June and volunteer throughout the year.' It comes after popular Indian restaurant Gymkhana in London introduced a fee on every person in a dining party before they've even walked through the door. The controversial mandate, introduced by the celeb hotspot restaurant in November, mandates that every guest visiting the two Michelin-starred site must pay the deposit of £100 before arriving - which then becomes their minimum spend for the evening. It's a rule that has now been replicated by eateries across the capital as the hospitality industry cracks down on no-shows, last minute cancellations, reservation resale websites and 'reservation squatting'. According to Chris D'Sylva - the owner of Michelin-starred Dorian, in Notting Hill - there's been an uptick in the number of people who block up tables at multiple restaurants and then only show up for one reservation. As a result, Mr D'Sylva told the Financial Times, that he has been forced to impose a 'slightly punitive' £25 deposit that also helps ward off clout-chasing food influencers. 'It's something to drive away influencers that come and all they want to do is say that they were there and get the benefit of the social currency and post on their Instagram to the detriment of the business,' he told the newspaper. But collab-hungry influencers - looking to barter social media exposure for free food and drinks - are just as bad as bots that snap up the best tables so they can later be 'scalped' to the highest bidder, said Matt Tucker, the head of restaurant reservation platform Tock. Three-figure minimum spend requirements have also begun to feature on Tock's website - with diners looking to enjoy the Omakase experience at The Araki in Mayfair have to fork over £310 per head in advance of their meal.
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Making Your Business A Catalyst For Good
Natalie Ruiz, CEO of AnswerConnect, leads with a human-centered approach, blending tech with real connections to help businesses grow 24/7. Early in my career, I thought that running a successful company meant maximizing revenue and minimizing costs. Today, I know that the true competitive edge lies in using business as a catalyst for positive change. This belief echoes Simon Sinek's idea of playing an "infinite game," where the goal isn't to beat a rival once but to build something that matters. The New Era Of Business: More Than Profit Ask yourself: Why do customers really choose one brand over another? Yes, they care about price and quality—but increasingly, they choose companies that share their values. In fact, a recent survey by the Edelman Trust Barometer showed that 84% of people need to share values with a brand to consider buying from it. Likewise, top talent isn't just looking for a paycheck; they're searching for meaning. Because today's stakeholders demand more from businesses, companies that make purpose part of their everyday operations aren't just doing good—they're building resilient, future-ready organizations. Turning Intent Into Impact Consumers are savvy and can easily see past a company paying lip service to a cause they feel strongly about. You can't just bolt on a charity program as an afterthought and expect to reap the benefits. Instead, try to weave social responsibility into everything you do. Here are some examples from my own company's experiences: At my company, every employee can receive paid hours to volunteer for causes they love—whether it's mentoring at-risk youth, packing meals at a food bank or planting native flowers at a community park. Because we trust our people to choose their own impact areas, the results feel authentic and deeply personal. When your colleagues share stories of late-night beach cleanups or multigenerational reading sessions at local schools, you see a culture that breathes generosity. These narratives fuel pride, spark referrals and make your business a magnet for people who want their work to count. Beyond role-specific training, we pay each team member to explore subjects that ignite their curiosity—mindfulness, data science, creative writing, you name it. We dedicate time and money specifically to learning, sending a clear message that growth is a company priority. Encouraging people to share what they have learned is crucial, too. These discussions turn individual discoveries into shared knowledge and help people build relationships across departments. In partnership with reforestation experts, we've funded the planting of over 1.7 million trees worldwide. Because climate action can't wait, we're proud to back projects from rural Costa Rica to woodlands in Scotland—each sapling is a promise to future generations. This shouldn't be just a side initiative but fully integrated into your brand narrative. When customers and prospects know you care about the planet, it makes them feel part of something bigger. Why Doing Good Drives Better Business Integrating purpose isn't philanthropy for philanthropy's sake—it's a strategic investment. Here's how it pays off: Attract And Retain Talent: According to iSolved Talent Acquisition, "75% of Gen Zs and Millennials say that an organization's community engagement and societal impact are important factors when considering a potential employer." They seek flexibility, inclusivity and employers who back causes they believe in. Boost Engagement: According to another study, employees who volunteer or learn new skills report higher job satisfaction and stay longer. Therefore, turnover drops and productivity rises. Win Customer Loyalty: Today's consumers favor brands that share their values. Showing that you care about the community and the planet builds trust and repeat business. Because purpose initiatives become part of your brand story, they differentiate you in crowded markets. You're not just another vendor; you're a partner in positive change. Future-Proofing And Aligning With Tomorrow's Generations For Gen Z, meaning matters more than money. They seek employers who live their values, not just preach them. By embedding social impact today, you'll win—and retain—this influential talent pool. Born into a digital and climate-aware world, Gen Alpha will demand that brands and employers demonstrate real social and environmental commitments. Preparing now means you'll be their go-to choice when they enter the job market and decide where to spend. Purpose Is Your Long-Term Advantage When you make social good part of your business model, you aren't just ticking a box. You build a stronger, more engaged team, deepen customer loyalty and carve out a unique market position. Purpose fuels performance. Purpose attracts talent. Purpose wins hearts. So here's my challenge to fellow leaders: Don't treat purpose as an afterthought. Make it your catalyst for growth, your differentiator, your "infinite game" strategy. When business becomes a force for good, we all rise—and that's the greatest legacy any company can leave. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Al Bawaba
16-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Burgan Bank Raises Financial Awareness and Digital Innovation Initiatives by Collaborating with AUK to Empower the Next Generation of Kuwaiti Talents
Burgan Bank recently hosted a field visit at its headquarters for students from the American University of Kuwait (AUK), under the umbrella of the Bank's comprehensive social responsibility and sustainability strategy, centered on nurturing and investing in Kuwait's national youth talents from an early age.A total of 15 AUK male and female students were guided on a tour across the Bank's various departments as well as Burgan Lab, the Bank's dedicated innovation hub. By engaging the younger generation in real-world experiences, the Bank reinforces its vision to be the most progressive bank in Kuwait, driven by its employees, customers, and community. It also confirms Burgan Bank's commitment to being an innovative financial service provider, while translating its exemplary attributes of trust, commitment, excellence, and progression into meaningful on the visit, Mr. Bashar Al-Qattan, Executive Manager – Learning and Talent Development at Burgan Bank, said: 'It was a delight to host the AUK students at our HQ and introduce them to the latest banking innovations and technologies. Under the 'Teach Them Young' campaign, a primary factor of our robust learning and talent development program's success is that we acknowledge the importance of preparing talents at an early stage through visits such as this one, which opens them up to the real professional world, how it operates, and the technologies that continue to shape it. This enables them to make informed decisions as they embark on their career journeys.'For her part, Ms. May Al-Qabandi, Senior Manager – Innovation Department at Burgan Bank, highlighted the importance and long-term impact of exposing students to the real-life applications of digital transformation and engaging them in conversations around approaching problem-solving with an innovative mindset. She emphasized that instilling innovation early supports Burgan Bank's vision to remain agile and future-ready in a rapidly evolving financial the field visit, the students were introduced to Burgan Bank's adoption of the agile methodology across its operations, reflecting its collaborative, flexible, and efficient working style. They also participated in several interactive sessions and attended presentations that helped them gain a more comprehensive understanding of digital transformation, recognizing that it must begin with a cultural shift before any enhancements to digital infrastructure can take place – a shift that empowers teams to adapt quickly to change, deliver innovative solutions faster, and meet evolving customer needs Burgan Bank representatives discussed some of the most vital banking awareness and financial literacy topics with the students, as part of the Bank's ongoing support of the 'Let's Be Aware' (Diraya) banking awareness campaign, led by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and the Kuwait Banking Association (KBA), with the support of Kuwaiti banks. This included tips about safe online banking, precautions against fraud and theft, as well as the importance of the savings culture and adopting a sound financial plan. This initiative is one of many ways in which Burgan Bank delivers on its commitment to national development, social responsibility, and sustainable impact. The Bank regularly opens its doors to school and university students, participates in major career fairs, and curates immersive learning experiences aimed at equipping Kuwait's youth with the skills, awareness, and mindset needed for long-term career success in the financial sector.
The Herald
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Violence towards children is a sign of ‘abandonment of social responsibility'
The growing number of incidents of violence towards children, including by their mothers, has sparked a call for a 'human-centred approach' in society. Puleng Phaka, second deputy president of the National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa), advocated for 'capitalism's profit-before-people system' to be dismantled in favour of a system that ensured 'economic fairness and human dignity'. Numsa denounced 'the commodification of human life, the normalisation of suffering, and the abandonment of social responsibility.' Referencing data that showed 315 children were killed in the second quarter of last year, an increase of 7.5% compared to the same period the year before, Phaka said 'a society driven by greed, exploitation, and economic exclusion creates desperate conditions where violence festers'.
BBC News
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Impactful' Manchester Museum named European Museum Of The Year
Manchester Museum has won the European Museum of the Year Award (EMYA), hailed by judges for "balancing globally-significant academic research with community engagement and social responsibility".The museum, part of the University of Manchester, is the first university museum to receive the accolade, which is regarded as one of the most prestigious awards of its kind in the topped a shortlist of 41 museums, including the world-renowned Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the Guggenheim in praised how the museum, on Oxford Road, "reimagined its mission, acknowledging and addressing its complex history by redefining the role of its collections and public programmes". The museum - which is free to visit - was also praised for "thoughtful, informed, and impactful community engagement, creating a truly inclusive space where all individuals, regardless of identity or background, can see themselves reflected and represented".Esme Ward, director of the Manchester Museum, accepted the award at a ceremony at the Sybir Memorial Museum in Białistok, Poland - winner of the Council of Europe Museum Prize last year."Museums have the power to be empathy machines - bringing generations and communities together to build understanding, while confronting the past with honesty and transparency," said Ms Ward."More than ever before, we need museums that are values-led, imaginative and confident about what they stand for."Operated by the European Museum Forum (EMF), EMYA recognises either new museums or established museums which have undertaken a programme of modernisation. An average of around 45 museums apply each year, from across the 46 member main awards, the EMYA and the Council of Europe Museum Prize, have been awarded continuously since 1977. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
