Press Release
13 May 2008

Major players from Irish business speak about the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

13 May 2008

The Castleknock Hotel and Country Club plays host to the national CSR 4 U Conference.

CSR 4 U is an initiative of the Irish Exporters Association, working in partnership with the County and City Enterprise Boards, and Fingal County Council. It is designed to promote the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility amongst Irish Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s).

The CSR 4 U project and conference are part funded by the European Union.

The line up of speakers at the Seminar included Fergus Finlay of Barnardos, Peter Gaynor of Fairtrade Mark Ireland, Brendan Cannon of Intel Ireland, Joe Daly of Waterford IT, Tomas Sercovich of Business in the Community, Finola McDonnell of IBEC, John Murphy of Speedpak, John Kearns of PARTAS and Chinedu Onyejelem of Metro Eireann.

On opening the conference and launching the CSR 4 U material designed to help small business, John Whelan Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association said “In this time of increased costs and economic tightening, CSR is very important. Businesses do not have extra money to spend on community projects; however, they can still earn favour by donating time and effort to local charities, community groups or other worthwhile projects”.

He went on to say “Aside from being extremely worthwhile on a personal level, CSR is now becoming an imperative for Irish SME’s. SME’s who are part of the international supply chain of larger companies will not survive if they act irresponsibly towards social concerns. From another perspective, consumers are much more aware of ethical brands now. During their decision making process, many customers are now considering whether or not brands are ethical and this will have a serious impact on their purchase.”

As discussed at the conference, CSR can be practiced in many different ways. Some companies develop relationships with charities such as Barnardos and work with them over time to add value to the community. Other companies aim to be socially responsible by ensuring their products have the Fairtrade Mark. Many companies have now realised that having environmentally friendly business practices are an absolute necessity for financial success and good reputation.

End.

For a copy of the Best Practice book and accompanying CD material, contact:

Anita O’Grady, CSR Project Executive, Irish Exporters Association
Email: anitaogrady@irishexporters.org

Or

John Whelan, Irish Exporters Association
Tel: + 353 1 661 2182
Mob: 087 9271243
Email: iea@irishexporters.org

About the Irish Exporters Association (IEA)

The IEA represents the needs of export industry ensuring that the necessary conditions are created and the necessary support is provided to assist companies to maximise their export sales. The IEA draws its membership from every exporting sector, ensuring that the interests of all industries are represented and promoted at the highest level.

www.irishexporters.ie

About CSR4U

Visit the website http://www.csr4u.org/