Business for a purpose: Growing the civic core of the Northern Powerhouse

Article

The north of England has a long and proud history of civic-minded enterprise. Many northern businesses, large and small, are longstanding institutions that provide significant value to their area, above and beyond their role as employers and taxpayers. Many more are already rethinking their civic role in relation to their staff, their supply chain and their impact upon the environment.

However, the scale and nature of the challenges faced, from low pay and poverty, to productivity and the skills gap, to climate change, mean that, a step change is needed in the purpose and practice of private sector enterprise. Although there are many good examples of civic-minded business, too many businesses exhibit behaviour that is short-termist and extractive.

This report seeks to understand the role of business in the 21st century North. It explores how we might support, sustain and incentivise greater social purpose among private sector organisations, working in collaboration with partners from across all sectors. It sets out what role the state can play to encourage, develop and sustain this type of activity and provides recommendations for the local, northern and national scale.

Related items

  1. Doctor with patient for consultation, medical advice or procedure at clinic

    Building the foundations for transformation in the NHS

    The government has published a bold 10-year plan to transform England’s health system which, if fully delivered, will make the NHS of tomorrow look radically different from today’s service. 
  2. A huge overflowing recycling bin full of discarded empty bottles of alcoholic drinks

    Taking stock: Counting the economic costs of alcohol harm

    Alcohol consumption across the UK is increasing. Government and employers must act to address the health risks.
  3. The inside of a bus. Lots of people sit or stand on a bus during daylight

    A people-focussed future for transport in England

    Our findings from three roundtables on the impact of transport in people’s lives and the priorities for change.