A utility group doing it well: Northumbria Water Group one of the world's most ethical companies

Northumbria Water Group was selected as only one of four UK companies in the Ethispere 2014 World's Most Ethical Companies. (the other three were Ethical Fruit Company, Premier Farnell plc and Marks and Spencer).

The criteria for selection means that an organisation has to:

• go beyond making statements about doing business "ethically" and translate these words into action
• not only promote ethical business standards and practices internally but exceed legal compliance minimum 
• shape future industry standards by introducing best practices today".

Northumbria Water shows that as a business it is possible to "do the right things" and succeed competitively, in fact it really gives them a competitive advantage. Heidi Mottram the CEO states in their "Vision and Values" document:

"as one team,together we can action our vision of being the national leader in the provision of sustainable water and waste water services.  To do this, we need to excel and lead across every part of the business".

Their section on ethics states " we ensure ethical standards not compromised by commercial, financial or other pressures". We are open, honest and trustworthy.  We accept responsibility for our own behaviour and learn from all experiences whether good or bad".

This is "just" a utility company showing how it can be done and demonstrates the very realisable business benefits of having an ethical edge!