Proving naysayers wrong by doing the right thing – ethical business and the Better Business Act with Hellen Stirling-Baker, Small Stuff

When Hellen Stirling-Baker launched Small Stuff in 2016, a mentor told her it would fail because she was so focussed on ethical business. Six years later she runs a thriving online and physical shop, has opened and expanded into larger retail premises, and survived the challenges of the pandemic. Turnover and profits are increasing, says Hellen – and she has not compromised her ethics and values.

Hellen is one of over 1,000 leaders of businesses large and small calling for a "Better Business Act." They want the Government to amend legislation to ensure businesses are legally responsible for benefiting workers, customers, communities and the environment while delivering shareholder and stakeholder returns. 

We cover what that means and this week's Better Business Day, and discuss Hellen's multiple-award-winning, eco-conscious children's store in Crookes, Sheffield. Hellen has tips for entrepreneurs who hope to launch other sustainable (in all senses) businesses. A healthy dose of inspiration and practical advice in this, episode #366 of Business Live.

Timings and links:

• 0:00 - 25:48 Introduction and interview with Hellen Stirling-Baker, Small Stuff. Hellen also presents This Sustainable Business podcast.
• 25:48 More about The Better Business Act, the four principles and how to learn more.
• 29:53 Quick recap of some previous episodes with guests who demonstrate ethical business is great business, including Kresse Wesling (Elvis & Kresse), Yasin El Ashrafi (HQ Recording Studios), Jen O'Brien (Music Broth), David Hanney (Alpkit), Louisa Ziane (Toast Ale).
• 32:13 Funding: 15-20 projects can secure up to £1m each through The Energy Entrepreneurs Fund. Power to Change seeks partners for Community Improvement Districts.
• 34:38 Reflections on Positive News magazine, and a good article from economist and Times columnist Ryan Bourne about why we should allow asylum speakers to work (The Entrepreneurs Network has ling called for this too).
• 37:16 Upcoming events, including Record Store Day 2022 (so why not listen to last week's interview with Mark Elliott of Record Collector), Opportunity Sheffield job fairs, Sheffield Digital Festival, Sheffield Forum Live #3, The Festival of Debate.

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