Our responsibilities

The Partnership was ahead of its time in recognising that commercial success depended on showing the highest level of good citizenship in its behaviour within the community. Today we are best known for the fact that our business is owned for the benefit of our employees all of whom are Partners and share in its profits but we know that to cut our way through tough competitive conditions, we have to continue to prize sound relationships with our customers and suppliers, and sustain a keen sense of civic responsibility.

Our founder's ideals, set out in our Constitution, are the inspiration behind our approach to corporate social responsibility and shape the principles we apply. We are determined to embrace diversity and earn a reputation as an 'employer of distinction' by treating all our employees (Partners) as individuals, with respect, honesty and fairness.

Sharing the rewards and responsibilities of ownership and conducting our business with integrity and courtesy are the principles we live by; this approach underpins our environmental policies, our involvement with local communities and our approach to responsible sourcing and trading.