Following the closest run election for over 30 years, the UK faces major decisions about the way we run our economy, the role of the state, and the kind of society we want to live in. The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) – as a responsible retailer and the UK's largest employee-owned business – aims to put forward its experience and insights to support policy-makers as they face the challenges ahead. Responding to the UK's critical challenges
The new Government faces a titanic challenge – drive up quality, efficiency and productivity in frontline public services in the tightest spending environment for 30 years. Strong results through the downturn have shown the JLP employee-owned approach to be a highly effective business model. We believe there are insights in how the business is run, as well as the model we use, that will prove useful in driving forward the next phase of public service reform. However, employee ownership is no panacea – any approach to reform requires political determination, local experimentation and genuine engagement with workers and service users alike.
The financial crisis exposed weaknesses in our businesses, public finances and the wider economy. As recovery begins, there is an opportunity to help promote company structures that can generate sustainable long-term growth, while better aligning the interests of owners, employees and wider society. Recent research from Cass Business School found the employee-owned model to be more sustainable through times of recession, employing more people, and boasting higher levels of productivity and innovation. The prize for encouraging a stronger diversity of company models in the economy is greater resilience to future crises and more value-led businesses that help promote a genuinely fairer form of capitalism.
John Lewis is to be the Official Department Store Provider to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Working in partnership with the London 2012 Organising Committee, the John Lewis store on Oxford Street – and the forthcoming shop in Stratford (due to open adjacent to the Olympic Park in 2011) – are set to become key retail outlets for Games-related merchandise. These shops will give back all net profit to London 2012 on official merchandise sold. John Lewis will also help to furnish lounge and reception areas at Games-time venues and provide warehouse space. In addition our Partners in Sport initiative includes sponsoring seven young London 2012 hopefuls as well as funding sports coaches.
The new Government must demonstrate a vision for a more economically, environmentally and socially sustainable food system. To secure this vision will require retailers’ long-term commitment to make an impact from supplier to shopper. We must use our influence to set sustainable sourcing standards that respect the earth’s resources. Waitrose (part of the John Lewis Partnership) is contributing by continuing our wholehearted support of organisations such as Linking Environment and Food (LEAF) to champion environmental farming methods which enhance and protect the British countryside. Waitrose is the only UK retailer to have all its British fruit, vegetable and major flower growers meeting the LEAF standards.
If you have any comments or feedback please contact:
Charlotte Cool, Head of Public Affairs, John Lewis Partnership
charlotte_cool@johnlewis.co.uk
Kate Rowley, Senior Manager - Public Affairs & Partner Communications, Waitrose
kate_rowley@waitrose.co.uk