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The NSW Government will today host a major business round table to help develop the State’s sustainable retail market, Minister for State Development Ian Macdonald said. Minister Macdonald said up to 30 people, including representatives of UK company Marks & Spencer and leading Australian retailers will attend the event.

“This is the first of several ‘thought leadership’ round tables to be organised by Industry and Investment NSW’s International Markets division over the next 12 months,” he said. “These round tables will feature key international guests who have achieved exceptional results in areas like sustainability.

"Today’s event brings together key representatives of the NSW retail, food and beverage, fashion and consumer goods industries to hear from Marks & Spencer on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable retailing.

"CSR is about including public interest in corporate decision-making through the honouring of a triple bottom line of People, Planet and Profit.

"Consumers are increasingly aware of the implications of purchasing decisions in terms of environmental and ethical concerns, and corporations are under pressure to examine their entire supply chains from a CSR perspective,” he said.

Mr Macdonald said Marks & Spencer is a leading force for retail CSR in the United Kingdom through its 'Plan A' initiative which sets ambitious goals to be carbon neutral, cut landfill waste, source sustainable materials for products, promote healthy lifestyles for customers, and set new standards in ethical trading.

"By sharing its knowledge, Marks & Spencer will help accelerate the already growing

phenomenon of CSR in Australian retailing,” he said.

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