Michael Solomon

Founder of Responsible 100

Biography

As founder and director, Michael describes Responsible 100’s ambition as becoming a kite mark for businesses determined to have the maximum positive impact on society and the environment.

Michael argues we can all exercise a choice about which businesses we want to succeed, and as and when we do, we can all be part of creating a better business. Almost 14 years in development, R100 sets a high but demonstrably achievable bar. To join, businesses are required to answer challenging questions on a range of social, environmental and ethical issues; have their answers reviewed, assessed and scored; guarantee their information as complete, accurate and verifiable, and maintain it as such at all times; and make it available for public scrutiny, comment and rating on www.responsible100.com.

R100 is the product of genuine collaboration between businesses and NGOs and campaign groups. Its final phase of development concerns defining the purpose and brand which will maximise take up and impact. Michael says while any company can produce a CSR report, those prepared to undergo R100’s exacting requirements appear to have four key attributes in common which set them apart.

First, they are entirely open and honest, and are prepared to explain and justify all the things they do. Second, they are on a path to becoming net positive by increasing their positive impacts on people and planet, and decreasing their negative impacts, as far and fast across their operations as possible. Third is an acceptance of their role as businesses: to deliver goods and services, make profits, AND make the world a better place. Lastly, they don’t just say “yes, yes, we do these things”, they actually provide proof by making a clear, public, unequivocal commitment.

Responsible 100’s soon-to-be-unveiled new brand will manifest these qualities and, as such, differentiate businesses determined to help create and be part of a better world.