# Survey finds 42% believe businesses should give to charity by law

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/09/05/survey-finds-42-believe-businesses-give-charity-law/
- Published: 2017-09-05T09:15:37+01:00
- Author: Melanie May

**42% of British adults believe UK businesses should give at least 1-5% of annual
profit to charity by law, according to research from the Greg Secker Foundation 
and YouGov.**

The [Greg Secker Foundation](http://www.gregseckerfoundation.com/)‘s research questioned
over 2,000 British adults aged 18+ on whether UK businesses are doing enough for
charities. As well as showing that 42% believe businesses should donate by law, 
the findings also suggest that consumers would view companies more favourably if
they did so.

If consumers knew a UK business gave 5% of its annual profits to charity:

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 * 43% would have a more positive opinion of the company
 * 20% would use this company over competitors companies
 * 17% would recommend the company to friends/family

The research also found that 41% of those surveyed believe businesses should be 
doing more for charity as a whole. Offering pro-bono services that map back to the
business’ specific area of expertise came out on top with 25% of respondents wanting
to see more of this. Donating more of their profits followed with 24% and upskilling
members of the community with 21%.

Greg Secker, Founder of the Greg Secker Foundation, said:

> “UK businesses are already doing excellent work for the third sector, and the 
> government’s tax relief incentives are certainly a step in the right direction.
> However, what these results show is there is public appetite for more, both morally
> and legally. Time and time again we see the benefits a thorough corporate social
> responsibility programme offers businesses, with the figures here speaking for
> themselves.
> “By simply donating a small percentage of annual profits to charity, businesses
> are able to increase brand loyalty, positively shift perceptions, and increase
> their potential customer pool, all the while helping a good cause. We would just
> like to encourage businesses to keep the third sector in mind because helping 
> out is good for business.”

 

 [](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2017/09/WE_Greg_Secker_Foundation_InfographicV2-e1504553165921.jpg)

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## Comments

### By: David Bern

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/09/05/survey-finds-42-believe-businesses-give-charity-law/#comment-3131
- Published: 2017-09-05T18:40:00+01:00

But wouldn’t businesses pass the cost of these “good works” onto consumers in the
form of increased costs of goods and services?
 What if a company backs a charity
which had goals that I disagreed with, or had a compensation scheme that I found
excessive. Could I then in all good conscience deal with that company? Take a well
known restaurant chain who has a community partner programme and provides spaces
to support families… workers now striking for a pay rise, TU recognition and an 
end to zero hours contracts. There is a danger that official charity programmes 
will become a “badge” for business to declare their social responsibility credentials.
This would be feckless and irresponsible and instead business should be encouraged
to- – Pay their staff a fair wage – Ensure they do not engage in aggressive tax 
avoidance – Ensure supply chains are ethical – Reduce use of harmful components 
in production – Ensure as much waste product is recycled as possible. I would sooner
that 5% be invested to ensure the business is socially and ethically sound and responsible,
fully responsible in manufacturing and production and supportive of it’s employee’s.
The “give to charity” tagline may just imply credentials or work ethic/culture which
the business simply does not have. Cynically, it’s just another form of brand marketing.