Dr. Neil Hair

One of my favourite British stores – Marks and Spencers – appears to be leading the way with a new twist on the environmentally friendly band wagon. They are the first major company to publish carbon neutral objectives as part of their corporate strategy and with it have opened a new means of marketing themselves to the public. Its Eco-Plan as they call it fulfils several objectives as far as I see it. It of course helps us live in a nicer world where Rochester sees the occasional snow fall and Coke's Polar bears get to live long happy lives – thats a given – however whats really interesting is the way in which they have used this to get people talking about them once again. M&S has a good reputation back in Blighty, it has managed to reverse its fortunes in recent years and has hit the news most recently with its Christmas blunder (a master stroke if you ask me with the outcome being lots of FREE publicity). Now it is really making the headlines by taking the lead on – lets face it – a critical issue that needs urgent attention. Now dont worry, Im not about to start ranting about environmentalism (tho a noble and just cause it is) – but I do appreciate M&S's position for one, and the manner in which it builds a stronger relationship with its customers who care about these things for two. It's a win-win-win situation afterall, company, public, and globe. Good job M&S!