If you want to tell the world about a restaurant that knows free range from fair trade, or a fashion outlet that wouldn’t be seen dead selling fur, the RSPCA wants to hear about it.  The annual Good Business Awards are now open for nominations for all fashion and food companies that take animal welfare seriously. 

Last year, retailers including The Co-operative, Sainsbury’s and Abel & Cole took home awards in recognition of their contribution to higher animal welfare standards.  This year, the RSPCA are hoping that the public will urge more catering companies, restaurants, food suppliers, food and fashion retailers, clothing designers and brands than ever to enter.

The awards are free to enter and nominations close on 28 June 2011.

Businesses can enter at www.rspcagoodbusinessawards.org.uk and tweet @RSPCA_GBA with your recommendations or visit www.goodthings.org.uk for more on animal friendly food and fashion.

Thursday 6 October 2011

The RSPCA is dismayed that fur is a constant presence on the catwalk and in luxury brands’ collections, despite consumers’ aversion to wearing real fur*.  

But some designers are recognising that having a conscience is good for business, as demonstrated by the success of Estethica at London Fashion Week**.  Fashion companies who are already going the extra mile for animal welfare were rewarded for their efforts in the RSPCA Good Business Awards last night (Wednesday).

High street favourite George at Asda was presented with the Large Company award for its work on traceability, while Beyond Skin scooped the Small Company award for producing desirable, ethical high fashion footwear at an achievable price.

QR codes idea is ‘game changing’ Rapanui was given the Innovation award for its use of QR codes (a type of bar code) on product labels. Customers can scan the tag using a smart phone to view interactive information about the origins of the raw materials in the garment. The judges described the idea as ‘game changing’.  

The Best Newcomer award was won by The North Circular and Frank and Faith were highly commended in the Small Company category. Companies must prove provenance Designer and co-founder of Red or Dead Wayne Hemingway, an RSPCA Good Business Awards fashion judge, said: “It’s no longer acceptable to sell goods without proving their provenance, as shoppers continue to be concerned about the origin of the items they purchase and the production process behind them.”

The winners were revealed and awards presented at the RSPCA Good Business Awards evening ceremony at One Marylebone, London, on Wednesday 5 October 2011