SMALL and medium enterprises in Worcestershire are being urged to manage their businesses responsibly and increase their profits.

A leading expert in corporate social responsibility wants bosses to think more about how they conduct their business.

David Darlaston, West Midlands regional director for Business in the Community (BITC), made the rallying call after announcing details of the first SME membership offer for companies in the area. The new initiative has been specifically designed to address growing demand from firms looking to combine commercial success with respecting people, communities and the natural environment.

It will tap into all of BITC’s expertise and contacts to offer Worcestershire SMEs strategic advice and support on doing business responsibly, employee development, community impact and the massive benefits that come from networking with some of the biggest companies in Britain.

Mr Darlaston said: “Being a responsible business is not just for big corporates.

“Small and medium enterprises have their role to play and also deserve to enjoy the bottom line benefits that come with it.

“From talking to firms it was evident that there was a huge demand for us to introduce a new SME membership package that would cater for companies with fewer than 250 people.

“This is exactly what we’ve done, developing an offer that gives companies access to a dedicated account manager, strategic advice on corporate social responsibility, added value support for community work and opportunities to participate in some of our major BITC action days, such as Give and Gain 2011.”

For full information of the membership offer phone 0121 4512227 or alternatively send an e-mail to alison.maxam @bitc.org.uk.