Description of business

We offer environmentally-responsible decorating and building materials.

We supply a wide range of natural paints and pigments, insulations made from natural ingredients, boards without toxic additives, and lime-based products.

We source our materials as locally as possible. As a result, we have launched the Suffolk Green Paints range. They are really made in Suffolk. This has given us total control to produce paints that are safe for the environment, cost effective and do a really good job. What’s more, we guarantee, NO GREENWASH!

Business vision

To show people that they can build, extend, refurbish or simply decorate their homes using eco-friendly materials that are good for their well-being and safe for the planet and its future.

Business aims

To provide a centre that people can visit to see, smell and touch the products and discuss them with staff who are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and, above all, honest.

To supply materials that have as small environmental footprint as possible, but that nevertheless are the best for the job required.

Business philosophies and beliefs

We believe that if people want to be healthy, then the buildings they live and work in have to be healthy too. Conversely, it is of no benefit if, in the process of creating these desirable buildings, society continues to damage the resources of the planet.

We have adopted and actively promote an holistic approach to this issue and the way we run the business. Consequently, we source our materials as locally as possible and reuse any empty cans, tubs, boxes and pallets as much as we can. Any surplus 'empties' are shared with other businesses in the town. If they are past reuse, then they are recycled along with wrapping plastics. We even make use of another company's waste and turn it into a saleable product.

Business Values

We are trying to prove that a successful business does not have to be a cut-throat competitor, chasing only the bottom line at the expense of all other considerations. Being 'deep green' means that you have to be ethical, the two are yin and yang.

We will only sell products that are environmentally sound and that work, even if we could sell more profitable goods that are bad for people's health. 'Principle before profit' is is of primary concern to both of us.

We started green and have stayed green.

Business mission

To create a successful business that is both ethical and an active promoter of environmental building and decorating materials.

We sell environmentally-responsible building and decorating materials, including:

- a wide variety of boards,
- natural insulation,
- lime-based products,
- hand tools and
- eco-friendly paints, oils, and mineral pigments.

We also offer in-store technical knowledge to help customers with their projects.

Christopher offers an environmental and conservation of building consultation service. He has been studying buildings for over 40 years.

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Community Relations

Community Relations is about a business in a social and economic context. A business can strongly influence the quality of life not only for employees, but also for the wider community in which it operates. It is recognised that a sustainable community promotes sustainable business.

Corporate Governance

Corporate governance is about how a business is structured and whether rights, responsibilities and duties are clearly set out and understood. These issues are critical in maintaining accountability and providing strong decision-making functions.

This section provides an opportunity for a company to indicate how it remains honest, transparent, equitable and reputable in its conduct. These objectives are relevant to any business whether large or small.

Donations and Payments

To whom and exactly how companies make donations and payments, including those to charitable organisations, professional associations and government, are extremely complex issues. It is important that companies disclose their corporate donations, publish their payments and explain what they hope or expect to receive in return.

Environment

Natural resources are vital to sustain our lives and lifestyle. This section looks at the impact business operations have on the physical environment. It is not always easy to address the challenges, but companies have the opportunity to show the problems they face and how they tackle them.

Human Rights

This section is about how businesses ensure that their operations do not violate the fundamental rights of individuals and communities at home or abroad. Businesses have the opportunity to examine this issue with regards to their own practices, supply chains and business relationships.

Marketplace Ethics

This section is about how businesses handle consumer rights and wider welfare issues. Many of the questions cover areas where there is a fair amount of legislation and regulation: it is an opportunity for businesses to show how they go beyond a legal minimum to address ethical issues in the marketplace.

Workforce

It is widely acknowledged that people are the most valuable asset to any business. In this topic, the questions are addressing the treatment of workforce. It is quite diverse but the focus is on promoting a fair, equitable, honest and supportive work environment.