Welcome to the Good Business Pathfinder

In today’s fast-changing world, businesses are being called to do more than just deliver products and services. Customers, clients, investors, and employees increasingly want to know:

• What do you stand for?
• How do you treat people?
• What impact do you have on the planet and your community?

The Good Business Pathfinder is here to help you answer those questions confidently, clearly, and with purpose.

This free, easy-to-use online resource has been designed to support businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in navigating the evolving landscape of responsible business. Whether you’re a startup, a growing SME, or an established enterprise, the Pathfinder helps you take meaningful steps to demonstrate your values, strengthen your reputation, and unlock new opportunities.

Because today, doing good is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s a business imperative.

Why responsible business matters more than ever

The way we do business is changing. From supply chains to recruitment, from customer loyalty to funding bids, the expectations placed on businesses are evolving fast. Increasingly, success is tied to your ability to show how your business contributes positively to society and the environment.

Here’s why:

• Customers are choosing brands that align with their values.
  People want to buy from businesses that care about their workers, their communities, and the planet.
• Employees are seeking purpose-driven workplaces.
  Talented people are drawn to organisations that offer fair pay, inclusive cultures, and opportunities to grow.
• Funders and buyers are prioritising impact.
  Public sector contracts, grant funding, and procurement opportunities increasingly require businesses to demonstrate social value and sustainability.
• Regulations and standards are tightening.
  From carbon reporting to modern slavery compliance, businesses are expected to meet higher ethical and environmental standards.

In short: showing your positive impact isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business

What Is the Good Business Pathfinder?

The Good Business Pathfinder is a practical, accessible tool designed to help you explore and improve your business practices across seven core areas of responsible business. It’s not about perfection — it’s about progress.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up, the Pathfinder helps you:

• Understand what good business looks like in practice
• Identify areas where you’re already making a positive impact
• Discover practical actions to strengthen your approach
• Access resources, guidance, and local support
• Build confidence in communicating your values to others

And it’s completely free to use.

Explore the seven Principles of Good Business

The Pathfinder is built around seven key principles that reflect the values of responsible, future-ready businesses. These principles are grounded in real-world challenges and opportunities — and they’re designed to help you take action that makes a difference.

Who is the Pathfinder for?

The Good Business Pathfinder is designed for all types of businesses, across all sectors, at any stage of their journey. Whether you’re:

• A sole trader looking to build a values-led brand
• A small business preparing for public sector contracts
• A growing company seeking to attract top talent
• A social enterprise deepening its community impact
• A tourism business responding to sustainability trends
• Or simply a business that wants to do the right thing

The Pathfinder meets you where you are… and helps you move forward.

What you’ll find

When you explore the Good Business Pathfinder, you’ll find:

• Self-assessment tools to help you reflect on your current practices
• Action checklists tailored to different business sizes and sectors
• Local case studies showcasing good business in action
• Links to support organisations, funding opportunities, and training
• Tips for communicating your impact to customers, funders, and partners

It’s designed to be practical, accessible, and inspiring — whether you have five minutes or five hours to explore.

How the Pathfinder can boost your business

Using the Good Business Pathfinder isn’t just about doing good… it’s about doing well. Here’s how it can help your business thrive:

✅ Win more work

Public sector buyers and large organisations increasingly require suppliers to demonstrate social value. The Pathfinder helps you prepare for bids, tenders, and funding applications with confidence.

✅ Attract and retain talent

People want to work for businesses that care. By improving your practices and communicating your values, you’ll stand out in a competitive job market.

✅ Build customer loyalty

Customers are more likely to support businesses that align with their values. The Pathfinder helps you tell your story and build trust.

✅ Strengthen your brand

Responsible business is a powerful way to differentiate form the competition. Use the Pathfinder to shape your messaging, showcase your impact, and grow your reputation.

✅ Future-proof your business

From climate risks to social trends, the business landscape is changing. The Pathfinder helps you stay ahead of the curve and build resilience.

Join the movement for Good Business

Across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, businesses are stepping up to show that profit and purpose can go hand in hand. From hospitality to tech, from retail to construction, the Good Business movement is growing. And you can be part of it.

By using the Pathfinder, you’re not just improving your business. You’re contributing to a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable local economy.

You’re showing that business can be a force for good.

Whether you’re curious, committed, or somewhere in between, this tool is here to support your journey. Because when businesses thrive, communities thrive. And when you show your impact, you open doors to new possibilities.