M&S believes in not just social and environmental sustainability but financial sustainability as well. So if it cannot thrive financially, neither can many of the workers within the farthest reaches of its supply chain. The UK department store chain operates about 1,000 locations across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It has 268 franchise stores in 34 markets and an established joint venture in Greece as well as India.

By 2025, Marks & Spencer hopes to support 1,000 communities and help 10 million people live happier, healthier lives. The communities the British multinational retailer is currently in discussions with are in the UK.

M&S will work with local councils and charity partners to support communities to deliver positive, measurable change. It will initially be piloted in 10 communities over the next two years, when the retailer tries out a range of actions designed to tackle issues that matter most to communities – such as unemployment, skill shortages, loneliness, poverty, and mental health and wellbeing. Successful initiatives will be rolled out to 100 more locations by 2023 and learnings will be shared with 1,000 locations by 2025.

Another of Marks & Spencer’s aims is to be a zero waste business. Marks & Spencer has been the first mover in the retail sector on supply chain sustainability.