We know that as a large UK retailer we have the ability, and the responsibility, to make a significant impact on the topics that matter to our stakeholders.
Building on our 2021 materiality assessment, we engaged our stakeholders in 2022 to inform the next steps in our strategy development. It included relevant stakeholder groups with a particular focus on investors, colleagues, suppliers, NGO’s and regulators, as we already have a relatively comprehensive set of customer insight showing us what customers see as the most important and influential ESG issues to them.
The engagement process to gather stakeholder views, assess peers and review regulatory expectations was thorough and the key findings rooted in rigorous analysis of international best practices, sustainability principles, regulations and megatrends.
Our overarching ESG approach remains focused on providing access and affordability for customers as the business undergoes a period of transformation and takes account of the external environment in which we operate.
Our Top 5 Strategic Priorities:
Energy and climate change mitigation
Food Waste
Plastic and Packaging
Healthy, sustainable diets
Supporting Local Communities
The ESG topics in focus
Below is a summary of the ESG issues prioritised by importance to stakeholders and the impact we can have as a company.
High importance, moderate impact
Circular economy
Inclusive workplace (D&I)
Natural capital and biodiversity
Local and British sourcing
High importance, high impact
Making sustainability accessible and affordable
Health, inclusive, sustainable dietary choices
Plastic and packaging
Climate and energy
Food and operational waste
Supporting local communities
Employee health, safety, wellbeing and rights
Supporting customer health and safety
Moderate importance, moderate impact
Learning and development
Responsible marketing
Behaviour chnage and awareness
Date security
Food safety and quality
Digital transformation
Animal welfare
Air quality
Executive remuneration
Tax transparency
Making healthcare services accessible and affordable
