As financial institutions and markets crash around us, I am frequently being asked whether global business can sustain its actions for a greener, more inclusive and economically rational world. Surely, some have asked, the focus of business is elsewhere right now?

Anne Bouverot, head of international business development at Orange France Telecom, has first-hand experience of the benefits of mentoring by a senior corporate leader. She is about to join the board of Groupama, a leading French insurance company, as a non-executive director. "I really believe the discussions with my mentor and his advice have been key success factors," she says.

When a 24-hour supermarket opened in a rundown area of Oldham, there were hopes it would be a catalyst for regeneration. Local traders were not so convinced. A year on, David Conn goes back to check out the claims

The government is lobbying to weaken new European laws to force car manufacturers to build cleaner vehicles, leaked documents have revealed.

The first signs of respite for consumers came yesterday as a slump in the price of crude oil held out the prospect of lower prices for fuel and food.

According to the Business Action on Health Campaign by Business in the Community (BITC) there has been a "dramatic" increase in the number of FTSE100 companies reporting their progress on health and wellbeing using quantitative measures, up from 7% last year to 23% in 2008.

THE days when organisations could get away with "greenwash" when it comes to reporting on their corporate social responsibility initiatives are long gone. The CSR report of every major organisation is subjected to intense scrutiny these days and any imperfections or undue fuzziness, is ruthlessly exposed and commented on by the green lobby.

Business in the Community

For more news from Business In the Community, visit the website »

Interested to learn how your company can act responsibly in the workplace, community, environment and marketplace? Visit the website to find out more »

This email was brought to you supported by:

Business in the Community is a unique movement of over 750 of the UK's top companies committed to improving their positive impact on society.