Mars UK Leads by Measuring Social Value for Community Impact
Mars UK became the first major consumer company in the UK to formally measure and report its social value. This approach goes beyond GDP by focusing on the company’s impact on local communities, the environment, and the economy. Mars UK partnered with Social Value Portal to adopt the Social Value TOM System™—a framework endorsed by the Local Government Association—to quantify its contributions in areas such as local employment, sustainability, and inclusive business practices.
In 2023, Mars UK’s social value contributions totaled £88 million, equivalent to approximately £23,000 per employee. This holistic approach not only provides a baseline for future improvements but also enables Mars to track and enhance its social, economic, and environmental contributions.
A Standard for Measuring Impact
By implementing the Social Value TOM System™, Mars UK aims to set new standards for social impact accountability within the CPG sector. This data-driven framework evaluates Mars’ contributions across economic empowerment, environmental responsibility, and community engagement, giving a clear view of how the company influences local economies and ecosystems.
The TOM System enables Mars to quantify various achievements, such as creating employment for underrepresented groups, supporting sustainable business practices, and making strides in carbon reduction. Mars’ decision to publish these metrics sets a benchmark for transparency, encouraging other companies to adopt similar social responsibility goals.
Key Areas of Social Value Contribution
- Economic Empowerment: Mars UK has invested heavily in local job creation and upskilling programs, particularly aimed at underrepresented groups. This initiative strengthens regional economies and promotes workforce diversity, reinforcing Mars’ dual role as both a business entity and a community partner.
- Environmental Responsibility: Environmental initiatives are central to Mars UK’s social value contributions, with efforts ranging from decarbonization to sustainable packaging. Mars collaborates with organizations like WRAP and participates in the UK Plastic Pact to reduce plastic waste and support the transition to a circular economy. These environmental goals contribute to Mars’ vision of a zero-waste future, setting a tangible benchmark that encourages other FMCG companies to follow suit.
- Community Engagement and Partnerships: Mars’ partnerships extend to initiatives like the National Social Value Taskforce, a collaborative effort between public, private, and nonprofit sectors. This taskforce works to reduce inequality and boost local economies, and Mars’ participation underscores its commitment to meaningful, cross-sector partnerships.
Driving Industry Collaboration in the FMCG Sector
Mars UK’s commitment to social value measurement is inspiring broader change across the FMCG industry. General Manager Adam Grant has encouraged other companies to evaluate and report their social impact, framing social value as an essential metric of business success.
The industry’s increasing focus on social accountability reflects rising societal expectations for transparency. According to Social Value Portal’s CEO Guy Battle, a collective approach to social value could foster a community of responsible businesses that support each other in achieving shared social goals.
Mars’ 2023 Social Value Report outlines its vision for the future, including projects with organizations like WRAP to innovate in sustainable packaging and initiatives within the National Social Value Taskforce. Chair of the taskforce, Lorraine Cox, emphasizes the private sector’s role in advancing the Social Value Economy, a sentiment Mars is helping to lead by example.
Mars’ commitment to social value isn’t limited to tracking impact; it involves setting actionable targets and adapting as its contributions grow. This continuous, data-informed approach allows Mars to inspire other industry players, encouraging them to align their business goals with social and environmental missions. As Mars UK moves forward, it sets a powerful example for how private sector organizations can address pressing social and environmental challenges.
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