The First Minister Carwyn Jones has called on responsible companies of all sizes and sectors to help deliver inclusive economic growth for all communities in Wales.

The First Minister was speaking at a reception, hosted by Business in the Community Cymru and Capital Law LLP, to mark the launch of Responsible Business Week with more than 80 senior business and public sector leaders.

Responsible Business Week, which this year runs across the UK between April 23 and 27, is an annual event which champions companies which are making a difference, place by place, across the UK.

By doing so, BITC Cymru shines a light on what responsible business is and what it means to companies, employees, suppliers and communities.

The First Minister spoke about the importance of responsible business practices to the Welsh economy and how partnership working across the public and private sectors can help to economic prosperity for communities across Wales.

Other speakers at the event were Matt Appleby (director, BITC Cymru), Jane Wood (executive director, BITC), Steve Hughes (chief executive officer, Principality Building Society and chairman, BITC Cymru) and Chris Nott, Prince’s ambassador for Wales and senior partner, Capital Law LLP.

Speaking ahead of the launch, the First Minister said: “Through our recently published Economic Action Plan, we are working with businesses to help responsible employment practices to become the new normal in Wales.

“In future, businesses that seek our financial support will need to demonstrate a commitment to responsible business and employment practices, such as promoting health and skills in the workplace.

“By working together, we can ensure Wales becomes a beacon of good practice across the UK and across the world, and to show that responsible business is good business.”

Matt Appleby, director, BITC Cymru, said: “We want to start a dynamic and challenging conversation with business, employees and communities about the kind of business Wales needs for the future.

“To deliver inclusive economic growth and prosperity for all parts of Wales we need to bring together all the parties and agencies that can help.

"BITC Cymru believes this means we need responsible, purpose-led companies that are willing to grapple with some of the big challenges facing our country – digital disruption, automation, demographic changes, climate change, skills and talent gaps, and inequality in our communities.

“If you are a business getting started on this journey, or one making great strides already, then we want to hear your story – not only as part of Responsible Business Week, but as a member of our unique network of responsible employers that are committed to putting social purpose and healthier, more resilient communities at the core of decision-making.

“I am delighted that at the start of Responsible Business Week we have the support of our partners in government to underline the central role that responsible business plays in securing a prosperous and more sustainable Wales for future generations.”

The following activity is also taking place as part of Responsible Business Week:

• BITC Cymru has published the details of the companies which have achieved a place on the shortlist for the Wales Responsible Business Awards 2018

• Members of BITC Cymru will convene at USW Exchange to debate and discuss the value of having a purpose at the heart of business decision-making

• Steve Killeen (global goals and sectors director, BITC) will give a lecture at Cardiff Business School on the value of sustainable business models in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

• A new campaign to ensure SMEs are ready for crisis events, including cyber attacks is being launched by BITC across the UK, under the banner of Would You Be Ready?