Good for business…business for good

Three short steps to becoming an impactful family business

Every journey starts with a single step. Ours was to speak to several family businesses to understand why they decided to embark on their impact journeys, the challenges they faced and how they’re progressing towards their goals.

We got many valuable insights. But we also saw that family businesses are perfectly placed to inspire larger companies worldwide to be a force for good. The information we gained helped us create three clear steps that have been turned into a compass to becoming an impactful family business.

On this page you will find our three clear steps to help family businesses understand how to become a force for good along with stories of change to inspire you on your own impact journeys.

Good for Business… Business for Good Compass

A practical workbook guide

Maybe you’re wondering how your business might achieve its purpose and maximize its impact. Perhaps you’ve started your journey but got diverted on the way. Or you might be wondering how you can ingrain positive impact in your business for years to come. Whatever your reasons for reading, you’ve come to the right place.

While the compass guides you logically through each step, we know every business is at a different stage on the road to becoming a force for good. So, feel free to read the compass from start to finish, or to peruse the chapters of greatest interest. There’s no wrong way to go. And remember, if you feel you need some one-to-one support, UBS is here to help. Just get in touch and we’ll accompany you on your journey.

Ready? Let’s get started.

Download a copy

You can also get a copy from your client advisor.

Preview the compass

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Comprehend

Understanding the need to change

Before tackling an issue, you first need to understand it. That means recognizing the drivers demanding on businesses to make a positive impact:

Compliance and regulation
Stakeholder demand
Employee engagement

It’s equally important to understand the opportunities that committing to – and communicating – your values and goals can bring to your family business:

Win over customers with new products and services
Manage costs over the long term
Attract and keep top talent

Discover the questions you need to ask yourself.

Ask your client advisor for a copy of the Compass.

Download the compass

There’s a growing awareness among companies that if they want to attract capital, they need to engage transparently with investors, and act on their concerns.

Michael Baldinger, Chief Sustainability Officer, UBS

Commit

Compel change

Tips for family businesses

How we can help

How can we help you comprehend?

We can provide expert knowledge and insights into the trends, risks and opportunities relating to your business. We’ll shed light on reasons to change – and the best ways to do just that.
We also connect people with likeminded entrepreneurs, businesses and experts through exclusive UBS networks, including:
- Industry Leader Network – An elite group of global business owners. The network delivers interactive events on relevant business topics, and valuable economic and industry insights not found in any newspaper.
- Growth Entrepreneur NetworkPDF download – This group of exceptional growth entrepreneurs is dedicated to accelerating business growth. The network provides members with access to new contacts, mentors, insights and funding opportunities.
- Global Visionaries – This network comprises outstanding entrepreneurs working towards one or more of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to “… end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.” 12

How can we help you dedicate your business to doing good

You’ll need to consider different perspectives and expectations, both from inside and outside your family. How will you define your values and goals, communicate them across your family, and seek everyone’s agreement? We can guide you, your family and your business through the steps required to commit to change.

How we can help you shape your business for good

Once you’ve understood the need to change – and your business is committed to changing – it’s time to make it happen.
For example, sustainable investments are our core recommendation for clients.
And we’re pioneers in “social finance” – investments that combine corporate and charitable funds to make a massive impact on global challenges. We’re also leaders in “collective philanthropy”, pooling the resources of businesses and philanthropists to make the biggest-possible difference in the world.

All this is available to you through our philanthropy services and UBS Optimus Foundation: the world’s only independent philanthropy organization backed by a truly global wealth manager.

The Foundation:

funds philanthropy programs aimed at changing lives for the better, especially in education, health, the environment and child protection
provides philanthropy programs with innovative tools and expertise to succeed and grow
combines donations and investments to create the financial muscle needed to change the world.

Words alone are not enough. We have to back up those words with tangible action and results.

Josef Stadler, Executive Vice-Chairman, UBS Global Wealth Management

Family businesses on their journey to achieving impact

Alessandro Garrone

Executive Deputy Chairman, ERG

"Perhaps the hardest part was trying to change traditional mindsets within the previous generation."

Good for Business… Business for Good Compass

A practical workbook guide