A three-thinking business

What is a three-thinking business and how do you become one?

A three-thinking business isn’t just one that makes green products or tackles social issues. A three-thinking business is any business that makes social and environmental values an integral part of its business decisions. That might mean making sure the products you use are ethically sourced and environmentally sustainable, working to reduce your carbon footprint, selecting a bank that doesn’t lend to unethical businesses, or choosing to trade with other businesses who share your values.

We need three-thinking businesses across all sectors. That means three-thinking designers, decorators, hairdressers, accountants, lawyers – anyone that provides a service or product. The more three-thinking businesses there are, the more choice we have. So when we make a purchase we can choose to buy from a business that’s helping to grow the economy we want.

But embedding and celebrating your business’ three-thinking credentials shouldn't just be about gaining a competitive advantage over other businesses. A three-thinking business exists to serve their community and add value to the world, not just make money. And helping other businesses to learn from your experiences and become three-thinking too can add even more value.

Competition can drive progress but we believe that collaboration is key to passing on the skills, technology and know-how that will let us move as quickly as possible to the new type of economy we need. With support from your peers, you can adapt your business for the future and help build an economy that’s better for everyone.

How we can help

We recognise that working in a three-thinking way isn’t always easy but at Purple Dot we aim to make it easier.

• Promote your business and its values through our online directory. It’s easy to join and to use – and best of all, it's completely free.
  
Purple Mapping

• Find support to build your three-thinking business and collaborate with others to create a fairer more sustainable economy.

  Purple Connecting

• Strengthen your business across all three values with our financial, social impact and environmental management services.
  Purple Consulting