I think everyone has been moved by the plight of the areas of Japan hit by last month's earthquake and tsunami. Everyone's wanted to do their bit to help - but how to do that in a way that is immediate and meaningful? The answer for many British companies doing business in Japan has been to do what they do best.
So you're a fashion company? Why not design a special T-shirt with the proceeds going to the earthquake fund? That's exactly what Hacketts and Paul Smith have done, while Ally Cappelino has designed a special shopping bag.
In the business of fast-moving consumer goods? Then there’s an obvious immediate need for daily necessities, from food and drink to toothpaste, shampoo and nappies. Tesco and Unilever are just two of many companies who’ve been hugely generous in donating supplies to evacuation centres and NGOs, and resourceful in getting them there despite the logistical challenges.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have been active participants too, flying relief workers and supplies free of charge, despite their own business having been badly hit by the sudden downturn in business and tourist travel. British hotel chains such as the Intercontinental Group gave shelter to thousands in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake when they couldn’t get home, and to workers in the stricken areas. And Jaguar Land Rover kindly lent several vehicles to the British Embassy and to aid groups who needed to get to the areas hit by the tsunami. British engineering really proved its worth, coping with snow, potholes, submerged roads and other severely challenging driving conditions.
Japan is the second biggest market for UK music, so bands and artists have been especially keen to do their bit in their own inimitable way. Smash UK presented a disaster relief concert at the Brixton O2 arena, while Ginger, the Crookes, Martin Taylor and a whole bunch of others are holding charity concerts in Tokyo. Meanwhile, the British Phonographic Industry, representative body for the recorded music industry, has lobbied to have tax waived on the cross-industry compilation album "Songs for Japan"
British ICT companies have been quick to offer their services too: BT are offering free teleconferencing services to NGOs and others with a need to communicate remotely, while a local British IT entrepreneur is building a website to enable NGOs and volunteers to post information about the needs of communities in the Tohoku region so that British companies and others can match their donations to the areas that most need them.
Meanwhile those of us in UKTI Japan hope to be able to help by doing what we do best: introducing UK companies to the market. Japan has a huge job to do in rebuilding its infrastructure and its economy. And continuing and extending trade and investment links with the rest of the world is the best way of restoring confidence and giving the economy the stimulus it needs. So if your company would like to help, just do what you do best - come out and do business here!
Paul Smith, who is currently in Japan, has recorded a video message on the topic of getting back to business - UK Ambassador to Japan David Warren is also featured.
4 comments
Comment by Twitter news round-up « Japan Local Government Centre posted on
[...] Trade and Investment has also posted a blog entry on its homepage on how British businesses in the UK and Japan can help relief efforts by [...]
Comment by Paul Smith Says Come To Japan posted on
[...] a great article about Back to Business also here on the UKTI [...]
Comment by Darrell Nelson posted on
Great sentiments from a leader of business and innovation. Love it if the media carried this message through as well. While realising the North of Japan has suffered greatly doesn't mean the country has shut down, there is a "new normal" in Tokyo but with plenty of opportunities across many industries. Great post, thanks.
Comment by Roger Berman posted on
I full-heartedly support your message. Business builds!