ACI Group achieves UK first with Social Value Quality Mark

ACI Group, a leading distributor working with some of the largest global food, pharma, industrial and road businesses, has become the UK’s first distributor to achieve the esteemed Social Value Quality Mark (SVQM) – an award that aims to cultivate and recognise the highest known standards in values-led business.

To mark its journey towards a sustainable business model, the Berkshire-based company has announced today that it will redefine what sustainability means under its distributor as a service model.

As part of a series of pledges for the SVQM, ACI Group aims to positively disrupt the market by taking pivotal steps to demonstrate its commitment to both people and the planet.

“We are passionate about service and sustainability in the supply chain – and we want to start making a difference in our customer supply chain today,” comments Karsten Smet, Director at ACI Group. “Consumers want demonstrable proof of sustainability claims from the brands they purchase from, they want to understand where their products have originated and how they are made. At ACI Group, we want to help our customers and suppliers ensure that any sustainability claim is measured from the outset.”

The SVQM was created to assist organisations to legitimately demonstrate social impact and value claims. For ACI Group, this includes a promise to reduce impact on the planet by cutting carbon footprint, investing in local businesses to support regional growth, and investing in the health and wellbeing of employees.

“For ACI Group, the Social Value Quality Mark accreditation is a major step towards becoming a truly sustainable business,” continues Smet. “With level one achieved, level two is firmly in sight, and we are actively drawing up a 12-month forecast on how we can reduce environmental impact, such as understanding where we can minimise emissions in our supply chain, and how we can create a better work-life balance for our people.”

In support of the accreditation, Richard Dickins, MD of Social Value Quality Mark, said: “Today’s consumers increasingly make their decisions based on how companies treat their staff, the environment and society. Through the Quality Mark, we cultivate and recognise the highest known standards in values-led business.

“This award recognises ACI Group’s outstanding commitment to create, report and embed social value. We are delighted to remain their social value partner as they move up through the levels.”

The SVQM was launched in 2015 and is supported by a team of independent practitioners who uphold the highest levels of rigour, quality and trust. There are four levels of accreditation, with each acknowledging an increasing level of commitment. The award helps organisations align themselves to the latest public sector procurement standards.

For further information about the Social Value Quality Mark, please visit: socialvaluequalitymark.com/.

To find out more about ACI Group and its activities, visit: acigroup.biz/