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Context: DHR Communication is a PR agency based in Dublin, funded in 2004 and employing 12
persons. The company works with clients of a wide range of sectors: education, technology, business,
healthcare, public sector, arts. The company has implemented a CSR programme covering the issues of:
relations in the workplace, environment, market relations, community relations and sustainability.
Established in 2014, their CSR policy and sustainability report is available here. Examples of actions are:
stimulating cycling to go to work, stimulating the participation of employees to NGOs, giving Pro Bono PR
support and long career breaks to pursue volunteering or education projects.

Results: The CSR policy has contributed to the reputation of this PR agency bringing them a certain number
of new clients especially in the public and non-profit sectors. It has allowed employees to develop new
skills and broaden their social circle affecting positively their performance. It has further created a better
working environment.

More information: https://www.bitc.ie/sme-case-studies/dhr-communications-strong-company-val-
ues-for-a-powerful-reputation/

SME creating value in the production chain (Dem Collective AB Sweden)

Context: DEM Collective is a textile company using organic cotton. It was founded in 2004, it has currently
two office, one in Stockolm, one in Gothenburg (Sweden) and one factory in Sri Lanka. The products (jeans
and tshirts) are mainly sold in Sweden and in the U.S. In 2009, the company had 3 employees in Sweden,
16 in Sri Lanka.

Challenge: With production being delocalized in another country, challenges related to the respect of
labour rights, human rights and workers safety have arisen.

Solution: The company has instaured human rights and production guidelines. It is transparent towards its
clients showing its manufacturing process and is in close relation with subcontractors accompanying them
in their ethics and environmental responsibility and advising them on their business. It allowed to run a
profitable clothing company without taking advantage of people or the environment. Sustainability has
been included in the company growth strategy.

Results: The company maintained its lower price while also having a good reputation and acquiring market
shares overseas. This case study has appeared several times in Swedish articles as an example of social
responsibility. As the founder of the company resumes: “it is possible to combine ecology, ethics and
quality with good design”.

More information:
http://su.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:352809/FULLTEXT01 p.25 and http://pubsys.kooper.se/dem-
collective2007en/visa.lasso?ukat_id=8000000000037146&kat_id=84500000000009694&mall=1-spalt.
lasso