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We believe every business can be a force for good.

Helping SMEs build responsible, sustainable businesses

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Heart of the City is an award-winning charity helping small and medium-sized businesses across the UK build responsible, sustainable businesses that make a positive impact. 

We give SMEs the tools, knowledge and confidence to take meaningful action on responsible business and sustainability. 

Through practical training programmes, peer learning and expert support, we help SMEs reduce their environmental impact, strengthen their communities and create better workplaces. 

By taking action on responsible business, organisations can create value for people, communities and the environment, while building stronger, more resilient businesses, attracting and retaining talent, strengthening customer relationships, and unlocking new opportunities for growth. 

Learn more about our purpose →

Responsible Business

Net Zero Accelerator

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For SMEs based in the Square Mile

Measure your carbon footprint and create a clear, actionable net zero plan, so you can reduce emissions, meet climate commitments and stay ahead of reporting and procurement requirements. 

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Responsible Business

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For SMEs based anywhere in the UK

A practical and SME bespoke programme, which will upskill and empower you to take your business on an accelerated journey to responsible and sustainable growth.

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Supply Chain Programmes

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For SMEs based anywhere in the UK

Help SME suppliers meet sustainability and ESG requirements, so you can retain and win contracts, strengthen relationships with larger organisations, and stay competitive in changing supply chains. 

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Our Impact

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What this means in practice:
SMEs are improving employee wellbeing, strengthening communities, reducing carbon emissions and energy use, and becoming more competitive in public and private sector supply chains. 

Why this matters now:
Consumers are increasingly choosing to buy from businesses that reflect their values, and expectations from customers, employees and partners are continuing to rise. Expectations from Corporates and Government bodies are changing requiring businesses working with the, to be sustainable and deliver social value.

Read our impact reports here

Trusted for over 25 years

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Founded in 2000 by the City of London Corporation and the Bank of England, Heart of the City is an award-winning charity that has supported SMEs to take practical action on responsible business for more than two decades. 

We work in partnership with corporates, public bodies and local authorities to unlock opportunities for SMEs to grow responsibly, compete effectively, and create long-term value. 

Upcoming events

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Through workshops, masterclasses and expert mentoring, we help small businesses to take their first steps towards making responsible business and sustainability a meaningful part of their work.

VIEW AND BOOK TICKETS

So far we’ve worked with over 1,000 businesses. They’ve gone on to change their businesses for the better with a wide range of activities designed to help people, places and the planet – even winning awards along the way! Watch the video to see how our Foundations for Responsible Business programme works.

Make a change today

Latest news

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Small Businesses, Big Impact: Celebrating our Climate for SMEs Journey

Heart of the City concludes their Net Zero Accelerator programme – a 10-week pilot designed to help small to medium-sized enterprises take meaningful climate action.

From Lost to Found: How the CCI Directory Supercharged My Freelance Journey

London-based graphic designer Ola Zeineddine shares how joining the Minority Business Matters CCI Directory transformed her freelance career.

Adopting AI Responsibly in the Workplace

By taking a thoughtful approach to AI adoption, businesses can harness its power while ensuring trust, security, and long-term success. Here we highlight the key takeaways from our Lunch and Learn: Adopting AI Responsibly in the Workplace.

Resource hub

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You’ll find loads of resources to help you along the way with your responsible business journey. From workplace wellbeing tips and green office advice to an employee volunteering policy template, we’re offering practical ways to get your activities going.

Visit the hub

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