In a recent article in the Herald, Mark Lewis, Director at Livingston James, Managing Director at Rutherford Cross and Chair of the Marie Curie Glasgow Brain Game, shares why the smartest businesses in Scotland are continuing to fully commit to CSR.
Here’s why you should too, writes Mark Lewis is Managing Director at Rutherford Cross, Director at Livingston James, and chairman of the Marie Curie Glasgow Brain Game.
Despite tough economic conditions and tighter budgets, many leading Scottish businesses are proving that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is more essential than ever. As Mark expains, CSR isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s becoming a strategic advantage.
At events like the Marie Curie Glasgow Brain Game, where over £257,000 was raised in a single night, the business community continues to demonstrate its commitment to impact beyond profit. Yet across the UK, charitable giving is falling, even as profits rise – a contradiction that could cost companies dearly.
Mark argues that post-pandemic shifts in employee and client expectations have made CSR a core part of how organisations are judged. Today’s candidates, especially younger talent, want to work for employers with clear values, meaningful community engagement, and a sense of purpose. Clients, too, increasingly assess partners on sustainability, charity involvement, and social impact.
Cutting CSR may look like an easy saving, but the long-term consequences are steep: weaker culture, reduced loyalty, harder recruitment, and a brand that feels increasingly transactional.
Through the CSR model at Rutherford Cross and Livingston James (where employees choose charities and profit is shared across those causes), Mark shows how values-driven strategies can strengthen engagement, identity, and loyalty across a team.
His message is clear: in uncertain times, CSR isn’t a luxury – it’s one of the few things businesses can control, and those who stay committed will emerge stronger.
CSR is shaping the modern talent landscape, and the right leadership makes all the difference. If you are looking to attract leaders who align with your organisation’s purpose, get in touch with Livingston James to find executives who bring both strategic capability and values‑driven ambition to your organisation: https://livingstonjames.com/contact/.

Why Scotland’s Smartest Businesses Are Doubling Down on CSR – And Why Yours Should Too
In a recent article in the Herald, Mark Lewis, Director at Livingston James, Managing Director at Rutherford Cross and Chair of the Marie Curie Glasgow Brain Game, shares why the smartest businesses in Scotland are continuing to fully commit to CSR.
Here’s why you should too, writes Mark Lewis is Managing Director at Rutherford Cross, Director at Livingston James, and chairman of the Marie Curie Glasgow Brain Game.
Despite tough economic conditions and tighter budgets, many leading Scottish businesses are proving that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is more essential than ever. As Mark expains, CSR isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s becoming a strategic advantage.
At events like the Marie Curie Glasgow Brain Game, where over £257,000 was raised in a single night, the business community continues to demonstrate its commitment to impact beyond profit. Yet across the UK, charitable giving is falling, even as profits rise – a contradiction that could cost companies dearly.
Mark argues that post-pandemic shifts in employee and client expectations have made CSR a core part of how organisations are judged. Today’s candidates, especially younger talent, want to work for employers with clear values, meaningful community engagement, and a sense of purpose. Clients, too, increasingly assess partners on sustainability, charity involvement, and social impact.
Cutting CSR may look like an easy saving, but the long-term consequences are steep: weaker culture, reduced loyalty, harder recruitment, and a brand that feels increasingly transactional.
Through the CSR model at Rutherford Cross and Livingston James (where employees choose charities and profit is shared across those causes), Mark shows how values-driven strategies can strengthen engagement, identity, and loyalty across a team.
His message is clear: in uncertain times, CSR isn’t a luxury – it’s one of the few things businesses can control, and those who stay committed will emerge stronger.
You can read the full article from the Herald here.
CSR is shaping the modern talent landscape, and the right leadership makes all the difference. If you are looking to attract leaders who align with your organisation’s purpose, get in touch with Livingston James to find executives who bring both strategic capability and values‑driven ambition to your organisation: https://livingstonjames.com/contact/.
Can we help?
If you are looking for leadership advisory or recruitment support, please get in touch with our team of experts.
More Articles...
The HR-CEO Paradox: Right Skills, Wrong Pathways
Despite possessing skills increasingly valued in modern leadership, such as emotional intelligence, change leadership, and organisational capability, HR leaders rarely progress to CEO roles. Livingston James Director, Ali Shaw recently shared insights from our latest research report in association with EY: The Future CEO Report, and how these findings can support succession planning for HR leaders.
Livingston James is Delighted to Partner with East Park to Appoint Chief Executive
East Park is a well‑established Scottish charity delivering specialist education and care services for children and young people with complex support needs. The organisation has a long history of providing safe, nurturing environments that enable young people to develop, grow, and prepare for adulthood.
The Chief Executive will lead the organisation overall, setting clear strategic direction and overseeing day‑to‑day delivery, while working closely with the Board to secure East Park’s long‑term sustainability and positive impact.
Livingston James Partners with Acrux Gold to Recruit Head of People & Culture
Acrux Gold is a vertically integrated precious metals business and the parent company of SGZ Cononish Limited, operator of Scotland’s only commercial gold and silver mine, with operations in the UK and South Africa.
Acrux Gold is appointing a Head of People & Culture to establish and lead the people function, supporting international growth and building the capability, culture and infrastructure required for long‑term operational success.