Sustainability at M&S slide

Refer to the slide titled Sustainability at M&S. What is the main topic highlighted on the slide?

• Sustainability at M&S

• Annual financial results

• Store locations and hours

• New product launches

According to the slide, which web address is provided for information on sustainability?

• https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/sustainability

• https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/environment

• https://marksandspencer.com/sustainability

• http://corporate.marksandspencer.co.uk/sustainability

On the slide, the phrase Sustainability | Marks & Spencer appears. What does M&S refer to in the title?

• Marks & Spencer

• Morgan & Stanley

• Manufacturing & Supply

• Marketing & Sales

Is sustainability primarily an ethical responsibility or a strategic business opportunity for companies like Marks & Spencer? Brainstorm your ideas. (5 minutes)

• Primarily an ethical responsibility with minimal business impact

• Primarily a strategic business opportunity that can drive growth and resilience

• Purely a compliance obligation with no ethical or strategic dimension

• Mainly a short-term marketing tactic with little long-term value

Define M&S’s Plan A strategy (2 marks).

• A comprehensive ESG-led strategy committing to responsible sourcing, ethical production, environmental and social responsibility, long-term growth, and a net zero target

• A short-term promotional campaign focused on increasing seasonal sales

• A technology-only digitalisation programme with no environmental or social commitments

• A cost-cutting plan that prioritises lowest supplier prices over stakeholder interests

Three key areas under ESG (3 marks). Select the correct set.

• Environment, Social, Governance

• Environment, Net Zero 2040, Corporate Accountability

• People & Communities, Ethical Leadership, Governance

• Sustainability Commitment, Responsible Sourcing, Long-term Growth

Two ways M&S engages its people (2 marks). Select all that apply.

• Employee wellbeing initiatives

• Inclusion and diversity is the only focus while training is ignored

• Training and development programmes

• Price discounts designed solely to undercut competitors

Explain “net zero across entire value chain by 2040” (3 marks). Choose the best explanation.

• Reducing and neutralising Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions across operations and suppliers through carbon reduction and limited offsetting

• Reducing store electricity use only, with no supplier or logistics changes

• Buying carbon credits to offset emissions without changing operations

• Eliminating plastic packaging regardless of emission impacts

How sustainability improves reputation (5 marks). Select all that apply.

• Strengthens ethical reputation and brand image

• Builds consumer trust and loyalty, leading to positive word-of-mouth

• Creates brand differentiation in competitive markets

• Delivers immediate short‑term profit with no reputational effects

• Improves competitive positioning and can increase sales

Responsible sourcing and human rights (5 marks). Select all that apply.

• Ethical supply chain standards across suppliers

• Robust labour standards and modern slavery prevention

• Risk management and brand protection through stakeholder-focused sourcing

• Prioritising only the lowest-cost suppliers regardless of conditions