When I visit companies around Wales, I am always impressed by the calibre of the organisations that I see, the talent on show and the way in which they do business.

Over the past few years, there has been an increasing emphasis placed on the need to do business responsibly – of course it is vital that businesses make a profit but this shouldn’t be at any cost. All business leaders have a responsibility to their employees, their customers, their community and the environment.

Of course, I’m sure most businesses would claim to be responsible but I have to say that most companies I deal with, really are. There seems to be a certain mindset that is associated with responsible businesses and I see that day-in, day-out and can’t help but feel that it is tied to success.

Next week, April 20 to 26, is the Business in the Community Responsible Business Week, organised to encourage businesses to come together to demonstrate their positive impact and share new ideas.

A UK-wide initiative, I’m proud to say that there are a number of Welsh businesses playing their part too.

In fact, Caerphilly-based UES Energy is one of the Welsh companies on show and its director, Andrew Diplock, a former IoD Wales Director of the Year, will be addressing other business leaders to explain why responsible business practices are good for your organisation and help give you that all important competitive edge.

Businesses across Wales will be taking part and hopefully it will be an opportunity for companies to elevate their brand to key audiences. Not just their staff and customers but all their stakeholders and the general public.

This is your week to be an ambassador for responsible business by telling customers, employees, supply chain, partner organisations a different side of your businesses story – one which they may not have heard before through your day to day engagement.