Dating back to our founding in Sierra Leone, Africa, in 1884, our story has been one of strong growth built on a set of family values. We strive to have a positive impact in all the communities in which we operate, to always uphold the highest standards and to do the right thing. This is captured in our purpose: For everyone, for life, for good.
We are headquartered in Manchester, UK, with operations in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and Africa. We view our business not as multinational, but as multi-local, and four main markets represent the majority of our business and our priority: UK, Nigeria, Indonesia and Australia. We employ just over 2,500 people and are home to many brands that touch people’s lives in markets around the world, like Carex, Childs Farm, Cussons Baby, Imperial Leather, Original Source, Premier, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez.
Our business is building brands. For more than 130 years, we have been creating products to delight, care for and nourish consumers, and they have found a place in millions of households. Our business model is founded on innovation, responsible sourcing and manufacturing, creative advertising and marketing, and strong customer partnerships and channels. Through our strategy, Building Brands For Life. Today and for future generations, we are focused on building our brands so that we can serve more consumers and serve them better in the future.
We have leading brands in three core categories: Hygiene, Baby and Beauty. Our trusted hygiene brands provide care for millions of people every day. Our award-winning baby products are the most trusted by mums and dads, with safe and caring delivery. Our innovative beauty brands help consumers look and feel great. Our brands across these leading categories are supported by a number of portfolio brands, each of which has a specific role to play.
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do because we know that to grow sustainably we must be a force for positive change. We work together with our employees, communities, investors and our supply chain to embed a programme of continuous improvement in our environmental and ethical standards. Everywhere our products and brands touch people’s lives, from the USA to Europe, Africa to Asia-Pacific, we strive to understand, to support and to empower.
We have taken the bold decision to commit to certifying our business units as B corps by 2026. On this journey we will be broadening our sustainability efforts and setting clear targets which can be measured over time. These will build on a number of already established commitments for targeted areas of interest and concern, including our Palm Oil Action Plan and expanding our reduction targets for energy, plastics, water and waste.