Beter Bed Holding

Annual Report 2014

CSR at Beter Bed Holding

For Beter Bed Holding and its subsidiaries, corporate social responsibility means that they make a positive contribution to the communities in which they operate. That contribution is embodied, for instance, in complying at all times with laws and regulations and always treating the interests of all stakeholders with respect. Healthy business practices therefore go hand in hand with respect for people and the environment.

As a specialist in the field of bedroom furniture and as a market leader in several countries in Europe, Beter Bed Holding seeks to provide a good, healthy night’s rest for its customers, on the basis of good-quality products, properly trained staff and excellent service.

CSR is work in progress

The vision for corporate social responsibility was launched in 2010: ‘In every country in which we operate, we intend to become the market leader in the value-for-money segment of the bed and mattress market, in a socially responsible manner.’ The general code of conduct defines what corporate social responsibility is for Beter Bed Holding.

In 2011 Beter Bed Holding reported extensively for the first time on CSR in accordance with the GRI G3 guideline. The focus on topics and reporting has aided Beter Bed Holding in suitably positioning the topic of CSR within the organisation.

In 2012, the company committed to the United Nations’ Global Compact Code. The ten principles it summarises seamlessly match the codes of conduct for both our own staff and our strategic suppliers. The company has also set itself medium-term targets. It is important for a successful CSR strategy to set ambitious goals in a modest context: they must be relevant, make a positive contribution and be attainable with our own resources within a period of three years.

In 2013, the reporting was adapted in line with the fourth generation of GRI guidelines. This mainly affected the detailed reporting in the GRI Index, for which a start was made on defining views on the broad selection of CSR topics. In addition, a first step was taken to improve prioritisation by means of a materiality review in the sector.

In 2014, the organisation engaged in active dialogue with its stakeholders. The dialogue was conducted by asking in advance which priorities Beter Bed Holding should set. In three sessions, the stakeholders were given ample opportunity to formulate their views on CSR at Beter Bed Holding. The three principal conclusions are:

  1. The reporting structure with a compact annual report and a detailed GRI Index is appreciated.
  2. Beter Bed Holding has ensured that its own business processes are properly in order and should now give greater priority to responsibility in the chain.
  3. The pragmatic approach has laid a solid foundation for CSR within the organisation. What is important now is to better embed this topic within the organisation.

The priorities arising from the stakeholder dialogue are stated in the GRI Index under indicator
G4-19.