Twenty years ago a company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity tended to be unrelated to its core business.

Rather than promote real development it was used to stem or prevent criticism.

But there has been a marked shift and CSR is now seen as an integral part of any business.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have a naturally responsible approach to business and due to their close relationships with employees, the local community and business partners, are in a unique position within their local areas to help combat some of the most serious social issues facing the UK.

For most SMEs CSR is likely to remain informal and intuitive, which is absolutely fine – there doesn’t need to be a huge complicated strategy.

As long as businesses are considering the social and environmental impact of their business they can begin to make a difference.

But it is not all about philanthropy – companies get value from their involvement as well.

Business in the Community’s Fortune Favours the Brave report (2013) found UK businesses could unlock around £100 billion a year in value from new business and innovation opportunities that address social and environmental challenges.

Brands well-known for CSR activities benefit from improved access to capital, reduced costs and improved shareholder value.

Being responsible also increases employee motivation, productivity and loyalty, meaning better employee turnover rates.

By looking at the long-term social issues businesses can improve their ability to identify, prepare and manage future risk.

So how can SMEs start to become more socially responsible?

For SiteVisibilty, the support of BITC has been invaluable and has certainly contributed to the success of our CSR activity over the years.

My top tips for SMEs looking to become more socially responsible are don’t be intimidated – this doesn’t need to be a big, expensive strategy. Start small and the results will quickly justify the effort put in.

Solve your own problems – look at the issues your business is facing and think about how being a more responsible business can help solve them.

For example, struggling to recruit good talent? Try offering work placements to vulnerable young people.

In Brighton, there is a big skills shortage in digital work, so this is something that SiteVisibility has taken on.

Look after your employees – look at the needs and interests of your team, and think about how CSR can help them.

Remember there is no shame in commercial benefit from CSR – it can be used as a USP in your marketing.

Starting on the CSR journey does not mean taking a great big leap.

By starting with small steps you can release what a beneficial impact you can have not only in the community but on your staff as well.