Small and medium enterprises in the West Midlands are being urged to manage their business responsibly and enjoy an increase in profits, according to one of the region’s leading figures on corporate social responsibility.

David Darlaston, regional director for Business in the Community (BITC), made the rallying call after announcing details of the first ever SME Membership offer for companies in the area.

The new initiative has been specifically designed to address growing demand from firms looking to combine commercial success with respecting people, communities and the natural environment.

It will tap into all of BITC’s expertise and contacts to offer SMEs strategic advice and support on doing business responsibly, employee development, community impact and the massive benefits that come from networking with some of the biggest companies in the UK.

Mr Darlaston explained: “Being a responsible business is not just for the big corporates, small and medium enterprises have their role to play and also deserve to enjoy the bottom line benefits that come with it.

“From talking to firms all over the West Midlands it was evident that there was a huge demand for us to introduce a new SME membership package that would cater for companies with less than 250 people.”

He continued: “And this is exactly what we’ve done, developing an offer that gives companies access to a dedicated account manager, strategic advice on corporate social responsibility, added value support for community work and opportunities to participate in some of our major BITC action days, such as Give and Gain 2011.”