July 9, 2025

Business in the Community State of the Nation Report 2025

The State of the Nation 2025 report contains insights in trends in responsible business leadership from more than 100 interviewed business leaders from across the UK.

Business in the Community State of the Nation Report 2025

The State of the Nation 2025 report contains insights in trends in responsible business leadership from more than 100 interviewed business leaders from across the UK.

Business in the Community’s State of the Nation Report 2025 is for leaders, by leaders.

This report, in partnership with Hogan Lovells and Schroders, represents the views of more than 100 recently interviewed business leaders from across the UK, sharing insights from the priorities, expectations of each other, and challenges leaders shared.

Download the State of the Nation 2025 report

Report summary

This report is based on a mixed-methods research approach, combining quantitative and qualitative insights to understand the perspectives of UK business leaders on responsible business and economic growth.

We surveyed senior leaders, including CEOs, Chairs, and Executive Committee members from some of the UK’s largest companies across multiple sectors. The survey was conducted between January and May 2025, and responses were anonymised to encourage honest and open input.

In parallel, we conducted a series of in-depth interviews with business leaders to explore their priorities, challenges, and aspirations in greater detail.

It was designed and delivered by Business in the Community in collaboration with our partners, and it forms part of our ongoing commitment to understanding and advancing responsible business in the UK.

Key report takeaways

Concerning responsible business, findings from business leaders revealed:

Responsible business is not a distraction but a foundation
Business leaders believe that responsible business is a foundation for economic growth and prosperity, rather than a distraction from it.
They are not de-prioritising but de-publicising responsible business
Business leaders are steadfast in their commitment to responsible business (96%) but are less vocal about these commitments. This trend of de-publicising may hinder our progress in tackling key societal and environmental challenges.
Risk mitigation cannot masquerade as responsible business
Many businesses are adopting a risk-averse approach to responsible business due to the current economic and political environment. This should not replace genuine responsible business efforts, which require bold and collaborative action.
The mismatch between communities and businesses is a big risk
While business leaders are focused on economic prosperity built on responsible foundations, community leaders feel that current efforts are insufficient, and communities are being left behind. This mismatch lies at the heart of a larger threat to our overall economic prosperity.
Focused action requires partnership
The challenges faced by communities cannot be solved by individual efforts alone. Collaboration between different sectors, including government and community leaders, is essential to address deeply rooted issues and achieve significant impacts at scale.

of business leaders have maintained or increased the priority they give to addressing societal and environmental challenges.

of business leaders agree that societal challenges in the UK were directly affecting their success, citing the lack of effective skills training, cost of living and high levels of economic inactivity.

of business leaders thought that the Government is collaborating effectively with businesses to address major societal and environmental challenges.

Download the report

Download the State of the Nation 2025 report

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