Corporate Social Responsibility
Our metrics of success are not just profits; it's also about making a positive impact. Shield Works is fully committed to the local charity and fostering UK-China cooperation, including sponsoring an Annual Charity Music event, aptly named "Come Together." to help the underprivileged children and those in need.
CONTINUOUS ENDEAVORS IN CHARITY
A Commitment to Our Local Community
Shield Works, a C2W Group subsidiary, actively supports the local community through the Come Together Community (CTC), a non-profit charitable initiative founded in Zhuhai, South China, in 2011, which began as a late expat's family fundraiser and evolved into a thriving charity.
Our CFO, Mark Clayton, serves as the Chairman and Founding Council Member of CTC, pivotal to its success.
We also proudly sponsor CTC's Annual Charity Music Festival, directing 100% of proceeds to local children in need, with all festival participants volunteering their time.
If you’re interested in donating or helping out in any way, please contact info@ctcommunity.org or charity@china2west.com.
2019 CHINA SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD WINNERS
C2W, Shield Works' parent company, and the CTC take great pride in their announcement as the recipients of the 2019 China Social Impact Awards, organized by the British Chamber of Commerce China in partnership with the United Nations China.
They have been honored in the MNC category for their outstanding contributions to the domains of Community & Culture, aligning closely with three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
UK-CHINA BILATERAL COOPERATION
Our Dedication to Strengthening UK-China Relations
Shield Works, a wholly-owned British enterprise, fosters global cooperation. We're committed to UK-China ties through affiliations with numerous organizations promoting bilateral engagement.
Our CFO, Mark Clayton, as Vice-Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce Guangdong, connects British businesses with opportunities in South China, highlighting our economic cooperation.
Mark's recent CGTN interview emphasizes this commitment and our expertise in the Chinese business landscape.
We are an active member of the following organizations that promote UK-China business partnerships.
EMPLOYEES' CSR ENGAGEMENT
At Shield Works, we prioritize corporate social responsibility that includes our dedicated employees. Our team goes beyond their professional duties to actively enhance our local community.
Our CFO, Mark Clayton, is a prime example of this commitment. He has earned the prestigious annual AAT's Excellence Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to social responsibility in the finance industry.
In recognition of this prestigious achievement, Mark also graced the cover of Accounting Technician Magazine (AT).
Embedding Fair Pay in Our Business - Our Commitment to the Fair Pay Charter
At SW, we believe that fair pay is a fundamental right, not a privilege. As a global company with extensive supply chain operations, we recognize that ethical business practices must go beyond compliance-they must drive real, lasting impact, ensuring that all supply chains are ethical, responsible, and fair for every worker involved.
That's why in late 2024, our CFO, Mark Clayton, had the profound honour of signing the Fair Pay Charter-a globally recognized initiative advocating for liveable wages and economic fairness-as both the Custodian of the Charter for British Business in China and the first business to sign it.
What Is the Fair Pay Charter?
The Fair Pay Charter is a pioneering initiative with the potential to transform industries worldwide, ensuring workers receive a wage that allows them to live with dignity. The Charter has already raised wages for 5.2 million people in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and is actively working with governments and businesses in India, Malawi, Dubai, and beyond.
Founded and authored by Sheikh Aliur Rahman OBE and launched in May 2024 at Mansion House in London, the Charter has been endorsed by influential global leaders, including:
✔ Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
✔ Nikhil Seth, UN Assistant Secretary-General
✔ Michael Mainelli, 695th Lord Mayor of London
✔ Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London & C40 Cities Representative
With its adoption projected as a UN Social Development Goal in 2030, the Charter has the potential to positively impact up to a billion people across various industries-starting with the tea industry, where 99% of the workforce are women.
How SW Is Embedding Fair Pay Into Our Business
As a company that operates across global supply chains, we understand that true sustainability means ensuring ethical treatment and fair wages for all workers involved in manufacturing and production. The Fair Pay Charter aligns directly with our CSR values, and we are embedding its principles into our operations by:
✅ Ensuring fair treatment and wages across our supply chain
✅ Encouraging ethical business practices among our partners and vendors
✅ Incorporating Fair Pay principles into our supplier selection criteria
✅ Advocating for industry-wide change to support fair pay initiatives
Our commitment doesn't stop at words-we are actively integrating Fair Pay standards into our procurement and onboarding processes, ensuring that our partners meet ethical wage standards before entering our supply chain.
Why This Matters
Fair pay is more than just a business initiative-it is a responsibility that affects millions of lives. The Fair Pay Charter provides a structured approach to addressing wage disparity, and as a signatory, SW is committed to leading by example.
By making ethical pay a core part of our CSR strategy, we are contributing to a fairer global economy while ensuring the sustainability and integrity of our own business.
A Call to Action: Join the Movement
The Fair Pay Charter is a growing global initiative, and we encourage businesses, leaders, and policymakers to take action:
💡 Review your supply chain-are workers being paid a fair, livable wage?
💡 Advocate for fair pay-encourage your industry peers to join the movement
💡 Sign the Charter-commit to real change for workers worldwide
At SW, we are proud to take a stand for fair pay, and we encourage others to do the same.
🔗 Watch this video to learn more about the Fair Pay Charter
Mark Clayton has posted about the Charter on LinkedIn here.