1 It is vital for businesses to inspire and engage employees, customers and suppliers to support their community programmes

2 Companies must identify the social issues most relevant to them and those that are most important to the communities in which they operate

3 Work in partnership with your chosen community to leverage combined expertise for mutual benefit. Listen to community partners to tackle social issues and achieve a wider impact

4 Holistic investment should focus on harnessing skills, resources, time and talent within businesses

5 Plan and manage community investment using the most appropriate resources to deliver against targets that achieve core business and strategic objectives

6 Implementing sustainable programmes that involve investment relative to the size and scope of businesses is essential. It is vital to recognise that investment is not limited to cash

7 The business benefits of community investment include improved colleague and customer loyalty and enhanced reputation

8 Employee volunteering can be linked to staff training and skill development

9 Regularly engage all stakeholders, including the board of directors, managers, employees, customers and community groups, in your work

10 Business in the Community has recently announced its CommunityMark national standard

Catherine Sermon, national community impact director, Business in the Community