Sir Adrian Cadbury has spoken of how companies have a "contract with society" as what was his family business wields the axe over 500 jobs and its Keynsham factory in Bristol.
The former chairman of Cadbury believes businesses have a duty to operate ethically. In an interview with Cambridge University Alumni Magazine, headlined 'Why Greed Isn't Good', he said: "The fundamental role of a company is to provide the goods and services people want, and to do so efficiently, ethically and profitably.
"Companies are chartered by society. They have a legal existence. They have benefits and in return there is an implied contract with society. Companies need to deliver the benefits society expects from them."
Sir Adrian joined the family business in 1952. He became managing director in 1965 and was the youngest member on the board. He stepped down as chairman of Cadbury-Schweppes at the age of 60 after spending a lifetime promoting ethical standards.
The Keynsham production will be moved to factories in Poland and Bournville in Birmingham, but 200 jobs will also go at Bournville.
