Companies contribute to prosperity and well-being. But the drive to make a profit means that too often companies can also exploit workers, communities and the environment.
Governments and multinational companies both have a part to play in bringing about trade justice.
The Companies Bill passed through parliament this year, providing us with a historic opportunity to change the law to ensure business is held accountable for its actions.
More than 100,000 campaigners in the UK got involved, sending postcards to MPs and writing letters to ministers in one of the biggest campaign actions of the year.
A step forward
Thanks to your campaigning, some amendments were included in the Bill which are a step towards greater corporate responsibility.
This includes a clause requiring public-listed companies to report on the social and environmental impact of their business, and a clause which requires directors to consider their impact on people and the environment.
It's not everything that we wanted, and the UK Government needs to go further to ensure that business will work for people and planet, but what we've achieved shows campaigning can make a difference.