As the UK officially falls into recession, this report is a timely analysis of the changing nature of consumer trust and the impact of the credit crunch on business strategies related to sustainable development.

The report is based on findings from two online surveys of 2,000 UK consumers and a series of expert interviews.

The aim of this research from AccountAbility and The Co-operative is to encourage consumers to take more action and responsibility for the impacts of their purchasing; that policy-makers will act upon the need to strengthen transparency and regulation; and that businesses will be able to assure consumers through sound sustainability strategies and delivery, and confident communications.

These findings and recommendations will be relevant far beyond the UK, as other countries come to terms with the impact of the economic downturn on their own economy, consumers and responsible business practices.

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