Ethical consumerism is worth a staggering £29.3 billion per year.

Increasing consumer awareness of animal welfare issues and consumer demand for higher welfare products are playing a crucial role in persuading companies to make animal welfare a priority. Many companies are applauded for their environmental and fair trade policies, and now it's time to celebrate those that strive to improve animal welfare.

The RSPCA Good Business Awards do just that. And at the same time they help conscientious consumers choose companies that care. Whether your company is large or small, the Awards acknowledge and promote those that go the extra mile to include animal welfare as part of their ethical business policy.

The RSPCA Good Business Awards are open to any UK company that sells, produces or markets products in designated categories within the Cosmetics, Fashion and Food industries.

MORI research, commissioned last year by the RSPCA revealed that:

•  77 per cent of the population believe that in this day and age there is no reason why animals should suffer in order to provide people with food, fashion or cosmetics.
•  82 per cent of the population wish that businesses were clearer about their animal welfare policies to allow them to make more informed decisions.
•  Just over half of the population (55 per cent) say they would be prepared to pay more for things with a good animal welfare record