The Role and Importance of Stakeholders (AQA AS Business): Exam Questions

Sports Success

Sports Success plc is a well-known sports goods retailer operating in the UK and abroad. It employs over 20 000 people. In 2016, Sports Success was heavily criticised in the media for its treatment of staff in terms of their working conditions and pay. These announcements worried some shareholders because of the amount of negative publicity the company was receiving.

Sports Success responded to the media coverage by producing a report in January 2017 on its treatment of staff. This was seen as a positive move by the company. Although the company still does not negotiate with any trade union, it now:

• has one employee representative on the Board of Directors who is chosen by Board members. There are 11 other Directors, most of whom are senior managers

• has set up a feedback system called ‘Be heard’ for all staff, where they can email any issues of concern and make suggestions for improvements for staff. Senior managers have promised to read all the emails and said they will take action where they feel it is needed. Improvements that have occurred so far include free wi-fi and some improvements to the food in the canteens.

Over 20% of Sport Success’ sales are online; the rest are through its stores. The company has recently invested over £200m developing its major stores. These new stores have better designs and more space for well-known brands such as Nike and Adidas. They are situated in prime retail shopping areas or out of town destinations.