"I could have closed down bits of British Home Stores to make more money but it's not my style. I want to make my money as a retailer, not by putting people out of work"

Philip Green’s statement expresses a philosophy of business that prioritizes the traditional role of a retailer, serving customers, innovating, and generating profits through commerce, over maximizing financial returns through cost-cutting measures that harm employees. He refers specifically to the option of shuttering sections of British Home Stores (BHS) as a way to increase profitability. Such closures typically result in immediate cost savings, particularly from reduced labor and operational expenses, which can boost short-term profits for business owners and shareholders. However, these actions often mean job losses, negatively affecting the livelihoods of workers and their families.

Green distinguishes himself from business leaders who would pursue these measures for financial gain, emphasizing that it’s not his “style.” The phrase suggests a personal code or ethical stance, indicating that making money at the expense of employees’ security and well-being is not aligned with his values. Instead, he desires to achieve financial success through the core activities of retailing: offering products and customer experiences that foster growth, satisfy demand, and create value through the marketplace rather than through the reduction of workforce.

Underlying this statement is recognition of the broader societal and moral responsibilities that business owners may shoulder, especially when they employ large numbers of people. By choosing not to “put people out of work,” Green positions himself as a steward not just of capital, but of the human capital that comprises his business operations. He evokes a sense of responsibility to his workforce, suggesting that commercial success should not be pursued at any cost and that ethical considerations must temper decisions, even if it means earning less money. Ultimately, his words reflect an ideal of business leadership rooted in sustainability, community, and respect for the individuals behind corporate results.