Topshop and M&S ethical fashion fight

Topshop and M&S fight for 'most animal-friendly fashion retailer' prize

Topshop and M&S are set to go head-to-head in a contest to be crowned the UK’s most animal-friendly fashion retailer.

The two high street giants are both on the fashion shortlist for The RSPCA's 2008 Good Business Awards, thanks to their innovative approach towards animal welfare, including how they source leather and other animal skin, and also how they sell, source and label fur.

However, don't forget the little guys. M&S and Topshop aren't the only names in the running; knitwear brand Izzy Lane (pictured here), Fairtrade fashion label Natural Collection and organic couture house Romp make up the shortlist of five.

'We were highly impressed by the calibre of entries this year,' says judge Wayne Hemingway. 'Our finalists demonstrate that with dedication and passion, it is possible for fashion retailers to establish profitable business models that position animal welfare at the core. It was truly inspiring to see that welfare friendly can equal fashionable and profitable.

'However, there is still much progress to be made across the industry as a whole, and we now want to urge more high street retailers to follow suit and establish sustainable welfare policies that are so vital to an ethical business agenda.'