A successful bid for Marks and Spencer by Philip Green would threaten its reputation as a responsible retailer, Business in the Community, the business-led campaign for corporate responsibility, has claimed.

Stuart Rose, the new chief executive who is defending M&S against Mr Green, collected the company of the year award for M&S at the BITC's annual Awards for Excellence last night. The retailer was praised for its "outstanding" impact on society in areas such as sustainable food production and labour standards among suppliers.