Business leaders this week agreed that capitalism must be grounded in an ethical code, at a gathering in London arranged by the Archbishop of Westminster.

Some 200 people from the UK's biggest companies came together for yesterday's conference organised by Archbishop Vincent Nichols, at the request of business leaders.

The archbishop said some business people were living with a disconnect between the behaviour that was expected in a social setting and what was expected in the office.

Vittorio Colao, CEO of Vodafone, said he was open to the creation of a code of conduct that the faith communities could contribute to. He said the purpose of business was to provide "good goods, and services that serve". However Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, said such a view was no longer enough. "We need to repair and do good," he said.

Above: (l-r) Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, chairman Edward Stourton, and Vodafone's CEO, Vittorio Colao at yesterday's conference organised by Archbishop Vincent Nichols. Photo above and homepage © Mazur/catholicnews.org.uk