For a business that was heavily dependent upon short-term events, Covid could have been catastrophic. With no parties or celebrations allowed, 80+% of our business disappeared overnight. When we pivoted the business to provide the additional space needed in schools, offices and on construction sites, we also took the opportunity to integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into the business. Here’s the why, how and what that has come from this challenge to industry norms.
Why invest in CSR?
Coming from a “work hard, play hard” industry that traditionally has a high staff turnover and lots of zero hour contracts or temporary staff, our focus on the employee experience aimed to deliver happier and better staff for the business.
Being an asset heavy business, we looked at how we could reduce our environmental impact where possible. With much of this being around reducing waste, the savings possible could make a significant difference to our bottom line.
What did we do?
Over the last 4 years this is just some of what we have implemented:
- Working with mental health charity Oakleaf, we have introduced a comprehensive employee well-being programme. This includes workshops, counselling and team-building days.
- Added life insurance, income protection and assistance programmes as additional employee benefits.
- Banned single-use plastics from the business.
- Switched all lighting, in the warehouse and offices, from halogen to LED.
- Implemented new fleet and vehicle choices to reduce emissions where possible.
- Installed smart meters to monitor and minimise electricity consumption.
- Embracing the circular economy throughout the business
- Suggesting sustainable hire options as a default
Earlier this year, we also started harvesting rainwater, using grey water wherever possible.
What has this delivered?
The very latest this CSR focus has delivered is a Silver Award at the Surrey SME Business Awards, alongside two finalist positions too, for Innovation and ESG. This follows on from similar awards at this event in 2022.
In 2023 we became B Corp Certified.
The savings we have delivered for both the business and the planet are significant too:
- A 30% YOY reduction in energy consumption in the warehouse and office.
- Prevented over 4000kg of CO2 entering the atmosphere.
But perhaps our most precious benefit that this investment in CSR and ESG has delivered can be found in the feedback from our clients. Almost without fail, the testimonials and reviews we get talk glowingly about the positive attitude of our team and the efficiency of the project.
We look forward to seeing how the continued investment and focus in these areas continues to deliver for our clients, our business and the planet.
