Working in the community
We have a long history of supporting our local communities. Working with the NDA our socio-economic plans encourage employee involvement in local activities, charitable donation schemes and inward investment.
Community investment
Our community programme aims to be mutually beneficial for the communities in which we operate and our employees. We support areas most in need of our help - taking action now to improve the quality of life in the future. Our initiatives cover environmental, economic and social issues such as:
- Health, drugs, the elderly and the disabled
- Social exclusion, crime prevention, the homeless and the disadvantaged
- Environmental restoration
- Regeneration
- Arts, music and sport
In line with our overall policy and the Government’s initiative to reduce social exclusion, our charitable support strategy is mainly centred on areas of deprivation and social exclusion. By forging partnerships we have leveraged £4million of funding from external organisations - doubling our total investment to help make a difference in society.
We also provide match funding for any money raised for charitable organisations by our employees. For example in 2007 our 'Charities of the Year' received in excess of £6,000 in matched funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the West Cumbria branch of the Autistic Society and Christies hospital.
Economic regeneration
We have invested over £2million through our economic development programme. Sustainability and enhanced prosperity in our local regions is the focal point of our economic regeneration policy. We encourage skills development for both businesses and individuals enabling them to take control of their own future. We have been a long-standing supporter of Sustainability North West, which plays a key role in the regional sustainable development debate.
Corporate Responsibilty
Find out about our role in educational support
Corporate Responsibility Report 2007
