We make social value and sustainability a consideration in every decision we make, from how we support our own people, the people working in our supply chain to the way we procure.
Around 80% of our turnover is spent on the procurement of goods, works and services, so we can have an even bigger impact if we spend with businesses who share our values. One of our commitments is to increase spend and engagement with social businesses. Social businesses are, by our definition, companies such as social enterprises, registered charities or those with a predominantly social or environmental purpose.
One of the businesses we work with is Nuneaton Signs. They are a social business who provide signage for our construction sites and employ people facing barriers to work, particularly those with disabilities.
Since working with Nuneaton Signs, they have recruited two apprentices and two members of staff who are registered blind. The company has 51 employees with at least one SEN or other support need.
In addition to the social benefits of working with the business, we wanted to ensure we were aligned environmentally too. So, we worked with Nuneaton Signs, steeping them to create a product which meets our sustainability requirements. They were on board and immediately set about creating a more sustainable range of signs.
"Here at Nuneaton signs, we pride ourselves in being a forward thinking company with a passion for social change. In the past 12 months we have seen more than ever, the need to make changes towards a more sustainable future. Many sign companies have launched PVC free signage, however this often still ends up in landfill as the materials are not easy to dispose of responsibly. That is why Nuneaton Signs have put in months of extensive research to ensure that our new product range is the first of its kind in the signage industry: a 100% PVC fully recyclable range of signage."
The companies' new eco-boards are fully recyclable, which is a great move not only for the company, but for our industry too.
