In the last blog, we looked at UK Land Estates’ measures to help lower emissions, combat energy costs and provide buildings that are exemplars of minimal environmental impact.
This week, it’s how we work hard to be good neighbours, good employers and help out with important projects, charities and organisations on our doorstep.
UK Land Estates’ Responsible Business Strategy, launched last year, helps us monitor and appraise progress – and part of that focuses on delivering positive social impact.
Our business impacts on employees, customers, stakeholders and the communities in which we operate…so we operate in ways that serve their interests as well as ours.
That may be by offering financial support to causes, providing community organisations with space or empowering staff to get involved in community projects and initiatives.
We contribute by:
- Focusing sponsorship towards:
- the disadvantaged
- sport
- young people
- Sourcing locally – maintaining at least 75% of spend regionally
- Being a responsible employer
- Ensuring contractors and sub-contractors meet our expected standards.
So who does UK Land Estates work with? Dunston Boxing Club offers focus and personal growth for young people aged nine and up. The club outgrew its old premises, so we donated a 6,000sq ft unit to house the club and its 150+ members.
The North East Cyclo-Cross League (NECCL) – a not-for-profit run entirely by volunteers – provides races for cyclists of all ages. Hundreds of people have accessed fun and fitness-orientated competition. UKLE funds helped the organisation improve health and safety.
A partnership with the Greggs Foundation – a charitable trust operating in disadvantaged communities – saw UK Land Estates support the The Greggs Breakfast Club Programme, which provides more than 7.5 million breakfasts to schoolchildren every year. We sponsored two years’ worth of breakfasts for pupils of South Street Primary, a few miles from our HQ.
We are also committed to our region and helping it realise its economic potential:
- Our investments align with the economic plans of NELEP and TVCA
- UKLE estates are of a high standard and are great places to do business
- We invest in getting to know tenants, their markets, challenges and opportunities so we provide the right accommodation at the right time. Tenants grow with us because we offer buildings fit for start-ups through to mature businesses
- We innovate, actively participating in regional development and supporting and speaking up for our businesses and their communities.
UK Land Estates creates value in local supply chains by procuring regionally, building long-term relationships with local suppliers attuned to our needs.
We engage local contractors for development and refurbishment and source comms from the region. Suppliers chosen for their capabilities, track record and approach to responsible business practices… we do things right and we work with businesses that share our values.
This approach extends to our provision of skills training, apprenticeships and work placements. Where possible, we specify contractors should follow the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
Finally, UK Land Estates has a talented team, many working for the business for more than a decade, with low staff turnover demonstrating strong satisfaction.
That’s no accident. We give a lot of thought to creating a great place to work, achieved by:
- Affording autonomy and decision-making responsibility to drive the business
- Fostering a collaborative, constructive workplace
- Empowering our people to contribute ideas
- Providing flexible working to aid work/ life balance.