Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an increasingly important part of business life. The team at Worcestershire Business Central meet with businesses of all sizes every day and often hear that engaging in CSR activities is fast becoming something that is increasingly high on all of their agendas, recognising that it can deliver economic, social and environment benefits for all involved.
As attention begins to shift to business planning and we look forward to 2017, now appears to be an opportune time for businesses to consider how engaging with their local voluntary and community organisations and looking at their ongoing sustainability priorities can not only be of benefit to the local community and environment but also to the business itself.
Benefits to a business can include:
- attracting, retaining and maintaining a happy workforce
- Saving money on energy and operating costs and manage risk
- Differentiating yourself from your competitors
- Generate innovation and learning within your organisation
- Improving your business reputation and standing
- Generating positive publicity and media opportunities
Interested in learning more? How can Worcestershire Business Central and its partners support you?
Environmental Responsibility
Environmental sustainability is often a key area of focus for businesses looking to improve relations with the people and environments affected by business operations. Worcestershire Business Central are supporting local businesses to access grants from £2,000 to £20,000 to help them lower their energy bills. The Business Energy Efficiency Programme is available throughout Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Telford & Wrekin offering FREE energy assessments and grants to small and medium sized enteprises (SMEs). You can find out more about this programme of support at this link or by calling the WBC team on 01905 677888.
Engagement with local schools
Together, Worcestershire County Council, WBC and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are supporting the creation of a local Enterprise Adviser Network and would love to hear from any businesses interested in engaging with schools, working with their senior leadership team to create powerful, lasting connections. If you are passionate about supporting the development of a quality future workforce then we would love to hear from you- please drop me an email directly phoebed@worcestershiregrowthhub.co.uk or call 01905 679001.
CSR Event
WBC are joining forces with colleagues from Worcestershire County Council to host a CSR networking event – offering businesses and organisations the opportunity to meet, learn more about each others opportunities and hopefully develop some exciting CSR related activity supporting future partnerships and collaboration. Make sure that you save the date for this event- Friday 20th January at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, 8am-10am. For more information on this event, contact the WBC team 01905 677888 or info@worcestershiregrowthhub.co.uk