This week, several businesses across the North East have demonstrated their commitment to the community through various charitable and community-focused activities. The initiatives undertaken highlight a synergy between corporate responsibility and local engagement, fostering a supportive environment for both economic growth and social development.
From environmental projects to educational donations, these efforts underscore the positive impact businesses can have beyond their commercial operations. The following sections provide a detailed overview of noteworthy activities that have taken place recently, reflecting the region’s dedication to corporate social responsibility.
Regeneration of Gateshead’s Riverside Park
Volunteers from Barratt and David Wilson Homes have actively participated in efforts to rejuvenate Gateshead’s Riverside Park. This initiative supports the Tyne Derwent Way project, which involves a collaboration between the National Trust, Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, and Gateshead Council.
The project aims to establish a nine-mile outdoor trail that links the centre of Gateshead with Derwent Valley, enhancing the area’s recreational and educational offerings. Commencing at St Mary’s Heritage Centre and following the Tyne, it traverses Riverside Park, Dunston Staiths, and Derwent Valley before culminating at Gibside, a National Trust estate.
A significant aspect of this project is the establishment of a new forest school, facilitated by the charity Stomping Ground North East. Eight volunteers from Barratt and David Wilson Homes contributed by clearing areas within the park to make room for the forest school.
Anneliese Hutchinson, strategic director for economy, innovation and growth at Gateshead Council, expressed gratitude for the support received, noting that the project is an exciting venture aimed at promoting inspirational learning and family engagement in the region.
TT2’s Support for STEM Education
TT2, the operator of the Tyne Tunnels, has generously donated to a high school in North Shields, enabling the acquisition of a high-tech laser cutting machine worth £7,000. This equipment will significantly enhance the school’s STEM curriculum, providing students with advanced tools for learning.
Charlotte Whelan, assistant faculty lead for technological and creative studies at Norham High School, praised TT2 for their contribution, highlighting the difficulty in obtaining additional funding for schools. The new laser cutter is expected to update the Key Stage 3 Design Technology curriculum and support Key Stage 4 students in Art & Design, enabling the creation of sophisticated products.
This donation not only benefits the science and technology departments but also the drama department, which will use the laser cutter for prop and set design for future productions, including their 2025 musical, Hairspray.
Moody Logistics’ Recognition in Freight Excellence
Moody Logistics and Storage has earned the Pall-Ex Operational Excellence Award for the North East and Scotland for the second consecutive year.
The family-run business from Cramlington was honoured at an awards ceremony held at Hilton Birmingham Metropole for its exceptional performance within the Pall-Ex palletised freight network. The award reflects the company’s outstanding compliance, quality distribution, and service excellence, essential elements of the Pall-Ex Group’s Diamond Excellence scheme.
Richard Moody, operations director at Moody Logistics, lauded the dedication of their entire team, attributing the award to their consistent high standards in service delivery. Established in 1947, Moody Logistics became a part of the Pall-Ex UK network in 2019, further strengthening its market position.
SCJ Renewables’ Award-Winning Solar Project
SCJ Renewables has achieved notable recognition at the 2024 Solar & Storage Awards, securing the Commercial Solar Project of the Year for its work on Greencroft Two bottling facility in County Durham.
The company installed approximately 5,700 Solar PV panels at the facility, which is part of The Lanchester Group, resulting in significant environmental benefits, including the annual saving of 1.2 million kilograms of CO₂.
This project underscores SCJ Renewables’ commitment to advancing sustainable technologies and their effectiveness in reducing carbon footprints. The firm’s efforts were previously acknowledged at the North East Energy Efficiency Awards, demonstrating their ongoing contributions to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Silvermoor’s Sustainability Achievement
Silvermoor, a Northumberland-based haylage company, has been awarded gold in the sustainability category at BETA International’s New Product Awards for its Eco Treatsies horse food product.
The product is distinguished by its eco-friendly packaging and production process. Made from 100% homegrown grass, it is dried using a sustainable biomass heat source, ensuring nutrient retention and vibrant colour. The treats are not only nutritious but also packaged in fully recyclable paper.
Ralph Thompson, managing director, emphasized the importance of creating eco-friendly products that are economically viable, especially as the cost of living rises. This initiative reflects Silvermoor’s commitment to sustainability and quality in the equine market.
Iamproperty’s Charity Fundraising Success
Iamproperty has successfully raised £6,804 through its annual Golf and Social Day, benefiting its charity partner, Tiny Lives Trust, which supports premature and sick babies and their families.
Held at Parklands Golf Club in Newcastle, the event saw employees and partner agents participating in golf and mini-golf activities, followed by refreshments, a BBQ, and live music. This event, combined with their earlier Family Fun Day, has brought the total funds raised for Tiny Lives Trust to nearly £10,000 this summer.
Iamproperty co-founder, Ben Ridgway, highlighted the team’s ongoing commitment to supporting Tiny Lives Trust, noting the importance of these events in raising funds and awareness for the charity.
The recent initiatives by businesses in the North East demonstrate a robust commitment to community involvement and corporate social responsibility. These activities not only provide immediate benefits to local organisations and individuals but also contribute to the long-term socio-economic development of the region.
By engaging in such meaningful projects, these businesses set a commendable example of how corporate entities can integrate social values into their operational ethos, ultimately fostering a stronger and more cohesive community.