Congratulations to Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s key partners, Mears Group, won the Social Responsibility Company of the Year at the 2016 National Energy Efficiency & Retrofit Awards.
The Awards recognise and reward excellence in energy efficiency to improve UK housing stock, reduce carbon emissions, tackle fuel poverty and help homeowners reduce their energy bills.
Mears Group have been a key partner of Leeds Rhinos Foundation since 2013, supporting the charity’s Rugby League Development Plan, which has helped increase participation in the game, increase fan engagement and improve standards through coach education and player development,
Some 386 companies entered the Awards this year in 20 categories. Mears Group was chosen for the top prize by a panel of 30 independent expert judges. The judges said: “Mears demonstrated a holistic approach to social responsibility with innovative schemes covering all ages and utilising the variety of skills levels throughout both the community and the workforce.
“We were impressed by the effort Mears has put into social activities; for instance enabling their staff to put valuable time into community projects and putting profits directly into support for vulnerable customers. Their focus on recruiting through apprenticeship and following that through with offers of full time employment is also commendable.
“We’re impressed that Mears has introduced an innovative payment mechanism for smaller businesses – promoting the financial sustainability of their supply chain in this way not only helps Mears to deliver its projects but also brings social and economic benefits to those businesses and their communities.
“Mears also has an eye on environmental benefits as demonstrated by work on waste collection and community gardens. In all, Mears has touched on the three pillars of sustainability and for that reason we have chosen to recognise their efforts as the winner of this award.”
Andy Derry, Mears Group’s Development Support Manager, said: “Social responsibility runs through everything we do as a company, so to be awarded Social Responsibility Company of the Year is testament to all the hard work our teams carry out every day across the UK.
“Our vision is to make a positive difference to the communities we serve. We do this by improving homes, improving communities and improving lives.”
Congratulating Mears on their award, Bob Bowman, Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Director of Operations said: “Mears has been a valued partner of our charity for the last three years and their support has been key to the success of our ambition to develop rugby league in our city. Hundreds of children have engaged with our sport and been given new opportunities because of the Rugby League Development Plan, which was made possible through the backing of Mears. This award is richly deserved and on behalf of Leeds Rhinos Foundation we would like to congratulate them on their achievement.”
To find out more about Mears’ visit their website by clicking here or to find out more about the Rugby League Development Plan click here.