Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is quickly becoming the deciding factor when choosing where to work, who to do business with, and who to buy from. Today, 88% of people in the UK think that organisations have the resources and influence to make change at international, national and local levels; and 78% think they should do it.
A business that creates positive social and environmental change through its beliefs, practices and profits is considered to have fulfilled its corporate social responsibility. Positive change can manifest in many different forms, from creating a product using sustainable materials to donating a percentage of your profits to charity.
The Business Benefits Of A CSR Strategy
An increasing number of businesses are addressing their corporate social responsibility, recognising its ability to raise brand awareness and build trust. If you’re a business owner and haven’t yet considered changing how you do things to make life that little bit better, here are another two reasons why you should integrate CSR into your business model:
1. It helps to attract and retain talent
Research from the 2016 Cone Communications Millennial Employee Engagement Study found that 75% of millennials would take a pay cut to work for a socially responsible company, while 83% would be more loyal to a company that helps them contribute to social and environmental issues.
2. It boosts profits
When interviewed by The Independent, Simon Cole from Reputation Dividend, recently said: “In the last couple of years, I’ve been isolating CSR and addressing its value. The gross of companies in the FTSE 350 index stood at £2,530bn of which 39 per cent – or £986bn – is the total reputation value. Of this, CSR accounts for 7.7 per cent, therefore, the gross value of ‘matters CSR’ is £76bn in the UK.”
How Does SureStore Generate Environmental and Social Change?
At SureStore we take our responsibility to the community and environment incredibly seriously. Despite being a relatively new company, having opened the doors to our first facility in Bolton in May of 2018, we have already generated significant positive change.
Environmental Change at SureStore
Over the past year, we have opened three Generation 4 facilities in Bolton, Northwich and Cannock. Part of what makes these facilities special is their sustainability. To reduce our company’s carbon footprint, each of our stores incorporates solar panelled roofing and provides electric car charging points which are free for our customers to use. All of our corridors have proximity-activated LED lighting and a large percentage of the steel used in the construction of our buildings is recycled.
Social Change at SureStore
Charity
Each year, the self storage industry supports over 2000 charities. Whether it’s free storage space, help raising funds, getting stuck in by volunteering or making a donation, at SureStore, we work closely with a number of charities to provide them with the help they need most.
Donating
Many of our chosen charity partners raise funds throughout the year by hosting all kinds of events such as the Backup North West Gala Ball. We always ensure that members of our team attend these events and regularly donate prizes to help raise money.
A few snaps of the team at SureStore Bolton enjoying Backup North West’s Gala Ball.
Volunteering and Fundraising
An article in The Guardian based off research from the Bureau of Investigative Journalism found at least 78 homeless people died in the UK over winter last year. To help boost awareness of homelessness and raise much-needed funds for the young homeless community of Bolton, we hosted and took part in Backup North West’s annual Charity Sleep Out. At the end of November, our Director, Paul Whittaker, braved the cold alongside 30 other volunteers to support the cause.
The 22 volunteers who took part in Backup North West’s 2018 Charity Sleep Out.
Free Storage Space
HAFWAY has been engaging young people of Bolton in all kinds of sports and outdoor activities for the past 20 years. To assist this local charity, we provide them with storage space free of charge. HAFWAY use this space to store all sorts of sports equipment and camping gear which they can come and pick up as and when they need it. As a not-for-profit, volunteer-run organisation, this helping hand has proved to be invaluable.
HAFWAY visiting SureStore Bolton to collect some kit for their latest Duke of Edinburgh expedition.
Sponsorship
Throughout 2018, we have sponsored various local events, including Bolton’s Winter Weekend. This year’s event delivered heaps of seasonal family fun, all in aid of local charities Bolton Hospice and Boot Out Breast Cancer.
To find out more about our sustainable offering and involvement in the local community, visit our website or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.