2005 Big Tick winner

Example of Excellence in 2005

2006 Big Tick winner

Re-accredited in 2006

Big Tick winner

Impact on Society Award for Small Companies, Example of Excellence

Axis Europe

Impact on Society Award for a Small Company 2005 in association with the Institute of Directors

Last year, Axis Europe donated £96,000 to Charlton's community programme.

Whilst Axis have always had a number of ad-hoc community initiatives, they decided to take a more strategic approach which would take into account recruitment processes, winning and retaining business and how the company was perceived in the local community.

Processes

Axis Europe PLC core business includes repairs and maintenance; painting and decorating; general contracting, retail display and print – they employ 190 staff.

Working with three community partners: Charlton Athletic, Demelza House and The Lord's Taverners, they have a range of programmes focusing on promoting diversity and social inclusion.  These include participation in Red, White and Black day, (a proactive programme to tackle racism), 'Disability Awareness Day' and encouraging involvement in sport.

Other programmes raise awareness of employment within Axis and the construction industry in general, increasing employees existing skills and breaking down gender stereotypes in the construction industry through improving links with local employment initiatives.

The company is involved in several local mentoring programmes with a head teachers and Leaders of Community Groups this has led to further community initiatives including a new pilot initiative to recruit labourers with criminal convictions.

The company has also looked more strategically at its environmental impacts including the material they use and their transport requirements.

Last year, Axis Europe donated £96,000 to Charlton's community programme, including funds for girl's community grass roots football and the social inclusion programme. Staff volunteered 129 hours of company time, matched by 192 hours of their own time in 2004 to promote these schemes.

Impact

  • Recruiting and providing apprenticeships for the local community has resulted in 25% of vacancies from October 2004 to January 2005 filled by Community Partners.
  • Direct financial donations to local community groups and charities are 8% of total pre-tax profits.
  • Environmental management system commits the company to sustainable policies and accreditation to ISO 14001.

See also