Ulster Carpets

At Ulster Carpets, we know that our approach has major benefits, not only for those we assist, but also for the company—its people and its profits. We pride ourselves on a happy, loyal and well-motivated workforce.

Mike MillsFormer Chief Executive, Ulster Carpets

Ulster Carpets have always been passionate about contributing positively to the community and its environment. They believe it is their duty to be socially responsible by giving to local charities, educating within the community, supporting local initiatives, protecting the environment, and embracing the diversity of their employees.

Processes

Ulster Carpets is a founding and highly active member of Business in the Community and are also members of the Northern Ireland PerCent Club, which Mike Mills, Chief Executive, is Chair.

Employees at Ulster Carpet play a key role in deciding which charitable causes should receive their support and how best to give that support. The employee funding is matched pound for pound by the company. Also employees play an active role in the community through fundraising and volunteering initiatives.

Ulster Carpets also support and participate in a number of Business in the Community initiatives and programmes. On the education side, a number of employees are involved in the Time to Read programme. From a community impact perspective they are part of the Craigavon Business Leadership Team, they have been involved in community challenges and have provided mentoring help through the Business to Business Bridge programme. They also annually participate in the ARENA Network Survey of Environmental Management and for the past couple of years have been among the top performers.

Impact

  • In 2000, employees raised more than £20,000 for local causes
  • Ulster Carpets have many structured links between education providers, such as employee involvement with local Business Education Partnerships, placement programmes for students interested in engineering or design careers and site tours for local schools. They also invest in employee education
  • # Ulster Carpets provide mentoring advice and support to small firms and offer their experience and skills to help benefit local economic development initiatives
  • The main components of an Ulster Carpet (90%), are environmentally friendly renewable sources
  • Ulster Carpets produce a charity carpet from ends of threads for community groups, schools and charities