CSR is not just something for the bigger firms Chamber of Commerce recognises local employer, Ringley

by Mary-Anne Bowring

The Camden & Islington Business Network / Islington Chamber of Commerce recognised The Ringley Group at the Emirates Stadium on 27th October 2011. Ringley is one of Camden's dynamic local businesses that will be posting results showing 30% growth, has created 6 new jobs this year and engaged with young people through the new apprentice scheme. Our procurement policies, efforts to recruit locally, give real opportunities to young people and creatively manage the buildings we look after with corporate social responsibility have been scrutinised. We're delighted to have been singled out as achievers, says MD Mary-Anne Bowring. Ronke Lawal (Islington Chamber Of Commerce) said: the judges also commented on the unique and relentless style of business - the way in which staff members are actively encouraged to get involved spoke volumes. In terms of the environment, Ringley have switched to energy-saving lightbulbs where possible, buy locally and favour contractors who use environmentally friendly products. In the office 95.9% of staff travel to work by public transport, of which 9.7% come by bicycle, we've provided safe bicycle storage space and 53% of staff now live within 3 miles (32% in 2010). Where our people have to drive, company cars are electric or hybrid and good diary management means we've reduced from 6 cars to 3 in the last 4 years despite growth. They've saved 316 trees to date. In 2011 so far 3,230kg has been recycled, with a C02 saving of 4,520kg (49 trees). That's an average of 1.2kg of paper recycled per employee each week, which for an office of 50 staff, is low in terms of the weight per employee (which means we're being energy efficient).