NPS constantly strives to contribute positively to the communities in which we operate. This sense of responsibility runs through the heart of our organisation and is reflected in our core values and our Community Investment Strategy.
BITC members
Since 2003 we have been members of Business in the Community (BITC). NPS Group provides support for Norfolk ProHelp, which is part of BITC. This organisation provides professional services free of charge for charities through its member businesses, and has become the most successful regional ProHelp group in the country.
Within BITC, we are members of the Per Cent Club — exclusively for companies who give more than 1% of their pre-tax profits to good causes. It is the oldest and most widely recognised symbol of excellence in the field of corporate investment in the community. In 2006 we contributed 42.8% of our pre-tax profit to charities, the highest proportion of any sizeable UK company.
Build Norfolk
The Build Norfolk network was established in 2005 with the support of NPS and we retain ongoing responsibility for management. It aims to stimulate the construction supply chain by supporting small businesses in the development of their skills base and capacity. This network uses Norfolk County Council’s construction programme as a catalyst for business improvement, by providing small businesses with simplified access to main contractors and the training services they need. Since its inception, 550 businesses have registered of which 65% have sought and received support to develop their businesses.
Build Norfolk has also started an initiative called ‘Build Your Construction Future’, to promote careers in the construction and the built environment. The first interactive careers event was held at Norfolk Showground in September 2008. It was supported by 63 businesses and training organisations, and attended by over 700 young people. Further events are planned for the future. Our work with Build Norfolk led to our being awarded the Eastern Daily Press Community Impact Award in 2007.
Sponsorship
At both corporate and individual levels, we contribute funds and effort to charitable events and community initiatives, including:
- For the last two years, we have contributed £5,000 to an Outward Bound community leadership programme in Wakefield. It has enabled over 1,000 young people to learn practical skills and discover hidden strengths.
- We raised £2,000 for the special care baby unit at Torbay hospital though a sponsored 50 mile, three day walking and canoeing challenge from the head of the River Dart to Dartmouth.
- We contribute financially to Theatre Royal in Norwich, helping to ensure that this cultural asset remains available to the people of East Anglia.
- A table tennis challenge raised £1,000 for the children’s wards at the Pinderfields and Pontefract Hospitals.
- A new greenhouse was donated by NPS and assembled by our staff for a Children’s Residential Centre in Wakefield.
- We raised £1,500 for the Anthony Nolan Trust by entering a crew at a dragon boat race at Whitlingham Lake in Norwich.
- Staff abseiling down Baitings Dam near Ripponden raised £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Care.
- Surplus computer equipment was donated by NPS to the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, following an approach by a staff member who had studied there.
- Our staff have cleared brambles and weeds and erected nest boxes in the wildlife area during ‘Working Days’ at Inverteign Primary School in Devon.
- Our colleagues across the Group also support national fundraising days such as; ‘Jeans for Genes’, ‘Red Nose Day’, and ‘Wear it Pink’.
