House builder proves giving isn’t just for Christmas

Wed, Nov 22nd 2006, 11:00

Showing that Christmas generosity can last all year round, house builder Redrow has once again been named in an elite group of UK companies to invest at least 1% of their pre-tax profits in the community.

The house builder, which currently has developments in across the country, has just retained its Business in the Community (BITC) PerCent Standard for the fourth consecutive year.

This voluntary benchmark measures the contributions made by companies through cash donations, staff and management time plus gifts in kind and Redrow was one of 141 businesses to make the grade.

Between them, these 141 public spirited companies reported community investment worth a staggering £991,292,613.
 
During 2006, Redrow has so far spent nearly £1.5million on community facilities such as play areas and sports pitches, as well as pledging £27.5million to social housing initiatives in the communities in which it builds. Redrow has also planted nearly 8,000 trees and directed more than £300,000 each towards improving education and on local sponsorships/charity donations.

Caroline Peat, national community investment manager of BITC, says: “The PerCent Club is the UK's best known benchmark for measuring a company's community investment and we are delighted with Redrow's results this year - they show real commitment to putting money into local areas. Community investment is now becoming an integral part of a businesses operation because it builds brand, customer loyalty and motivates staff.”

The house builder is delighted to have retained its membership of this exclusive club, with group marketing director, Simon Bennett, saying: “Here at Redrow we always try to give back to the local areas that we build in. Our involvement in communities, whether it’s sponsoring a sports team, donating to a local charity or aiding education initiatives, means that we’re not just building houses – we’re creating a fantastic environment for people to live in.”

And to further aid its commitment to local investment, the company has launched The Redrow Foundation. 

Simon explains: “The foundation is particularly aimed at providing accommodation and related assistance - including respite care - for children in need, the elderly, the sick or infirm. The company donated an initial sum of £100,000 to celebrate our 50,000th legal completion earlier this year; now we give £50 from every legal completion secured – which translates to a substantial £250,000 each year.
 
“We also operate the Redrow Learning Web, an online educational resource for school children all over the UK, with separate modules for primary and secondary school pupils; while our Buster the Bear health and safety mascot is a champion for keeping children safe and sound.”