South Yorkshire businesses unite to champion social value at AESSEAL event

We work with disadvantaged groups to give them opportunities. I’m not interested in their disadvantages, but I am conscious of the bias that can exist against them.

 

Elisabeth Kamaris, Social Values Executive at Quickline Communications, talked about how the rural broadband provider partners with SYCF to deliver social value through two dedicated funds aimed at tackling unemployment across South Yorkshire. She also shared the success of Quickline’s unique virtual work experience programme.

It’s a great way for young people to explore what a real workplace looks like and broaden their horizons. Virtual office tours, role plays, marketing projects and CV writing all help boost confidence and open up new career options.

 

Ben Woollard, Founder of Ascend, a Sheffield-based charity supporting young adults into employment, added:

The trend in young adult employment is going the wrong way, with one in five not in work. As a charity, we’re inspired by the 2,000-year-old model of Jesus – to provide opportunities for people on the margins and bring hope through practical action.

 

Cameron Salisbury, from CHY Consultancy, led a session on social value and how businesses can match their strategy to local needs and think beyond the bottom line to support communities and create benefits that go far beyond economic value.

Guests also took part in an exclusive tour of AESSEAL’s state-of-the-art £20 million manufacturing facility and its recently opened tree walk.

Martin McKervey, AESSEAL Director and regional representative for Giving Network in Rotherham, said:

South Yorkshire’s Giving Network brings together like-minded individuals, businesses and philanthropists to create lasting impact where it is needed most – particularly in communities defined by poverty, deprivation and low income.

 

Michelle Dickinson, Head of Philanthropy and Programmes at South Yorkshire’s Community Foundation, said:

The Giving Network is about more than just traditional networking. We want to provide businesses with the chance to network with purpose by providing a platform to learn, exchange best practice and contribute to positive change in South Yorkshire communities.

 

SYGN members include Henry Boot, AESSEAL, Keepmoat Homes and Castle Square Corporate Finance.