Building a High-Capability Leadership Team Invest to Grow Invest to Diversify Governance
We want to leave the world in a better place than the one we inherited.
Good
A message from our CEO
As we navigate an ever-changing global landscape, I am proud to present John Good Group’s 2023 Impact Report, which embodies our commitment to sustainable growth and responsible business practices.
This report outlines our ambitious journey towards a more sustainable future, detailing our environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and robust governance framework. We have set clear, measurable targets across all ESG dimensions, reflecting our dedication to transparency and accountability.
On the environmental front, we are taking our first steps to reduce our carbon footprint, focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing. Our goal is not just to mitigate our impact but to actively contribute to a healthier planet and thriving communities.
Socially, we are investing in our greatest asset: our people. We are fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace where every individual can thrive. Through the Matthew Good Foundation, our community impact initiatives aim to create lasting positive change in the areas where we operate and beyond.
Our governance structure ensures that we maintain the highest standards of conduct and transparency. We believe that strong governance is the foundation of sustainable business practices and long-term value creation, and we won’t compromise on those values.
As we look to the future, we see tremendous opportunities to innovate and lead in our industries. Our ESG strategy is not just about compliance; it’s about reimagining our business to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Whilst we acknowledge that we are not perfect and face some uncontrollable factors, particularly related to Scope 3 emissions, we are implementing strategies to effectively balance these activities.
We are committed to being a force for good, driving positive change whilst delivering value to all our stakeholders.
I invite you to explore this document and join us on this exciting journey. Together, we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.
Adam Walsh CEO, JOHN GOOD GROUP
Our
Purpose
We’re a sixth-generation company that creates strategies and provides investment for performance, growth and enhances lives for long-term success, with a commitment to sustainability.
People Planet Performance
Provide the best opportunity for personal and professional development.
Ensure a positive impact on the environment and society at the centre of all our choices.
Build a range of diversified income streams so that we can sustainably reinvest in businesses and our wider purpose.
People
Provide the best opportunity for personal and professional development.
Welcome to
...is the culture that embodies John Good Group, that nurtures your personal and professional growth and embeds you into a collaborative and supporting working environment. Empowering you to make a positive impact on your development, the society and the planet.
Rather than simply handing out these rewards during the working day, we make an event of it so that everyone can come together and hear about each other’s successes. From regular socials and team building days to our two annual company-wide events in summer and at Christmas, there’s always cause for celebration at John Good Group.
This section looks at how we put people first, including our employees and their families, through wellbeing initiatives, training and rewards.
The John Good Group Employee Giving Programme fuels our passion to deliver social impact and gives our people the rewarding experience of engaging directly with the charities they support. This is delivered in multiple ways, whether that’s through volunteering days and pro-bono work, to nominating small charities and projects to receive a Champion Grant.
222 Volunteering Hours Delivered
2023 also saw an enormous increase in volunteering throughout the John Good Group. Our employees really did go above and beyond by donating 222 hours of their time to charities and community groups, which was a 323% increase compared to 2022.
Champion Grants
£41,500 58 Organisations
Employees can nominate small charities and projects in their local community to receive grants of up to £1,000
Donation Match
£1,300 17 Organisations
Employee’s personal donations are matched, so every £1 donated becomes £2 donated.
In total during 2023, a staggering £54,158 was raised through employee giving, which has created an ambitious benchmark for future years.
Double Match
£7,108 9 Organisations
Employees fundraising efforts are double matched when they fundraise for charity, so every £1 raised becomes £3 raised.
Monthly Draw
£4,250 11 Organisations
Every month, employees are entered into a draw, with the winners receiving a £250 donation to their charity of choice.
2023 Total £54,158
Rich
Supporting charities through
As well as financial donations, our people provide invaluable advice, guidance and support through pro bono work. This is shaped around the specific needs of a charity and our own skill set, such as a not-for-profit organisation requiring help with human resources being matched with one of our HR specialists.
A recent example is Rich Quelch, our Chief Marketing Officer, donating his time and knowledge to FiND, a charity based in East Yorkshire that supports young people with severe learning disabilities and/or autism. We originally awarded FiND with a £15,000 grant and a professional film to help them share their story. Rich was so inspired by their work that he jumped at the chance to provide extra support through a marketing workshop, as well as talking to the team about how to create a strong marketing plan.
Rich is currently working with FiND to deliver their new brand proposition, marketing execution and website to support their plans for the next 3-5 years.
When our Chief Financial Officer, Ben Norman, donated £2,000 to a charity of his choice, the Group donated £2,000 as well Adam Walsh, took on a cycling challenge for charity and raised £2,000
Added to these are various other matches and grants, bringing the amount donated through our Employee Giving Programme to £9,060
Leadership donations
Our leadership teams don’t just provide our employees with multiple opportunities to support worthy causes - they also get involved themselves. From marathons and cycling challenges to advocacy and pro bono consultancy, here’s a look at how our leaders made a positive impact in 2023.
Personal donations
Our leaders made £12,518 of personal donations into the Amplify Fund, which expands the range of programmes available through the Matthew Good Foundation by partnering with like-minded businesses.
An additional £6,522.35 was raised through a cycling fundraiser, plus another £202.50 through other personal donations to charities.
This comes to £19,242.85 personally donated by our management team to a wide variety of charitable organisations based in the UK and around the world.
Our employees also support the Matthew Good Foundation with their expertise:
Mike Bolton
Management of accounts and finances
Darren Howden Management of IT
Kevin Harrison Trustee of Matthew Good Foundation
Rachel Lowe, Debbie Murgett & Chloe Lawson Assisted with HR
Who
£32,302.85
Altogether, the above activity comes to an impressive £32,302.85 raised through personal donations and employee fundraising in 2023.
A limited amount of these funds remain in the Matthew Good Foundation, with the majority being donated to the following charities:
• Hulls Children’s University
• Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
• The Junction, Hedon
• Sailors Children’s Society
• Leeds Hospitals Charity
• WISHH
• The Wheelchair Football Association
• Chasing Rainbows
• Bronwen’s Wish
• Rubens Voice
• Friends of Inman Primary School
• Bradley Lowry Foundation
• Macmillan Cancer Support
• The Brain Tumour Charity
• Children with Cancer UK
In 2023 we launched our Wellbeing Warriors initiative, which offers the opportunity for team members to go above and beyond to support the mental wellbeing of their colleagues. The initiative involves special training designed to fuel a more welcoming and inclusive work environment for everyone here at John Good Group.
Wellbeing Warriors are helpful individuals who provide emotional support to anyone within the business who is experiencing stress, anxiety, concerns or challenges. In some cases they may simply have a cuppa and a chat with them to ease their tension, or it could be a case of providing signposting to internal or external services. In doing so, this initiative ensures that tailored support is actively available group-wide at all times.
The recruitment of the Wellbeing Warriors began when we recognised the potential for more proactive staff support. As well as always being available to talk about anything from mental and physical wellbeing to the menopause and financial matters, Wellbeing Warriors also work alongside the People team to plan, shape and implement our wider wellbeing programme. In the process, as a means of facilitating continuous personal development, their knowledge, tools and resources are regularly updated and expanded.
This new initiative revolves around confidentiality – everything discussed with
a Wellbeing Warrior stays between the two of you, except for when they decide they need to raise the subject with the People team in order to organise further support.
Many of our Wellbeing Warriors are also Mental Health First Aiders, which is another initiative that began in 2023. These people receive more in-depth training, giving them the confidence and skills to help anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis.
Where our Wellbeing Warriors focus on promoting overall wellbeing through proactive and preventative methods, our Mental Health First Aiders concentrate on early intervention and immediate support. They’re not a replacement for GPs, counsellors, or other medical professionals, but they can ensure that team members access the right kind of resources and signpost to the most suitable services.
Mental Wellbeing Training
John Good Group has always taken the wellbeing of employees very seriously, which is why all line managers receive mental wellbeing training that gives them the tools to support their teams much more effectively. This is being continuously developed and has seen significant improvements during 2023.
The dedicated training enables our line managers to build awareness of mental wellbeing, challenge stigma, develop coping strategies, encourage a culture of openness and communication, and build teams that value and prioritise wellbeing.
Launched in 2023, YuLife gives our employees access to 24/7 virtual GP consultations and mental health support.
The YuLife app also runs wellbeing challenges for our employees and their family members. The step challenge comes with a leaderboard that has turned into a healthy bit of competition across the company, inspiring our team members to get their steps in throughout the day. When it’s time to unwind, the app has fun “YuDoku” puzzles and our employees can try to beat each other’s times.
Completely free access to 24/7 virtual GPs, mental health support and wellbeing challenges is also available to employees and their family members via the YuLife app. To ensure suitable estate planning, employees are also given the opportunity to write a will for free if they don’t already have one, which offers even greater peace of mind to them and their families.
YuLife has a unique and impactful format, as employee activities such as walks, cycling, workouts, meditation and brain training are logged in the app, which then convert into positive activity carried out elsewhere in the world. This further incentivises wellbeing, as personal improvement directly equates to global change.
YuLife has become a daily part of my day, with step challenges and ‘Yudoku’, it’s really made me think about how physically active I am in my day-to-day life. It is even more motivating that we get rewarded for completing these activities which have built up many Asos and Tesco discounts and can donate to varied charities. I’ve also used the virtual GP service on YuLife – this provided ease and convenience of booking a GP appointment and having a call back the same day, without leaving my home.
Since the roll-out of YuLife began
John Good Group’s employees have enabled the following achievements:
Provided 18,480 litres, or 28 weeks, of clean water. 185 trees planted, equating to 10,175 of CO2 removed
28.1kg of plastic has been removed from the oceans.
I love the Yulife app and it’s helped me discover that I enjoy doing meditation tasks and it encourages me to go out on walks. Since using it, I have made more of an effort to exercise and I’m rewarded with coins that I can donate, or it helps with the monthly food shop!
Medicash
John Good Group has always provided employees with health plans, but Medicash being introduced in 2023 took this to a whole new level. Medicash facilitates improved health and wellbeing through multiple benefits, including:
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Virtual GP
• Menopause Support Line
• Physiotherapy
• SkinVision (skin health advice and early skin cancer detection)
By increasing employees’ awareness and understanding of health plans as well as providing easy access to them, the Group is enabling personal empowerment and a more proactive approach to personal health and wellbeing.
Dealing with ADHD in a child can be incredibly challenging, especially when waiting for a diagnosis feels like an endless journey. The support we’ve received from Medicash allowed us to have a private consultation, enabling us to obtain a diagnosis within weeks rather than months. Although it’s just a start, it means so much. It’s a reminder that every step forward is a victory, and we’re grateful for each one.
Paul
I use the cash plan frequently to claim for regular check-ups such as dental visits and eye tests. It’s also been invaluable in helping me proactively manage my health by enabling me to visit the Osteopath regularly to prevent back pain.
Debbie
Health & Wellness Discounts
Rather than an afterthought or something that our employees find hard to fit into their busy lives, we want to make health and wellness an integral part of working at John Good Group. To make the improvement of personal wellbeing more accessible, we’ve begun to offer discounts on a wide range of activities and resources, such as:
• Gym memberships
• Fitness wearables
• Nutritious meals and supplements
Access to live instructor-led classes for free through the Extras section and Improve app, from Pilates and HIIT workouts to meditation and mindfulness.
During 2023, we’ve found that this hasn’t simply made it easier for employees to explore the many options available for improving their own health and wellbeing, but also encouraged group activities between colleagues and within teams. This is an added bonus, as it fuels greater communication, trust, enjoyment and social inclusion within the workforce.
Putting People First
Our employees are our greatest asset, which is why we’re dedicated to giving them everything they need to enhance their skills and gain the confidence to go the extra mile. To achieve this, John Good Group offers a variety of training opportunities that put people first.
The initiatives below have been given additional focus during 2023 as a means of increasing both wider usage and a deeper impact:
• Leadership management training
• Sustainability training
• Male health training
• Menopause training and Menopause Advocates
The introduction of the menopause training was a poignant moment for me. Not only are men being trained on menopause, but it also created a realisation that my Mum was probably not diagnosed correctly when it came to menopause. Mum isn’t with us now and seeing that menopause can have a huge impact on women and the symptoms it creates – it made sense that she wasn’t treated correctly.
Now I know how menopause can have such an impact on a woman, I can at least understand and be sensitive if any of my colleagues are going through a similar situation.
Rich
Chloe Lawson
JUNIOR PEOPLE ADVISOR
Our people enable us to fulfil our vision, so we want to show our appreciation by launching our Living the Dream initiative. In 2023, we launched Living the Dream, with our first winner being announced in December of that year.
No matter what’s on your bucket list, from diving in the Great
from Good Travel Management, had always dreamed of learning how to surf on Bondi Beach, so that’s exactly what we organised for her. We look forward to announcing our second winner at the 2024 Summer BBQ.
Empowering People
Every team member within John Good Group doesn’t simply fill a role, as they also bring passion, bright ideas, a can-do attitude and lots of laughs to the mix.
We are committed to the development of our teams and actively empower our people so that they can achieve more in their roles, explore exciting opportunities within the Group, support their colleagues and delight our clients.
Our recruitment and employee retention efforts during 2023 placed additional focus on attracting, training and retaining the best of the best from every demographic, ensuring a winning combination of inclusivity and excellence.
33%
SENIOR FEMALE LEADERS ACROSS THE BUSINESS
AVERAGE LENGTH OF SERVICE ACROSS THE GROUP 7.59 years
NOW PAID MORE THAN THE NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WAGE
5 NEW APPRENTICESHIPS GRADUATES TAKEN ON 13.21%
2 45
AVERAGE AGE OF ACROSS THE GROUP
Death in service
NOW COVERS ALL EMPLOYEES
LABOUR TURNOVER, 21% LOWER THAN THE UK AVERAGE
Cost of living pay
INCREASES ARE IN LINE WITH CURRENT INFLATIONARY RATES
Our
People Policies
We have a comprehensive system in place to support, protect and empower our employees. During 2023, this has been developed further to include enhanced family-friendly policies that pay more than statutory requirements and cover all aspects of life, such as fertility, carers, grandparents leave, and much more.
The following policies are in now place throughout our Group to ensure fairness, inclusivity, personal support and an amazing work environment:
• Menopause & Andropause Policy
• Neurodiversity Policy
• Flexible working
• Enhanced Family Friendly Policies
• Enhanced Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Policy
• Enhanced Disciplinary, Grievance and Whistleblowing
Ensure a positive impact on the environment and society at the centre of all our choices.
In 2023, the Matthew
Good Foundation saw a stellar year of supporting worthy causes.
£302,901 GRANTED IN 2023
More than £302,000 was granted to charities, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises, which was the largest sum yet. A 26% increase compared to 2022.
172
ORGANISATIONS BENEFITING
£1 Million
MILESTONE REACHED
We also achieved a record number of 172 organisations benefiting from one of our funding and support packages in a single year. Breaking this down further, 90% of funds were granted to small nonprofits with an annual income under £1million, and just under half of that were granted to microorganisations with an annual income of less than £50,000
£166,028 IN YORKSHIRE AND HUMBER REGION
Yet another major milestone was reached in 2023, as the Matthew Good Foundation celebrated £1,000,000 of funds granted since its founding in 2011. To mark the occasion, two previous beneficiaries, HER Breast Friends and Clean Planet, received surprise additional donations of £5,000 each in unrestricted funding.
Out of a total of £302,901, the Yorkshire and Humber region received an astounding £166,028 in funding, which reflects our employees’ passion for supporting charity and community projects on our doorstep.
It was also in 2023 that the Matthew Good Foundation expanded its range of programmes on offer through the Amplify Fund, which increased the volume of investment made by our partners.
Meanwhile, Amplify Charity Films marked its first full year of helping nonprofits to communicate their messages through highquality promotional videos, which are created by a professional storyboarding and videography team.
Summing up 2023, Amplify achieved the following figures in aid of nonprofit organisations across the UK and overseas:
£169,095 (20% increase) across 151 organisations
£14,010 (139% increase) across 10 organisations
£119,796 (30% increase) across 21 organisations
Michelle Taft EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Grants for Good
2023 Recipients
Access
Each quarter, the Matthew Good Foundation shortlists 5 organisations with an income under £50,000.
Humber Wellbeing Hub
Care Across Communities
£2500
Working Wardrobe £2000
City of Hull Street Angels £5000
Stand Tall Strength & Wellbeing
£2500
Fathoms Free £3500
Hedgerow Heroes
Reel Creative
We believe in giving all of our colleagues the opportunity to get involved in this, which is why the amounts allocated are decided by John Good Group employees through a voting system. The more votes an individual charity receives, the more funding it is then allocated.
Tim’s Social Impact
Tim Good is the sixth-generation custodian of our familyrun company. As the Non-Executive Director of John Good Group and the Chairman of the Matthew Good Foundation, Tim is passionate about supporting worthy causes.
Tim is known for his energy and ideas. In 2011 he founded the Matthew Good Foundation and he continues to take a keen interest in projects that positively impact people, communities and the environment.
THE REEF-WORLD FOUNDATION Philippines
Through the Matthew Good Foundation, John Good Group has been supporting the Reef-World Foundation for ten years. Its mission is to minimise the effects of humans on the marine environment, particularly coral reefs. Most recently, we part-funded the development of the Green Fins Hub in 2023, the first ever global marine tourism industry platform. Tim Good is a trustee of the ReefWorld Foundation and has visited some of its projects in the Philippines.
Africa
NATIONAL PARK RESCUE INGA FOUNDATION
Honduras
In 2023 our foundation committed £10,000 per year for three years to help the most effective anti-poaching NGOs in Africa. In the National Parks they have taken on, poaching was reduced by over 90% in the first year and elephant poaching is down by 94%. In one case, lion numbers increased significantly in a short period. Tim is yet to visit NPR but hopes to in the near future.
The Inga Foundation is an extraordinary UK NGO working in Honduras to bring an alternative to the practice of slash and burn, which destroys enormous volumes of virgin rainforest every year. Through 2023, we funded a film for social media to help tell their story. Another feature film is now being made, which follows their progress over the last ten years. Tim has done some of the filming personally and interviewed their founder.
TROPICAL BIOLOGY
Africa
OCEAN
WELLBEING
Cornwall
This is a subproject of a group based in Cornwall which collects ocean plastic and recycles it into things such as kayaks, chairs, sunglasses and other useful items. In addition, they started a project called Ocean Wellbeing, which takes on disadvantaged adults suffering from poverty, poor mental health and PTSD. Tim has been on their boat and got involved in beach cleans.
ASSOCIATION
The Tropical Biology Association specialises in educating and building environmental leadership in countries where conservation is most needed. This sort of project is like planting a seed – the benefits can take ten years to be seen but the leverage and positive outcomes can be huge. In 2023, Matthew Good Foundation funded a project in a wetland area of Africa.
In 2023, the Foundation funded Ready, a non-profit initiative aimed at raising awareness of medical issues that can impact runners during training and races, ensuring their safety. The app is set to launch in 2024, so stay
Operationally Carbon Neutral Since 2022
John Good Group is a 191-year-old family business. As a result, it has seen enormous changes take place during that time, with a major focus on becoming operationally carbon neutral. This aligns perfectly with the Group’s planet-first approach, which includes long-term sustainability plans that influence every decision we make.
To demonstrate our commitment to sustainability, John Good Group worked with leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM to measure and report the Group’s carbon footprint for 2022. All of the data gathered aligned to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This insight enabled the Group to further develop its green initiatives, including the rolling out of carbon reduction programmes across each of its businesses.
Examples of the changes and improvements implemented include renewable energy generation, the introduction of hybrid and EV vehicles, a review of suppliers, and the development of several people-focused initiatives aimed at carbon-contributing factors such as commuting miles.
We are very proud to say that in 2023, John Good Group announced that it had achieved operational carbon neutrality for all of its businesses – John Good & Sons, Good Travel Management, Dan Shipping & Chartering, TEPS, and Bay Shipping.
Achieving operational carbon neutrality is one of many steps in John Good Group’s sustainability journey, and we continue to focus on further reducing our carbon emissions wherever possible.
Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) are a collection of interlinked objectives designed to serve as a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future”.
By placing these objectives at the core of every action we take, both internally and on behalf of our clients, we’re helping to make the world a fairer, healthier and greener place today and for generations yet to come.
Each decision we make has these SDGs at its core. From measuring and reducing our carbon emissions to integrating sustainability throughout our working environments, this section explores how John Good Group prioritises local communities and the global environment.
FY22 Measurement
At John Good Group, we have embarked on a transformative journey to comprehend and actively mitigate our carbon footprint across Scopes 1, 2, and 3. We are committed to becoming an exemplary business and being transparent in sharing our carbon emissions across all categories.
Tackling Scopes 1 and 2
We have already implemented new initiatives to address our Scope 1 and 2 emissions, ensuring a proactive approach to controlling the variables within Scopes 1 & 2 where we can in supporting our the reduction of our operational carbon output.
Customer Partnerships: Driving Sustainable Change
Customer partnerships are pivotal in our quest to reduce Scope 3 emissions. Wherever possible, we leverage data, insights, and new technology to support and influence our ‘uncontrollable’ Scope 3 emissions. Our business travel division exemplifies this commitment, introducing carbon insights at the point of booking, enabling our customers to understand the environmental impact of their journeys.
Investing in Sustainability Expertise
To further solidify our commitment, we have invested in sustainability training for all our travel consultants. In collaboration with Sustainable Futures, a leading UK travel sustainability expert, we are equipping our team with the knowledge and skills to explore all avenues of CO2 emission reduction within our Scope 3 operations.
Our Reduction Plan Journey
Controllable
We are on a journey when it comes maintaining and improving our operational carbon neutrality status across the group. Which is why we are constantly analysing our output as a group of businesses and putting programmes in place.
From selecting green energy tariffs with our electricity suppliers, to installing solar and battery energy we continue to invest in our future when it comes to reducing our carbon emissions.
We have rolled out the first phase of our EV car scheme, which has been taken up by 90% of our senior team. Our new head office now boasts 24 EV charges with the car park to create accessibility for all EV drivers.
The group is committed to investing in initiatives and new technologies when they materialise over the coming years. In the meantime, we continue to focus on reducing fuel consumption, operational waste, CO2 emissions connected to our supply chain and employee commuting.
Uncontrollable
The term ‘uncontrollable’ refers to carbon emissions that are not created directly by our Group but are connected to its supply chain. The travel suppliers that Good Travel Management partners with are a good example. To mitigate the CO2e associated with customer purchases, which in 2022 came to 199,000.25 tonnes, we are now promoting travel suppliers that work to reduce their environmental impact, such as airlines using sustainable aviation fuel, electric car hire fleets, and hotels that have strong green initiatives.
In addition, our online booking tools enable our customers to view potential CO2 emissions relating to their travel and choose more efficient methods. CO2 measurement is reported and offsetted via Thrust Carbon, and trip approval software is in place to decide whether a particular trip is necessary based on sustainability, travel risk, traveller wellbeing and cost.
To maximise the direct influence that our corporate travel specialists have on customers’ travel decisions, all staff take part in sustainability training to ensure they can recognise sources of carbon emissions and play a role in reducing them.
Carbon Offset Portfolio
The projects selected include:
To offset the Group’s residual emissions for 2022, John Good Group partnered with Climate Impact Partners to purchase carbon credits. Working together, the two teams selected initiatives that make significant contributions to the communities they serve while also addressing the global issue of climate change by avoiding and reducing carbon emissions.
DEGRADED GRASSLANDS AFFORESTATION
Uruguay
Reduction is our focus now, and whilst it might be our reality for several years yet, we know reliance on carbon offsets is not the answer to the climate problems we’re facing or to be relied upon by the Group for the answer to our responsibilities. Our businesses operate in industries that have material impacts on the environment, so reducing carbon output is essential. Our view is a pragmatic one, however, and we believe by engaging and collaborating within these industries, showing leadership and working with others to make a difference, we have the opportunity to challenge and influence the wider industries we operate in to help shape a greener future.
RIMBA RAYA BIODIVERSITY RESEARCH REDD+
As well as being powerful initiatives that have a significant positive impact on communities and the global environment, these projects also align with the seven UN Sustainable Development Goals that John Good Group has made a commitment to supporting:
James White at Climate Impact Partners had this to say about the partnership:
“Our collaboration with John Good Group is about delivering action on climate change and creating a more sustainable world. We worked together to identify projects that truly align with their ethos and support the UN’s SDGs in the most meaningful way.”
MUDBRICK ROCKET STOVES
RURAL CLEAN COOKING
Malawi
India Indonesia
Head Office New
The design and build of our new Head Office is currently in progress. Located on the beautiful grounds of Hesslewood Business Park, which is adjacent to the A63 and a stone’s throw from the Humber Bridge, these custom-built premises align with the Group’s core pillars.
Creating a space that inspires our People and allows them to grow is a top priority. Our new head office is built with sustainability at its core, supporting our values and Planet initiatives. Additionally, the office layout is carefully crafted to enhance and enable optimal Performance.
From day one, we’ve ensured that the teams involved in the design of the building take a localfirst approach. A large part of this is using suppliers that are on our doorstep as a means of supporting the local economy, as well as reducing the carbon emissions associated with materials being transported to the site. If a local supplier isn’t available for a particular material or product, we then search further afield for the most eco-friendly option.
Simultaneously, we’re placing significant emphasis on using sustainable materials throughout the design and construction phases. This has enabled us unleash our creativity, such as a boardroom carpet made from recycled fishing nets. Meanwhile, the repurposing of materials from a building in Canary Wharf enabled us to create our raised access flooring, all while preventing them from being sent to landfill. From locally sourced timber throughout the premises to solar panels on the roof, we can honestly say that our new Head Office has sustainability integrated from floor to ceiling. The eco-friendly infrastructure of our new home is setting an ambitious new standard for sustainable design, demonstrating the Group’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact.
In addition to impressive green credentials, the premises have also been designed to inspire, motivate and empower employees and visitors. Forming a melting pot of collaboration and innovation, a wide range of versatile spaces will serve as a hub for business activities, events and community engagement. Working with our partners, we’re creating state-of-the-art environments that will not only motivate the current team but also attract top talent to the company.
EVs
Another key development in our carbon reduction plan has been the switching of all company cars to hybrid models across the Group. Our new Head Office, which has sustainability at its heart, is being designed so that multiple electric charging points will be available to our employees. We also encourage car sharing wherever possible, which helps to reduce the carbon emissions created by our team members during their daily commutes.
Performance
Build a range of diversified income streams so that we can sustainably reinvest in businesses and our wider purpose.
JOHN GOOD & SONS LIMITED
Chairman’s statement for the year ended 31 December 2023
Nowhere illustrates how seriously the group takes its purpose better than with its commitment to the funding and development through pro-bono support to the Matthew Good Foundation. This year saw a major milestone reached with the foundation surpassing £1 million granted to non-profits since its founding by the Group in 2011. Grants in 2023 provided 23% of that total, illustrating the ramping up of the funds made available from the group to the foundation.
Despite an even more volatile business environment that we endured in 2022, the 2023 financial performance and long-term strategic progress have been ahead of expectations. If 2022 was a transitional year following the disposal of John Good Logistics Limited in 2021, 2023 should be defined as a foundational year, where all the building blocks for the group’s future growth were put into place.
Inflation was the economic story of the year, running at an average of 5-6%. In low-margin industries, which account for most of the group’s business lines, margin protection and close monitoring of costs have been essential and remain a focus for management. Energy and fuel prices eased during the year, which had a positive impact on costs, as we were able to renegotiate energy supply at several locations.
Interest rates were, of course, a challenge for the wider economy, but the group was well-positioned to deal with the new higher-rate environment, with no debt and strong cash holdings. The impact is being felt with customers, with a number of them reducing activities, which directly impacts trade with the group. It is therefore pleasing to see that the strategic investment into organic growth has provided protection from the full impact of these economic trends.
It has been a year of hard graft and long hours for all our team, but the green shoots of growth are now evident for all to see. The Board and I are pleased with the progress made, but we are well aware of the hard work still ahead.
Stewart Oades
NON-EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN
Building a High-Capability Leadership Team
One of John Good Group’s strategic objectives is to build a high-capability leadership team at both a group and an operational level. Within this objective, we have set out to access talent that any one of the businesses individually couldn’t justify. As a result, we can attract and retain the best people from around the UK, enabling John Good Group and its businesses to achieve its ambitions.
Adam Walsh CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Ben
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Norman
Rachel Lowe
Rich Quelch
results.
People pillar, leadership development
accredited learning and development
we are ensuring that each business, whole is spearheaded by individuals Group achieve ambitious milestones.
Laura Busby COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Invest to Grow
From 2022 to 2023, Good Travel Management underwent a comprehensive rebrand and a new website was launched. This swiftly led to a 367% uplift in visibility and a 562% increase in inbound lead generation, putting the company front and centre for corporate travel.
367% increase in visibility
This was soon followed by the acquisition of the corporate customers of Wexas Travel. This seven-figure acquisition has added 70% growth to the turnover of Good Travel Management and saw 21 employees from Wexas Travel joining the business, bringing the headcount of the company to over 50.
Also in 2023, Good Travel Management tripled its existing record of new accounts. This is a tangible example of how investment in people, recruitment and marketing can bring powerful results very quickly.
21 new team members
70% turnover growth
THE MARITIME DIVISION
A recent development was the alignment of Bay Shipping and Dan Shipping as the Maritime Division of John Good Group. This brings greater clarity and collaboration, as they now work in unity with each other to deliver exceptional services on a national level.
Brand building was very much a focus area for 2023 across the John Good Group, which saw Dan Shipping and Bay Shipping also receive thoroughly redesigned websites and a key investment in marketing activity.
We’re very proud to say that our Maritime Division won the Customer Care Award at the IBJ Awards in 2023. This is a testament to the incredibly high level of service provided by these businesses across their teams in Cardiff, Immingham and the Humber region.
This expansion not only increased TEPS’s capabilities but also greatly enhanced its operational efficiency, ensuring that it can fulfil the needs of more clients and speed up their supply chains.
TEPS, our warehousing and logistics business, received a multi-million-pound investment to build a state-of-the-art 25,000 sq. ft warehouse and a 1,900 sq. ft office block. Due to be completed in 2024, the new warehouse will increase the company’s capacity to almost 200,000 sq. ft, with the ability to house 5,000 pallets.
TEPS also received a rebrand and a new website in 2023 thanks to a strategic investment in its marketing. This has further helped to establish its reputation as a leader in supply chain warehousing, container management and distribution.
We transformed the John Good Group brand during 2023 in order to reposition ourselves as a trusted expert in business evolution, growth and strategy.
We are beginning to implement the newly developed propositions and initiatives, which are gradually raising awareness. To maximise our impact, we are leveraging our existing relationships with family business networks and UK-based companies to engage, educate and partner.
Looking back in-house, we’re all set to launch a new HR system called People First in 2024. This is an investment in our employees, as it allows us to deliver a wide range of policies, wellbeing initiatives, CPD opportunities and performance programmes more effectively. It will also give employees an easier way to share their thoughts through an internal feedback scheme, as well as support our talent attraction strategy.
This period has also seen our management teams creating new relationships across the not-for-profit sectors, both in the UK and abroad. Through strategic networking and the forging of new collaborations, the Group has greatly extended its positive impact and opened up multiple opportunities for future business projects and charitable activity.
We are also supporting the performance and wellbeing of our team members in multiple other ways, particularly through realigned policies to match the demographics of current and future staff. In addition, our people are offered flexible working arrangements, attractive EV car schemes, and inspiring environments where they can deliver their best work.
Invest to Diversify
John Good Group is committed to creating and nurturing long-term partnerships that are designed to bring lasting results.
We don’t believe in quick wins – we are in this for the long haul. We continually seek to invest in industries that allow the group to diversify into new industries that have ties with renewable energy. Providing sustainability not only for the future of the group but also aligning our values with industries that do good for the planet.
Venture Fund
The John Good Venture Fund is dedicated to smaller investments that we believe will have a large positive impact.
To achieve this, we provide seed funding to new start-ups and accelerator funding to ambitious businesses looking to scale up their operations, making the Venture Fund a genuine changemaker for a variety of sectors.
Founded by Charlie Cook, Rightcharge was created to enable every household to go green by breaking down any barriers in the way. In 2023, with a minor investment from John Good Group, Rightcharge was able to adapt to the electric vehicle market and evolve quickly to focus on a repositioned B2B offering.
As part of this, market research and customer interviews were carried out to better understand consumer demand and align services to fill a gap in the market.
This investment enabled the rapid design and build of a new product, which led to a clear sales pipeline with the largest UK fleets, the onboarding of their first enterprise customer, and the opening of multiple large partnership negotiations.
Governance
Governance is a continuous focus for John Good Group and 2023 saw numerous developments and milestones. A major part of this was the addition of a new People & Planet board committee. Working alongside our Remuneration Committee, Audit Committee Investment Committee and Nomination Committee, we now have five committees that are dedicated to strengthening the Group, facilitating stronger investments, and enabling more informed and confident decisions.
As of 2023, we now have a documented group strategy alongside an operational company strategy, which includes a rolling threeyear forecast. The strategy covers our three pillars of People, Planet, and Performance from an operational perspective. This is then presented to the board September.
Also in 2023, we conducted a full review of our risk register that covers the Group, each division, and each Group function or department individually. Reviewed annually by our board and also by the head of each op-co/function, this development ensures that all forms of risk are analysed, discussed, and mitigated at Group and from an operational perspective.
