Michael Smith Switchgear

business, it’s personal WORDS BY EMILY MILLER

Director Emily Smith ia at the helm of two carbonneutral companies, Michael Smith Switchgear and AVW Fabrications. They have become pioneers in sustainability within manufacturing, but we wanted to know why it’s so important to the two organisations.

“We believe we are the only switchgear manufacturers in the UK that are officially certified carbon-neutral,” she says. “And as a fabrication company, we are also right up there. It’s personal for me that we have such a big commitment to sustainability – I honestly couldn’t sleep at night knowing that we weren’t doing all we can. Not being sustainable is not an option.”

Growing up, Emily’s mother’s environmental compassion made an impactful impression on her, one that led her to travel and explore the natural world on a conservation trip to Africa and the Rainforest.

“I saw with my own eyes the effects of climate change – you can’t unsee those things, they shape how you look at the world.”

Manufacturing isn’t known for its green credentials, that’s why the two organisations’ dedicated commitment to being sustainable is even greater. “Much of what we do isn’t a requirement. We do what we do from an ethical viewpoint. It doesn’t make us the cheapest manufacturer, but it makes us the most ethical – and that’s important to us and our clients.”

It isn’t only clients who will recognise this green commitment though, it’s also potential employees who are now largely looking to work for organisations with a sustainable culture. “Employers look more attractive to new skilled employees if they have a strong sustainability commitment, it’s one of the top three things that our interviewees ask from us; that we are a sustainable company.”

The pressure to be this way comes from within the two organisations, as Emily explains: “If there was a governing system that would place sanctioned guidelines on businesses to adopt green methods when importing and exporting goods, companies would have to comply – it’s only really when that happens that companies will be forced to be greener.”

You can see why the organisation is an eco award winner. Their investment both financially and ethically in green policy isn’t a forced one, it’s a choice and that is pretty inspirational, to say the least.

“None of us can be solely responsible for climate change, but we can do all we can to make a significant positive impact,” Emily concludes. And as I leave their offices, I can’t help but be seriously impressed.

Quick wins businesses can implement without big investment

USING TO LED BULBS Switching light bulbs is a good place to start CHANGING LIGHT SWITCHES TO PIR SENSORS Sensor lighting can reduce energy consumption by 30% in some commercial buildings COMMUNICATE Communication with your team is vital. Explain how they can do their bit by turning off lights and equipment RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE Provide separate bins to help staff segregate waste DITCH SINGLE USE PLASTICS If you have a coffee machine or water cooler, encourage theuse of reusable bottles/cups ASSESS YOUR PACKAGING Opt for eco-friendly alternatives of your usual packaging – it might even be cheaper!

East Midlands specialists ER Recruitment reveal the reasons why collaboration, community and choice are three tools businesses need in their toolkit to assist in driving businesses forward in 2023 and beyond

During times of difficulty and uncertainty, the businesses that thrive are the ones that draw out their survival kit and face challenges head-on. In recent years, many businesses have been shaken by turbulence, but have utilised their survival kit to both endure and prosper.

No doubt in 2023, businesses will face new challenges but with the three Cs, organisations will have the foundations to continue to strive forward and make the East Midlands region a great place to live and work.

Eileen Richards, founder and director of ER Recruitment said: “Collaboration, community, and choice are three Cs that I have utilised throughout my career. The three complement each other to result in personal and business achievements alongside having a positive impact on the success of the region.”

“The East Midlands is renowned for business innovation and resilience – we’re a region of 367,000 businesses (East Midlands Chamber, 2022), that’s a lot of great firms to work in partnership with. As we have witnessed, it’s the businesses that work together supporting each other’s goals that result in outstanding projects and results. With collaboration in the toolkit, businesses should consider other brands and services that complement their offering and establish if there could be added value by forming a strategic alliance with one of these organisations.”

“As businesses, it is our duty to invest time and money into our community to make it a great place to live and work. From a recruitment perspective, we see how businesses’ CSR (corporate social responsibility) and ESG (environmental, social and governance) activity impacts their ability to recruit and retain top talent.”

Employers need to be seen to be supporting local causes, getting involved in local initiatives, having a sustainable impact, and making a positive difference to our community to be considered an ‘employer of choice’. Hiring is a challenge for many businesses right now, likewise, 31% of employees quit a job within the first six months (Bamboo HR), which demonstrates why businesses need to be doing more to attract and retain quality people.”

“One of the biggest choices for all businesses is based on people: the people you choose to work in business partnerships with, the people you choose to place in managerial positions to represent the brand, and the people you choose to hire. As experts, we know that finding these right people can be tough, but choosing to work with the right recruitment partner that understands your people-challenges and skill gaps will help to alleviate pressures and, ultimately, get the right bums on the right seats.”

“We are collaborating, working with our community, and making positive choices in the following three ways: Our DNA framework puts the three Cs at the centre of what we do. For our clients and candidates, we define, navigate, and acquire to match talented individuals to great businesses. However, our commitment extends beyond recruitment.’

We’re collaborating by working with long-standing partners such as Breedon Consulting to offer a combined recruitment and HR function. At the East Midlands Chamber Awards, we were awarded the ‘Excellence in Collaboration Award’ for our BrightER Futures partnership with De Montfort University.”

We’re supporting the community by working closely with incredible charities and initiatives. One example of this is our close partnership with Hope Against Cancer – we have continued to build on our relationship and our MD has now founded the sub-group ‘Hopeful Futures’ with a great board in place to support the charity’s goals to educate and spread awareness of cancer amongst younger audiences.”

And we’re choosing to work with businesses that we know, to treat their employees well, invest in their people and support great causes.”

As a business that keeps collaboration, community, and choice at the core of our DNA, we pride ourselves on the relationships we have formed and are always keen to connect with like-minded employers to do business with in one way or another. For a free consultation on how we can work in partnership, visit eileenrichardsrecruitment.co.uk.”