2023/24
01 Introduction Executive Summary
Sovini Commercial spans The Sovini Group supply chain, providing quality construction, property and facilities services to the public, not-for-profit and private sectors ensuring quality and compliance with every project. The activities of our commercial Group partners complement and support our social and notfor-profit businesses, providing investment to build new homes, improve service delivery and support the communities who remain central to our business.
We are committed to delivering social value across the North-West, with a shared vision of creating a better future. We have worked collaboratively with charities and non-for-profit organisations across the region to positively impact communities. This has included goods, monetary and labour donations, as well as delivering careers guidance in local schools and providing meaningful work experience opportunities.
Social value creation has been identified through a robust evaluation and assessment which involved collaborative working with key stakeholders, internal reporting methods and the capture and analysis of data. In addition, we have six dedicated Social Value Champions who work collaboratively and ensure all outcomes are captured.
Based on the National TOMs Framework guidelines, this evaluation confirms that additional local value has been created through our working practices and activities.
It was calculated that £56.78m of value has been delivered in 2023/24; leading to a combined Social Return on Investment (SROI) of £2.89 for every £1 invested.
“We are proud to have worked collaboratively with local charities and community groups who share our vision of creating a better future for our colleagues, customers and communities.
“We are proud to be leading the way in the construction industry, promoting diversity and inclusion through innovative programmes such as the pathway into Construction and our Supported Internship.
“The combined impact of £56.78m evidences Sovini Commercial’s commitment to ensuring we remain a key contributor to the social and economic development and future growth of the region.”
- Anita Spencer, Group Chief Business Officer for The Sovini Group
02 Key Impact Summary
The social value total combines the impact achieved on behalf of clients, stakeholders and local communities during the financial year 2023-24.
03 Social Impact
Social impact benefits have been created through local employment, training and education activities provided by Sovini Commercial. These achievements have resulted in the delivery of an impact value of £14.59m.
A detailed review established that 492 colleagues were employed by The Sovini Group’s commercial partners in 2023/24, with 99.3% considered to be local*.
* Merseyside, Lancashire, Cheshire or Greater Manchester
Pathway into Construction
The innovative Pathway into Construction initiative invites female students from across the Liverpool City Region to enrol on a weeklong programme, gaining valuable work experience in the construction industry.
A collaboration between Group partners
Sovini Limited, Sovini Trade Supplies, Sovini Construction, Sovini Property Services and Teal Scaffold, the programme is designed to challenge stereotypes and break down the stigma for female colleagues in the industry.
The Pathway into Construction programme culminates in an interview skills and CV writing workshop with The Sovini Group’s People & Learning Team, to support students in securing future employment.
Training and Education
168 learning weeks have been accessed by colleagues, contributing to their personal and professional development.
1043 learning weeks have been accessed by apprentices, interns and individuals undertaking work experience placements.
Colleagues took part in the Try a Trade event at Impact Sefton, to showcase the range of careers available at The Sovini Group, share their experiences, and their professional and educational journeys.
Jason Webb, Headteacher at Impact Sefton, said: “Our students embraced all the trades on offer and took on some valuable insights into the world of work. A big thank you to The Sovini Group for volunteering their time.”
Supported Internship
Sovini Commercial are proud supporters of The Sovini Group’s Supported Internship programme, in collaboration with Liverpool City Council.
The initiative is aimed at providing young people with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace, whilst improving their confidence and developing essential skills.
Ryan is 18 years old and joined The Sovini Group in September 2023 as a Supported Intern. The internship has boosted his confidence and accelerated his growth and development, impressing his job coach, manager and colleagues.
“I feel like I am a lot more confident, and I feel more independent. My reading and writing have also improved, and I get less distracted by my phone. I am a lot happier with my life, I never thought I would enjoy my work and I’m looking forward to my future in the workplace.” — Ryan
04 Economic Impact
Economic benefits have been established through the local supply chain and the local workforce, providing goods and services to businesses and communities across the North-West. This has resulted in achieving a calculated retained local economic value of £41.3m.
The retained local economic benefit being achieved through the spend by the local workforce, along with the additional benefit that has been achieved through investment in the supply chain.
Environmental gains being achieved through activities
05 Enviromental Impact
Our environmental practices are shaped by The Sovini Group’s Net Zero Carbon Commitment, and we’re taking decisive action to tackle our carbon footprint, with our goal being to achieve net zero emissions.
Environmental gains have been achieved through areas such as; innovative ways of recycling construction waste, using Euro 6 standard fuel-efficient vehicles, Fleetmatics toolkits, local recruitment and use of local suppliers to create a value of £823k.
06 Charitable Impact
We have donated a total of £42,560 towards charitable activities, benefitting local communities, donated goods and materials, funded sponsorships, volunteered our time, fundraised and supported community events and groups.
Try a Trade
Sovini Commercial proudly collaborated with Impact Sefton to deliver Try a Trade.
Group partners Amianto Services and Sovini Property Services supported the initiative, designed to encourage local young people to try a trade, providing an insight into a career in construction.
Students were able to gain valuable handson experience, through power tool training, electrical circuit training whilst being guided by industry professionals, as well as learning about the dangers of asbestos.
07 Social Value Statement
SPS continues to contribute to all of the UK Governments ‘The Social Model’ policy themes:
Sovini Commercial in partnership with internal and external stakeholders and community groups have delivered activities in 2023/24 which has created social value. The results confirm the creation of value across the four benefit areas:
• Social
• Economic
• Environmental
• Charitable
A combined added value of £56.78m has been generated through work benefitting internal and external stakeholders, communities, businesses and economies locally. The estimated Social Return on Investment (SROI) is £2.89 for every £1 invested in Sovini Commercial.
Evidence shows that we are acting responsibly in addressing several of the Global Goals for Sustainable Development, ensuring activities carried out will create a more sustainable future for all.
