CSR- Corporate Social Responsibility


CSR
December 09, 2019 / Posted by Ele Hardman / in Charity / 1847 Views

CSR – It’s Everyone’s Responsibility!

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is close to the hearts of the team at First Choice Conference & Events. Here, Cheryl Brunwin – our Director of Sales – shares the value and impact it has on the perception of our company…

Definition of CSR:

Defined by Investopedia, CSR is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable – to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. No matter the size of your business, anyone can do something through CSR that has a positive change or impact on the environment. At First Choice Conference & Events, we’re only a small agency, but we’re extremely proud of our CSR commitment. We believe it’s one of our strongest values and why people like (and choose) to work with us!

Team FCCE’s Corporate Social Responsibility: 

According to the Cone Communications CSR Study, 92% of consumers have a more positive image of companies that support social issues and environmental efforts and 87% will purchase a product because a company advocated for an issue they cared about. When we first looked at our objectives and how we wanted people to perceive us, CSR was high on our priority list. It may not be one that immediately hits the bottom line, but long term, building trust and raising awareness strengthens our creditability as a business. Not only are we a ‘zero waste to landfill’ company (an achievement we’re extremely proud of), but all of us love to support charities. Being able to do what you personally value as part of your job role, helps maintain a really positive culture in the office!

FCCE’s Charity Activities:

Earlier this year, two of our amazing superheroes took on the 100km Cotswold Way marathon. Kate from our accounts team, and Dan, our Operations Director, faced the 62.2 miles (roughly 2 marathons) challenge across the hilly Cotswolds. They trained like Rocky, raised lots of money for their chosen charities (Sue Ryder and A-T Society), and endured one of the hottest weekends of the year! If you missed it, check out Kate’s blog for the full experience.

Ultra-Marathons are the more serious version of our fundraising. We also love regular office-based activities which allow the entire team to have fun together, whilst raising awareness for deserving causes. In 2019 alone we wore Wellies to Work for Winston’s Wish; wore denim (some even went double denim) for Jeans for Genes; and increased our profile on our zero waste to landfill during National Recycling Week; collecting a variety of toiletries for the homeless for CCP; and finally purchasing a hybrid car for office use.

Clients and suppliers have also showed their support by taking part in our office activities or making donations. Involving everyone we work with increases exposure and fundraising and makes us a more socially responsible and inclusive company. And it generally shares our positive vibes further afield!

Why CSR Is So Important:

In the same CSR report by Cone Communications, 76% will refuse to purchase a company’s products or services upon learning it supported an issue contrary to their beliefs. This demonstrates why company values are so important and that when we’re looking for new employees, clients or partners to work with, we ensure our values match and that we have the similar end goal objectives – it lends itself to better relationships! And we’re all about relationships – strengthening them as we strive to leave a lasting positive impact.