Social Responsibility
BEYOND BUSINESS
The contract cleaning aspect of our business means that we take an exceptional interest in managing our own waste and recycling systems, minimising the environmental impact of our business. Combat Stress is Lakethorne’s adopted charity and Director Richard Bent is passionate about the work done by Combat Stress to support veterans with psychological problems resulting from military service and combat. We also support two other charities (by providing contract cleaning at non-profit rates) and we sponsor young sporting talent.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
We monitor our business for electricity consumption, fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, paper use and waste, with one member of staff responsible for making sure our collective impact on the environment is minimal.
Diverting waste from landfill: Lakethorne is a registered licensed waste carrier. We also work with contractors whose reputations are strong. During 2014, 99.4 per cent of all the recycling and waste at the sites where we provide recycling and waste services, including our own offices, was diverted from landfill. Some sites (including ours) achieved 100 per cent. Our aim is to help our clients get as close to zero per cent going to landfill as possible.
Minimising our carbon footprint: We run a modern fleet of vehicles which means it is as efficient as it is possible to be. We track all our vehicles to monitor our carbon footprint, looking specifically at incidents of harsh braking, harsh steering, harsh driving, speed and fuel consumption. Vehicle tracking reports are discussed with our team at operations meetings with everyone tasked to make optimal use of the fleet and minimise fuel wastage. We encourage staff to use public transport, where possible, for commuting and travelling to meetings.
CHARITIES
We currently support three charities. Combat Stress is Lakethorne’s adopted charity. The Mayhew Animal Home and Central London Samaritans are clients for whom we work at non-profit rates.
Combat Stress:
Combat Stress is the UK’s leading military charity specialising in the care of veterans’ mental health, treating conditions including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety and providing welfare services that are vital to a veteran’s total recovery. Lakethorne staff were among the volunteers who planted ceramic poppies around the Tower of London in 2014, creating a stunning artwork honouring the 888,246 British people who died in World War I. The poppies were sold to raise money for six service charities including Combat Stress.
The Mayhew Animal Home:
The Mayhew Animal Home is one of the most effective animal welfare organisations in London, reaching thousands of dogs and cats to escape a life of abandonment, neglect and cruelty each year. More than just a rescue and rehoming centre, The Mayhew strives to tackle the companion animal welfare crisis through community-based outreach programmes. It recognises that education is key, not only to achieve a reduction in the number of unwanted dogs and cats, but also to ensure that all animals receive appropriate care.
Samaritans in Central London:
Central London Samaritans provides support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by phone, in person, by email or text to anyone experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Its volunteers are available to respond at short notice to offer emotional support following any form of crisis or emergency in London. It was the first and founding branch of the Samaritans, opening in 1953, and, with around 450 volunteers, remains the largest branch. Based in the heart of Soho, its original home was in the crypt of St Stephen Walbrook, in the heart of the City of London.
SPONSORSHIP
We currently support three charities. Combat Stress is Lakethorne’s adopted charity. The Mayhew Animal Home and Central London Samaritans are clients for whom we work at non-profit rates.
Lakethorne Sponsor the Luton & South Bedfordshire District under 12s Football team:
The team play in matches in North London and the surrounding areas. Currently, the team is made up of representatives from Luton, Chelsea, Milton Keynes, Tottenham and QPR Academies! They previously won the Southern Counties League and reached the National Quarterfinals.This year we are competing in the Middlesex District League and are one win away from winning obviously being sponsored by Lakethorne is a lucky bonus !! Well done boys!
The St Benedict’s School Under 15s cricket team:
The St Benedict’s School Under 15s cricket team is the only team playing national cricket for the school. Lakethorne’s sponsorship has bought new equipment for coaching staff to deliver high quality sessions across all age groups. See the team’s 2014 Sri Lankan tour shirt on our stairs when you visit our office.
Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club:
Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club is one of the biggest community rugby clubs in the UK. It has over 3,000 members from Ealing and the surrounding areas, including 750 mini and youth members, all of whom use the club weekly. They play National League One rugby and are Ealing’s biggest and most prominent sports club. We sponsor one player and you’ll see his photo in our office.
The Hounslow Jets Swimming Club:
The Hounslow Jets Swimming Club teaches children from the age of four to swim and gain confidence by taking part in galas and competitions. Our sponsorship supports the development squads and the club’s senior team, the Jets.
