Heron Brothers Ltd (HBL) is a leading project development and construction company operating across the UK, Ireland and Europe. Hear from Heron Bros Ltd about its responsible business practices and why it was shortlisted for the NI Responsible Company of the Year 2017 Award.
Background
Employing over 200 people and a turnover of £70M, HBL has combined traditional values with an advanced innovative approach to construction that delivers excellence in project value, quality and client satisfaction. Working within public, private and third sector delivering education, leisure, stadia, commercial, retail, office space, industrial, health, pharmaceutical, community and regeneration projects, HBL is committed to being a partner of choice by building strong long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with our stakeholders.
What Heron Brothers Ltd did
HBL places responsible business initiatives at the core of its business strategy to ensure it continues to challenge its business and industry and drives sustainable growth. It uses sustainability to drive efficiency through its processes, engage with our stakeholders to develop its people, expertise and knowledge.
HBL’s sustainability strategy consists of five key pillars creating value for our business: Responsible Business; Resource Efficiency & the Natural Environment; Community & Partnering; People & Workforce; and Business through innovation.
Championed from the top of the organisation, a clearly defined structure has been implemented across the business to ensure sustainability infiltrates all aspects of the business and is managed carefully. HBL continually invests in innovation, including new software to drive efficiency, increase collaboration and promote a more responsible approach to business. Use of bespoke site management software and internal collaboration ensures the efficient delivery of BREEAM projects.
A dedicated CR Coordinator supports its Deputy Group Managing Director who sits on the CEF Board to address and influence our industry on a range of matters including CR. The organisation links with a range of partners to maximise its impact in the community.
Supply chain management and engagement is another key area. The firm has delivered ‘prepare to tender’ workshops to upskill local supplier, as well as ‘meet the buyers’ and has launched a subcontractor handbook and online pre-assessment outlining expectations.
Its Start-Smart initiative works to improve performance across health, safety, environment and quality management, and its Work-Smart employability campaign has been designed to help create a new channel of skilled professional and trades within construction.
Impacts and Outcomes
For more information, email shauna.young@heronbros.com