Chairman of the Stockport Economic Alliance Christian Mancier believes that supporting local community projects can have a positive impact for business and its workforce, as well as the community in which they are based.
The advantages have been well documented – reducing absenteeism, improving staff performance, motivation, attendance and loyalty, whilst also supporting and raising the profile of the project or charity you support.
Christian explains further: “I know of businesses with first-hand experience of the positive impact “putting back” has brought to their business.
“I’m also aware of others who can see and understand the benefits but simply don’t know where to start, they don’t know which projects fit best with their business or where their services might be best placed.
“When I became Chair of Stockport Economic Alliance, I spent time visiting fellow Alliance members to better understand their needs and interests. One of the common discussion points was how businesses align their CSR strategies to local needs.
“We’ve since taken a small group on a tour of some of Stockport’s amazing charities and voluntary organisations, opening their eyes to the range of very worthy projects that are out there and helping them see that CSR is not necessarily about financial support, but can be about sharing time, skills, resources and experience to much wider benefit”.
Many community groups, voluntary organisations and charities can benefit from the skills that businesses can offer. This could be business advice, accountancy skills and digital marketing or some of the more familiar “asks” such as gardening, painting, and fundraising.
Christian added: “I’m now working on asking every business to look at its CSR strategy. Does it meet your needs? Does it strengthen your workforce? Do your staff know of particular needs in your local area?
“Above all it’s about doing something and doing it effectively – giving back, inspiring, making a difference, and keeping it local!’