BUSINESS: Spotlight on the district’s companies which go the extra mile to provide services to their community and help their customers and organisations in a range of ways

BASF Bradford

FOR the BASF chemical site at Bradford, with neighbours on its doorstep, managing reputation is a key strategic element for the business in order to protect its licence to operate.

This is mainly done through the dedicated BASF Kids’ Lab where employee volunteers are able to promote science in everyday life, BASF and the chemical industry. A free resource, unique within a business in the UK.

Over recent years, the 60 STEM trained BASF volunteers have welcomed over 130 schools from around the region, which importantly includes the seven primary schools located within a mile of the Bradford site.

These visits have included over 4,000 children, around 380 teachers and have offered nine different experiments.

The objectives of the Kids’ Lab are to promote how science positively impacts everyday life, BASF and the Chemical Industry as a whole and to encourage and support the scientists of tomorrow.

BASF provide a number of work experience opportunities throughout the year and have multiple apprenticeship opportunities. BASF encourage staff to become school governors and run after-school activities. They provide financial support to many local groups to make a difference in the community. BASF also send teams of volunteers out to carry out projects within the community.

Summers Butchers

JOHN and Karen Summers have been described as “pillars of the community” by their nominees who say nothing is too much trouble for them.

They regularly contribute spare food including meat, bread and milk to give to the homeless through St John’s Church, in Clayton. They are always willing to help people and get involved in community activities.

One one occasion they helped raise money for an elderly lady customer who had her bag snatched.

The couple both help with the Clayton Dickensian Market every year and collect the donations at their shop for the bric-a-brac stall and bottles for the bottle store.

They run the barbecue on the day and donate whatever profit is made to the Dickensian Market charities.

Mr summers attends the regular Clayton Community groups for the updates within the area and also the police meetings in Clayton to support those living in the area.

Another nominee said they are kind neighbours and always look out for her property when she goes away.

Dubrovnik Hotel

The family-run hotel has long supported Bradford West Youth Service in raising awareness and money to benefit groups across the district.

The hotel has played a major part in helping vulnerable groups, contributing their skills and staff time in providing food for 260 young children who attended Black Hills summer camp and a Halloween party.

They provide Christmas Day lunch to vulnerable people and hats and gloves for vulnerable people in the city centre.

Together with Bradford Youth Service and district wide charities they helped organise an event to celebrate Black History month. They donated the banqueting suite, food and refreshments, and the time of 10 staff.

All money raised was donated to the Inspiring Sisters Women’s Group.

The management and staff of the hotel are always willing to get involved with new programmes to benefit the community at large. They have an open door policy to communities in need.

The hotel organises events throughout the year to benefit the local community and charities district wide making it a fantastic resource for community groups to access the space for meetings and help organise fund raising events.

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