Amanda Fisher, the CEO of Amey, has emphasised the important role that infrastructure businesses can play in achieving the Government’s levelling up agenda.
Speaking at the publication of Amey’s 2021 Social Impact report, Amanda Fisher, said: “Amey has built social value into everything we do. We recognise the combined challenges of levelling up and climate change means we have a huge responsibility, not just to deliver services, but to do it in a way that benefits the communities in which we work and minimises the impact on the environment.
“This has never been more important. The ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is still widely felt, and this sits alongside wider uncertainties in the face of social, economic and environmental challenges.
“Delivering public infrastructure across the UK gives us the opportunity to create value for communities, support economic growth, improve skills and create job opportunities. We are also in a sector which has a huge part to play if the UK is to achieve its sustainability aspirations. We recognise there is some way to go, but our 2021 Social Value Report highlights what can be achieved if an organisation is committed to deliver positive social and economic impact.
“Over the next 12 months we look to continue our efforts, making sure together with our clients, suppliers and wider stakeholders we’re taking bolder steps to create the changes we want to see for a more equal, prosperous and healthy future for all.”
Highlights from the report include £7.2m spent on employee learning, 74% spend with SMEs and 4710 young people engaged through schools and outreach.
Strong relationships with its suppliers is key to helping the communities in which Amey works, and creating jobs and training opportunities. In 2021, Amey paid 97% of supplier invoices within 60 days, spent over £1bn with SMES, seed funded a new social enterprise and spent £3.9m with VCSE’s.
Amey also committed to setting Science-Based targets, procuring 99% renewable energy, achieving a 6.4% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, whilst supporting its clients to achieve their sustainability aspirations.
To ensure industry and infrastructure is fit for the future, the business is promoting low carbon technologies, circular approaches that tackle climate change and resource shortages; and a data-driven business model to maximise value creation.
In 2021, 96% of managers completed mental health training, Amey’s inclusion networks and ambassadors continued to embed an inclusive culture and it’s the first Inclusion survey was launched which revealed 93% of respondents described a feeling of belonging at Amey.
Amey also tackled issues that affect the wellbeing of local communities and designed services that fit their needs whilst offering opportunities to help them thrive. Amey raised £130,000 for employee chosen charity Cancer Research UK, supported more than 80 veterans with employment or mentoring, provided 27 Kickstart placements and welcomed 89 new apprentices to the business.
View the full Amey Social Value Report 2021, here.