Ethics Award Makes Construction History - 09/08/2006

Corporate social responsibility is now high on the agenda for most contractors – not only does it look great on the annual report, it also ‘masks’ the unethical nature of such firms. Hard political negotiations, in-house lawyers, contracts based on distrust…need we go on?

One firm in particular however, seems set on changing the face of the construction industry. The Prince of Wales’ CSR charity – Business in the Community - recognised Benfield ATT as the only ‘Big Tick’ Example of Excellence in the construction industry. This makes Benfield ATT – the leading Welsh timber frame engineering company - the UK’s first contractor to receive the Impact Upon Society Award three consecutive times.

“As an Example of Excellence for the third year running, Benfield ATT have set the standard for the rest of the construction industry, demonstrating Corporate Social Responsibility to the European Business Excellence Model standard…this is a great achievement.”
said Julia Cleverdon CVO CBE, Chief Executive of Business in the Community.

Specialists in timber frame building for over twelve years, Benfield ATT proved to the 2006 BiTC judges that its community involvement is integrated into the general management of the business. Over the last three years, Benfield ATT have implemented many new initiatives. Environmentally, they were the first timber frame manufacturing firm to gain Chain of Custody from the Greenpeace and WWF-backed Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) as well as monitor and report on their environmental performance. Seeing standard JCT sub contracts as inappropriate for specialist suppliers because “They’re simply backward - they have no place in a modern future-looking industry such as bespoke timber frame”, the company has developed its own terms for incorporation into these and other, more progressive, contracts like the PPC 2000 ‘partnering’ contracts.

Involvement in the regeneration of the disaster-stricken Maldives islands, commitment to environmentally-friendly building projects and dedication to its employees all helped Benfield ATT stand-out as the clear ‘Big Tick’ award winner of the Impact Upon Society category at the Business in the Community Wales Awards for Excellence, sponsored by Royal Mail.

“We believe that CSR is not about benefaction” commented MD Professor Benfield, “It is about an investment in the future, in stability, in sustainability, in the communities in which we build and in our employees. What can I say other than we care about the state of the world in which we live and are passionate about the use of modern, sustainable timber frame building techniques to create truly sustainable communities for future generations.”

Despite its relatively small size (35 employees), Benfield ATT holds more quality and environmental credentials than any other company in the UK, and is widely respected for creating the UK’s finest sustainable buildings.

Notes to Editors

• Business in the Community

  Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence recognise and celebrate the positive impact of business in society through community programmes and business practices.These awards are the most prestigious and influential for corporate responsibility, recognised in the UK and internationally.

  More information: Anne Williams, Marketing Coordinator, Business in the Community, Visit website – www.bitc.org/awards, 029 20436913 or email anne.williams@bitc.org.uk

  
  

• Benfield ATT

  National timber frame company Benfield ATT Ltd is headed by industry expert Professor Michael Benfield and enjoys being ‘the highest qualified firm in construction’. Winning national awards for its quality, environmental and ethical contributions, Benfield ATT has built-up a strong head office team offering a full bespoke timber frame ‘build package’, suitable for al types of buildings; homes, schools, flats and more.

  More information: Kelvin Godhard, Benfield ATT PR Office on 01291 437050, email kelving@benfieldatt.co.ukor www.benfieldatt.co.uk