Following the recent introduction of our B.E.S.T. initiative the team at Acumen has been busy putting our principals in to practice with the launch of “Totally Teesside”. This exciting new scheme will see Acumen further demonstrate our commitment to the region through a consistent programme of investment and re-investment.
Teesside holds a special place in Acumen’s history with the first ever iteration of the business being established over 25 years ago in Middlesbrough and to this day we still operate a thriving, full-time facility. This location has gone from strength to strength and acts as an excellent base from which we can service the region as well as branching out further throughout the North East. A central tenet for us to successfully operate in the region was that we would always be committed to employing from the local workforce as well as supporting the community however and wherever we can. With the formal introduction of B.E.S.T. we are delighted that the foundations upon which the Middlesbrough facilities were built upon can be yet further enhanced.
What is B.E.S.T.?
B.E.S.T. was inspired and developed by the team at Acumen as part of our longstanding pledge to enhance the lives, economy and environments of our staff, customers and local stakeholders. B.E.S.T. was implemented as a cornerstone of Acumen’s investment framework, which encourages contribution to the sustainable development of our communities, working with them through open engagement and investing in initiatives that make a lasting, positive impact.
This commitment to the people and regions we operate in means we have pledged, where feasible, to:
- Buy – from local businesses
- Employ – permanent and contracted staff locally
- Support – local communities, charities and organisations
- Transform – the physical environments we work in for the better
Our B.E.S.T. Approach to Teesside
With our long history in the region, Acumen has been employing members of the local community for many, many years and it’s something we are absolutely committed to continue to do. As well as providing various employment opportunities we have also been supporting some fabulous local community causes. One such example is our ongoing sponsorship of Stockton Sportability Football Club which has seen Acumen proudly adorn the front of this outstanding sporting club for the past two seasons. Established over 11 years ago the Stockton Sportability Football Club was created for individuals aged 16 and above with different levels of learning difficulties. Joining the club allows players to continue playing a sport they love and gives the freedom to have some fun in a safe and welcoming environment.
As well as supporting the local community of Teesside our Middlesbrough based premises recently acted as the core operational headquarters for a huge project undertaken in conjunction with neighbouring Sunderland City Council and the Environment Agency. Whilst not directly within the region of Teesside, this project was facilitated from our Middlesbrough location to ensure that we utilised the local workforce, contractors and minimised any possible environmental impact.
In Good Company
Whilst Totally Teesside is a project Acumen is committed to developing ourselves it’s great to see that we are in good company with the likes of The South Tees Development Corporation leading the way in regional investment and regeneration. Having recently established a landmark deal to acquire 1,420 acres of land from Tata Steel Europe the Development Corporation has already set the wheels in motion to re-awaken the sleeping giant that is Teesside.
Through B.E.S.T. it’s our goal to Buy, Employ, Support and Transform and where better than the place it all started for us over 25 years ago. We look forward to keeping things Totally Teesside!
