A company can choose to achieve its corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals in many ways and few would argue with the benefits to everyone concerned when a business chooses to focus its efforts on supporting the local community in which it operates.
When Hydrasun moved into its new HQ at Gateway Business Park, Aberdeen, in January 2011, it used this as an opportunity to not only raise the bar in relation to its outward appearance, but also to enhance Hydrasun’s image and involvement in the community.
Hydrasun is a provider of fluid transfer, power and control services to the energy, petrochemical, marine and utility industries worldwide. Under Bob Drummond’s leadership as chief executive, the Hydrasun in the Community initiative was developed. Mr Drummond – named Grampian Industrialist of the Year recently – believes it is the company’s social responsibility to give something back to the community.
In the past year the initiative has already benefited the area, but from a business perspective the meaningful projects have also created a great deal of value at Hydrasun. It has encouraged employee involvement at all levels, which has improved personal and team participation skills.
Mr Drummond said: “Annually, Hydrasun commits a significant amount both financially and in employee time to the initiatives it supports. We have seen real benefits from our commitment to social responsibility and our involvement in community initiatives. This has included high employee retention and a positive impact across the company on motivation, engagement and productivity.
“The enhancement of the company’s reputation has led to increased recruitment of local people and we have also received good feedback from customers who respect our community initiatives.” Most recently, Hydrasun held a competition for third-year students from Gray’s School of Art to create a piece of work to reflect the environment surrounding the firm’s site. This gave two students the opportunity to have their work commissioned and displayed in Hydrasun’s HQ. First prize was awarded to Mike Hughes and second prize went to Carmelina Dauron.
Mr Drummond said: “Overall, we fully believe in the sense of achievement that can be realised from achieving goals.
“This can be done in business, but also at a personal level and can be made all the more fulfilling when benefiting others. This continues to be our focus when we participate in all of our initiatives.”
