Sodexo Live! in the UK has a number of initiatives in place to address the four impact pathways identified in Sodexo’s Social Impact Pledge: People, Planet, Partners and Places.
The organisation recently achieved carbon neutral status and is committed to achieving carbon zero by 2030, effectively reducing its emissions and the need for offsetting.
Rebecca Kane Burton, chief executive of Sodexo Live!, UK & Ireland, said: “Social impact is at the beating heart of Sodexo; it’s a core value upon which our founder, Pierre Bellon built the business back in 1966. Working with The Labour Party and our venue partner, The ACC Liverpool Group, therefore provides the ideal backdrop to showcase the social enterprises and diverse supply chain we partner with, and those joining us to create something memorable at the conference.
“For many years we have welcomed small & medium-sized enterprises and voluntary, charity & social enterprises into our business and worked to reduce our impact on the environment and create social impact. We also continue to partner with local colleges and other organisations to offer career opportunities to individuals struggling to find employment for whatever reason. I am delighted our team is able to play its part in connecting with, and benefiting the communities we serve.”
With thousands of delegates attending the conference, the duo worked in partnership with Social Enterprise UK to identify and advocate social enterprises, with the opportunity to showcase their products and services at the event. Some of these included:
- Homebaked: 1,700 pies and other treats expected to be sold during the event will generate £93,000 in social value by providing jobs for local people
- Change Please: Sales from Change Please coffee outlets at the conference will enable hundreds of people experiencing homelessness to access housing, training and living wage jobs as baristas
- Spare Snacks: Around 1,000 packets of fruit crisps made using wonky produce are expected to be consumed at the conference
Sodexo Live! and The ACC Liverpool Group are also incredibly keen to track food waste. Any that remains that can still be consumed is donated to Liverpool Zero Waste to be distributed throughout the local community including schools, hospitals and community centres.