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firmus energy’s year of giving back

Angeline Murphy explains how the local energy company helps give back to the local community.

For local natural gas supplier, firmus energy, CSR remains a key focus as the company extends its networks into new areas across Northern Ireland, with the most recent announcement that the energy-efficient fuel will be coming to Moy and surrounding areas later this year.

firmus energy’s marketing manager Angeline Murphy, explains: “In 2015 we had an even stronger emphasis on CSR activity as we are now active in almost 30 towns, cities and villages across the province. Our company value of clarity, empathy, integrity and teamwork are an indication of how important CSR is to our business ethos.

“We have a dedicated team proactively managing our CSR activity which selects initiatives and organisations for us to support throughout the year. This includes nominating a charity to support for 12 months, which this year is Shine. “The charity works with families and individuals across Northern Ireland who are affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid on the brain.

“Through regular activities, including participation in the Causeway Coast marathon, company-wide gatherings, employee initiatives and funds raised at an event to celebrate our 10th birthday, almost £6,500 has been raised with a few months still to go. We couldn’t have raised such a fantastic sum without the help of colleagues, customers, suppliers, friends and family and we know that this will make a tremendous difference to this charity’s work.

“During this busy year of fundraising and volunteering, there have been opportunities for all of the 100-strong firmus energy team to become involved.

“For example, many of our employees particularly enjoy taking part in firmus energy’s ‘warming communities’ campaign. For this scheme we work with schools and local groups to improve their environment and landscaping for the benefit of the whole area and the enthusiasm for this initiative across firmus energy has continued to thrive during 2015. This year, we had the opportunity to revisit Riverside Special School to freshen the work previously carried out in the grounds, making the area even more welcoming for pupils, families, teachers and visitors.

“We also recognised that Christmas can be a difficult time of the year for many people particularly those spending the day alone or perhaps depending on the generosity of others to enjoy a Christmas dinner. Our CSR committee wanted to make a difference to as many people as possible and teamed up with our construction partner McNicholas and Q Radio to offer shopping vouchers to charities, community and church groups who throw their doors open over the festive season to bring cheer to even more people. We had a great response and were able to support a wide range of activities across Northern Ireland. In conjunction with this, we partnered with Spar for an online promotion for local groups to win vouchers to support those working with vulnerable people during December.”

firmus energy’s CSR strategy allows all employees to become involved in activities which range from organising events to supporting the annual cake sale. The company has a ‘can do’ attitude and with the support of everyone in the business, firmus energy hopes to continue to make a difference, through enhanced CSR, to its increasing local communities in 2016 and beyond.

For further information on firmus energy and its CSR activities, visit www.firmusenergy.co.uk

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