Zenith works with local community

Zenith has been working with Leeds Ahead to give local school children an insight into careers in business and has partnered with Business in the Community (BITC), a business-led charity focused on promoting responsible business practice. 

As part of the company’s CSR policy, Zenith sent a team of employees to the ‘Make the Grade’ event at Crawshaw School in neighbouring Pudsey.

Zenith, along with a number of Leeds-based companies, has committed to support the annual event for the next three years.

The day was designed to give students an understanding of a diverse sector of businesses, what these businesses look for in an employee, the various roles there are within an organisation and what employability skills they will need.

Companies gave a brief two minute presentation to the students before setting up their ‘market stalls’ and the students were then invited to visit each business. One of the students commented: "It has helped me to understand more about business and what I would like to do when I leave school."

The school’s head teacher Joanne Russ said: "It was an exciting event that engaged the students who are eagerly looking forward to future events."

Zenith’s partnership with Business in the Community is a further development to its CSR policy. BITC is initially assisting Zenith to evolve its environmental plans, CSR strategy and community volunteering programmes.

Tim Buchan, Zenith’s chief executive, said: “We are very keen to ensure that Zenith and our employees are able to give back to our community.

“By working with Leeds Ahead to provide hands on careers advice, our employees can use the wide range of skills and knowledge they have gained in the workplace to the benefit of others.

“We are also delighted to be working with BITC to develop our CSR strategy to its full potential and are looking at various new projects that we can embark on.

“This will include providing advice and support to our local community and small businesses. Their guidance will provide excellent added value and help us to expand on our existing CSR programme.”