Looking at the Social Value we’ve generated so far in the South

Did you know we ask our suppliers to "give something back" by way of a social value return? It’s how we use our buying power to generate additional support for our customers and communities.  

In total for the last year, we’ve generated the equivalent of more than £10.5 million worth of social value.

How did we do this?

So, when we buy things, we make sure that organisation commits to giving back to our communities through social value, either through a monetary donation or in kind. This can be materials, funding, equipment, employment opportunities or volunteering hours.

In Mansbridge, we teamed up with Travis Perkins and the local community to support the Junk Orchestra – a group that creates music and instruments using recycled materials. With over £8,000 in donated tools, equipment and funding, members have been able to make their own instruments and take part in fun, inclusive sessions focused on creativity and wellbeing. This project is all about bringing people together through music, building confidence, and supporting mental health. Whether it’s banging a bin lid or crafting a new instrument, it’s helping people feel good – and feel part of something.

This is the final year of our 2020-2025 Strategy and a full report covering the lifetime of the strategy will be available late 2025.