South Tyneside, 2012-Apr-04
On the 29 March, thirteen volunteers from Siemens in Hebburn began their work in constructing an area which will act as a refuge for cyclists and walkers using the site. The work involved clearing off an area of existing vegetation, putting in a timber edge, spreading bark chippings and constructing some seating, using natural materials.
Jodi Legge from Siemens, who was leading the volunteering team said: “This is a great opportunity for Siemens to make a difference in the local area and as the site is only two miles away from our place of work makes it all the more important and personal to us.
The volunteers found the day to be extremely demanding but very rewarding and say they can’t wait to start the next project”. The volunteers were able to rely on local business HM Plant who after hearing of the great work taking place, agreed to supply machinery to ensure the project was completed in time. John Jones, chief executive officer of HM Plant said: “As part of our corporate social responsibility HM Plant was delighted to assist in the supply of machinery to support the Monkton Community Woodland project which will benefit the local community.”
The volunteering project has been managed by Groundwork on behalf of Business in the Community. Gina Brown, Land coordinator at Groundwork South Tyneside and Newcastle said: "Groundwork has managed Monkton Community Woodland on behalf of the Land Trust for the last five years. The team of volunteers from Siemens will help to improve access to the site for the local community, walkers and cyclists. Groundwork has a long history of working with volunteers to improve the places where people live, work and play and is delighted that Siemens has selected a site in close proximity to their offices so that other employees will also benefit from the hard work of their colleagues".
Siemens has a strong corporate social responsibility policy and is committed to developing strong links within communities. Siemens focuses on improving education, helping the development of young and vulnerable people, enhancing local environments and assisting in disaster relief.
Martin Bell, director of Siemens Protection Devices in Hebburn said: "We recognise that our employees have many good causes that they feel passionately about, and who give their time supporting these causes. As a company we value the enthusiasm and commitment that employees show to such causes and strive to support them in whatever way we can, both corporately and personally."
Siemens provides each employee up to two days paid volunteering leave per financial year and also actively supports involvement in good causes on a local basis.
-ENDS-
Notes to editors:
About Siemens in the UK
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 169 years ago and now employs 12,972 people in the UK. Last year’s revenues were £4.4 billion*. As a leading global engineering and technology services company, Siemens provides innovative solutions to help tackle the world’s major challenges, across the key sectors of energy, industry, infrastructure & cities and healthcare. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Frimley, Surrey. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
* Data includes intercompany revenue. Data may not be comparable with revenue reported in annual or interim reports.
For more information, contact:
Rachel Odams
PR Manager
Siemens plc
Tel. +44 (0)1276 690782
Mob: +44 (0)7808 824209
Rachel.odams@siemens.com
