Our principal focus has been to establish a more structured approach to managing ESG around the Group and at a business level there are a significant number of actions and initiatives underway.
Sustainability framework
Our principal focus has been to establish a more structured approach to managing ESG around the Group and at a business level there are a significant number of actions and initiatives underway. We have challenged ourselves to develop our ESG Roadmap, in which we reflect on our progress to date and begin to map out the work the Group plans to undertake over the next two years, and in the longer term, in order to make progress towards our 2040 ambitions.
Read more in the ESG section of our Annual Report and Accounts
Refining our approach to ESG
Our ESG strategy was launched in 2020 after conducting a materiality assessment that looked at defining what mattered most to our stakeholders, both internally and externally. This has been updated during the year. As outlined below, there are a number of material issues that have been defined against each pillar; these are our top priorities across the Group and where we feel we can have the greatest impact.
We’ve had continued strong engagement with the strategy and we have been strengthening our approach to effectively deliver results against our targets. Key to this has been building a strong governance mechanism.
a culture of safety
Safety material issues:
- Safety first
- Road risk management
- Fleet management
in our people
People material issues:
- Employee engagement
- Training and development
- Diversity and inclusion
strong partnerships
Partnerships material issues:
- Customer relations
- Supply chain management
- Community relations
the environment
Environment material issues:
- Operating responsibly
- Climate change and carbon
The health, safety and welfare of our employees and the wider community are a top priority in our operations across all of our businesses. Our safety practices are overseen by the Group HR Director and the Health and Safety Officers, who are assisted by the engagement of specialist external advisors. Regular audits are undertaken as well as internal monthly and external annual reporting to the Board. Whilst the incidence of RIDDOR reportable accidents has increased in the year the actual frequency rate has reduced, because of the expansion of the business.
Our long-term success is dependent upon our people. We are committed to building a workforce for the future where our people are healthy and happy and can fulfil their potential. We recognise that engaged employees, who feel valued, are crucial to our business, and it also means they continue to be motivated and deliver the best possible service to our customers.
The strength of our partnerships is at the heart of every decision we make. We continue to seek new ways to collaborate and innovate with our customers and suppliers to deliver long-term sustainable value.
We strive for continual improvement when it comes to our environmental performance, monitoring carbon emissions and waste across our supply chain and promoting a healthy environment.
FY24 has been re-stated to include Scope 3 emissions. FY23 and FY22 have not been re-stated.
Focus on:
The Dome Youth Zone in Crewe
Becoming a Founder Patron of The Dome Youth Zone in Crewe reflects the Group’s passion to support the communities where our colleagues and their families and our future colleagues call home.
Once it is opened in spring 2026, The Dome Youth Zone will be an independent charity. It will be part of the growing OnSide Network of 15 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting more than 55,000 young people annually. Youth Zones are open to young people aged between eight and 19 seven days a week, for just £5 annual membership and 50p a visit.
Young people who sign up will have access to an indoor climbing wall, four-court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, boxing suite, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room and enterprise and employability suite.
Chris Belsham believes “the people of Crewe are fundamental to the success of our Group and given that three of our businesses, NWF Fuels, Boughey and NWF Agriculture, have considerable presence close to Crewe, we hope that our support of The Dome can make a real difference to young people’s life chances. We also aim to work with The Dome team to create a pathway to employment”.
